Add next in . Do NOT use www. for the new_domain Maria's Blue Crayon: May 2017

Monday, May 29, 2017

Crochet Jellyfish Applique and Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern - Ocean Themed Blanket


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE CROCHET JELLYFISH PATTERN.


This simple jellyfish is the second square to my Ocean Themed Afghan! I hope you enjoy this simple design. I can even see a blanket full of different colored jellies!

My designing has become very slow as of late, but I have listed out and sketched out all the critters I plan to make for this afghan. So (theoretically) I should be rockin' and rollin' from here on out!

Click here to find the pattern for the granny square as well as all the information you need to make the Ocean Themed Afghan.  It will come out to be baby sized but can be made to be as large as you'd like!


GET THE AD-FREE PDF DOWNLOAD HERE.

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST.

Materials:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Pink
G hook
Tapestry needle and scissors for fastening off

Amazon Picks (affiliate):
*Purchasing from these link will allow me to make a small commission without any additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting my blog :) *



*Clover Amour hooks are amazing! As you can see 1 hook is about $8 (that's about the same in stores, if not more), for $30 - you can get a whole set of 10!
NOTE: Prices may have changed since I posted this.

Pattern notes:
In the Rows 2&3, you will be skipping the last stitch. It may seem wrong to do so, but not skipping the last stitch will not result in the same shape. The last stitch is also hard to see, so it may seem like you are not even skipping the last stitch at all. Just make sure you have the amount of stitches noted in (parenthesis) for Rows 2&3.

Pattern:

Row 1: Magic ring, 8 HDC in ring, chain 1, turn your work
Row 2: 2HDC in each stitch across skipping the last stitch, Chain 1, turn your work (14)
Row 3: *2HDC, HDC repeat from * across skipping last stitch, Chain 1, turn your work (19)
Row 4: HDC across, do not fasten off (19)

To work the bottom edge of the jelly fish, turn your work 90 degrees, chain 1 and SC along the edge. I crocheted 13 SC across ending in the first SC of Row 4. I crocheted into every space I could find along the bottom edge.

Chain 2, turn your work, *3HDC in one stitch, skip one stitch, SC into next stitch, repeat from * 3HDC and slip stitch all into last stitch. Fasten off.

Tentacles

The tentacles will be worked in the SC stitches from the bottom edge. The SC stitches are in between the bumps as shown in the picture below.


Simply attach your yarn in the SC space, chain up 9, and slip stitch back up the chain to the edge. Do this for all 4 spaces.

That's it! Leave the tails so you can sew onto the granny square.

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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Crochet Tip: Get Even Rows Without Counting

This crochet tip for keeping even rows will make you wonder why you didn't think of it before! Keeping even rows while crocheting WITHOUT counting is super easy to do with this simple tip.

Find the video below!



I'm going to assume when people learn how to crochet, they learn by chaining then making rows to create a blanket or dish cloth or some sort of retangular shape.

When I first learned how to crochet, I made a blanket (that I never finished).  I was a pro at increasing by accident and it made my blanket look uneven and wonky.

Not only was I 8 years old, but when you start crocheting it's difficult to see or even count the stitches because you just don't know what you're looking for.


My blanket looked a little like this picture, except is was bigger and made with baby pink and green/red ombre yarn. It was as hideous as it sounds. HA! But in my own defense, I was a kid.

So one way to get even rows is to go back and count the stitches, but if you're a beginner and are unsure of what you're even counting - this tip is for you.

Even if you're not a beginner, this may be a useful tip when making larger projects. I just started making a blanket in rows that is 200+ stitches across and I'm using this tip just so I'm sure I don't accidentally mess up along the way and have to take anything out.

So what's this tip? How can I get even rows and make sure I have the same amount of stitches in each row without counting?

Two words: STITCH MARKERS!

And you don't even have to go out and purchase stitch markers if you don't want to. You can use bobby pins, safety pins, or even small pieces of yarn in a different color.

Basically, you want to place a stitch marker in the first stitch in every row you start.


Once you have your chain and your first stitch of the row, place your stitch marker in that first stitch.
You can do this right away with your hook still in place, but if you are using a piece of yarn you will want to do another stitch then use your hook to place your piece of yarn in that first stitch.

Continue to make your stitches down the chain. It's easy to see where the last stitch will be in the chain.

Turn your work, chain up (however many you need for the stitch you are using) and make your first stitch.


Place you stitch marker in the first stitch as explained above. Continue to make your stitches along the row.


When you get to the end of the row, your first stitch marker will tell you where your last stitch will go! You don't have to second guess if it is the last stitch.


All you have to do now is keep moving the stitch marker up after each row and place it into the first stitch of each row! And ta-da! Even rows!

This may get tedious when making a small dishcloth, but it will ensure you will have even rows and takes less time than counting the stitches across!

Like I said in the beginning, I'm making a blanket that is 200+ single crochets in width, so this is a life saver for me so I don't ever have to second guess where my last stitch is!

I hope this is helpful to you!


**NOTE: When working in rows, I usually don't count the chain in the start of the row as a stitch. If you are counting your chain as a stitch, you will want to insert your stitch marker in the chain of each row.

Example: If you chain up 3 in the beginning of a row and are counting it as a double crochet, you will want to insert your stitch marker at the top of that chain 3 as your first stitch.

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Sunday, May 21, 2017

Crochet Crab Applique - Ocean Themed Blanket - Free Crochet Pattern


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE CROCHET CRAB PATTERN.


Isn't this crabby crab the cutest?!

This is officially the start off to my Ocean Themed Granny Square Afghan Series! I have lots of ideas and I can't wait to get them out of my head and into crochet form!

I'm already quickly working up the granny squares for this afghan.  Last week was a hot one for us here in Central PA (high 80s), so it was nice to have some small squares to work on outside while my son played with his water toys! I already have about half of the squares done, but a lot more designing to do! To be honest, I haven't quite figured out how many of these ocean critters I will design. I'm going with the flow on this one and I can't wait to see where it takes me!


To find the granny square pattern along with the afghan layout, yarn colors and amounts needed, and a running list of creatures designed for this project - CLICK HERE!

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARDS ON PINTEREST.

Materials:
Red, White, and Black worsted weight yarn
G hook
(2) 6mm safety eyes (optional - can substitute with french knot with black yarn)
Tapestry needle and scissors for finishing off

Amazon Picks (affiliate links)



*Those safety eyes are the cheapest around. You can purchase them at a craft store, but I've seen them for about $3 for only 10 pieces. For about $6, you can get 100! Perfect for amigurumi and for my Woodland Afghan Series.
*Clover Amour hooks are amazing! As you can see 1 hook is about $8 (that's about the same in stores, if not more), for $30 - you can get a whole set of 10!
NOTE: Prices may have changed since I posted this.

Pattern notes:
Number in (parenthesis) for the body is the number of stitches you should have in that round
Sc increase = 2 SC in same space
Foundation single crochet will be used in this pattern
If you are having trouble starting the foundation single crochets on the body of the crab, I did the same technique with my moose applique for his antlers - I included pictures that you can check out here.

Pattern:

Body - Red - G hook
Starting off with a chain but will ultimately be worked in rounds

Round 1: Chain 8, SC into second chain from hook and into next 5 stitches, 3 SC into last stitch, continue to work on other side of the chain, SC into next 5 stitches, 3SC into last stitch, join to first SC (17)

Round 2: Chain 1, SC into next 7 stitches, 3 SC in next stitch, SC into next 8 stitches, 3 SC into last stitch, join to first SC (21)

Round 3: Chain 1, SC into next 9 stitches, 3 SC in next stitch, SC into next 10 stitches, 3 SC into last stitch, join to first SC (25)

Round 4: Chain 1, SC in next 9 stitches, SC increase in next 3 stitches, SC in next 10 stitches, SC increase in last 3 stitches (31)
DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Eyes - G hook

You should still be on the main body with yarn intact.

Slip stitch in next stitch. Insert your hook into the next space, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over, pull through one loop, yarn over, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet. Foundation single crochet 4 more times and fasten off.

For the second eye stalk, attach yarn 3 spaces to the left of the first one.

Chain 1, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over, pull through one loop, yarn over, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet. Foundation single crochet 4 more times and fasten off.

For the white eye balls (Make 2): - G hook - White

Magic Ring, chain 1, 8 HDC into ring, join to first HDC, fasten off. Place safety eye in the middle. - do not attach the backing yet. Attach the eye with the safety eye into the last foundation SC of the eye stalk. Attach backing of safety eye.

Claws - G hook - Red

Right Claw

Count 6 to the right of the right eye. Attach yarn, Chain 1, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over, pull through one loop, yarn over, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet.
Foundation single crochet 5 more times.
Chain 2, HDC and slip stitch into last foundation SC, slip stitch into next stitch, Chain 2, HDC into same space. Fasten off

Left Claw

Count 4 to the left of the left eye. Attach yarn, Chain 1, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over, pull through one loop, yarn over, pull through two loops. This completes one foundation single crochet.
Foundation single crochet 5 more times. Turn your work
Chain 2, turn your work, HDC and slip stitch into last foundation SC, slip stitch into next stitch, Chain 2, HDC into same space. Fasten off

Legs - G hook - Red

Left side

Attach yarn 3 spaces to the left of the left claw. Chain 6, fasten off.

Attach yarn 2 spaces left of last leg. Chain 6, fasten off.


Right side

Attach yarn 3 spaces to the right of the right claw. Chain 6, fasten off.

Attach yarn 2 spaces to the right of last leg. Chain 6, fasten off.

Mouth - Black

Sew mouth with tapestry needle and black yarn in a zig zag pattern.

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Saturday, May 20, 2017

Ocean Themed Granny Square Afghan Series Crochet Pattern


It seems like the warm weather is here to stay in Central PA, and I couldn't be happier! Not having to worry about getting dressed for cold weather is a life saver, especially when you're a mom and you can never find that darn glove that mysteriously vanished within 5 minutes of it's last sighting.

Warm weather means I don't have to add 10-15 minutes to get ready and out the door - well, I probably should just in case shirts go missing and shoes go flying. Is it just mine, or does everyone's kids LOVE to be counter productive?

It also means we will be spending lots of time outdoors! Outdoor crocheting = 'the bees knees'. However, lugging around a large WIP is anything but enjoyable especially in warmer weather. So what better project to have than a granny square project! And the theme I got planned? PERFECT for Summer.

Theme: Ocean. More specifically, ocean/sea creatures. I enjoyed making my Woodland Afghan Series so much and I got so much good feedback, that I knew I had to continue with more different themed blankets! This time around, I will be making a smaller blanket for my son. He loves animals, so I know he will be thrilled when it's finished. :)

Like the Woodland Afghan, I will be creating Ocean themed appliques to sew onto the granny squares. In this afghan, the appliques will be sewn onto the white squares. This will be the post where you can find how to create the squares and the running list of squares designed. 

The afghan layout I plan to create will be 5 squares of Colonial Blue, 5 Squares of Sky Blue, 5 Squares of Aquamarine, and 15 squares of White and I will be placing them like shown in the pattern above. Each square is roughly 6 inches x 6 inches. With this layout, the afghan will turn out to be about 30 inches by 36 inches without a border.

To make this afghan with these dimensions, you will need 1 skein Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice each of: Colonial Blue, Sky Blue, and Aquamarine and 3 Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice skeins of White. These materials are for the squares only.








Solid Granny Square Pattern

Materials:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice worsted weight yarn
J hook
Tapestry needle & Scissors for finishing off

Amazon Picks: (affiliate links)

*If you're an avid crocheter like me, you'll love these Clover Amour hooks! You can get a whole set of 10 for about $30! That's a big score! One of these hooks are around $10, so getting 10 for $30 is a pretty fantastic deal. For this afghan, we will mostly be working with a J hook and G hook (for critter appliques).
NOTE: The pricing of these hooks may have changed since posting this.

Pattern Notes:

- Chain 3 counts as a DC
- Square measures 6x6inches.
- I tend to crochet loosely, you may need to go up a hook size or two to achieve the same measurements.

Pattern:

Round 1: Magic Ring, Chain 3, DC into ring, Chain 2, *2DC into ring, Chain 2, repeat from * 2 more times, join to Chain 3

Round 2: Chain 3, *DC across, [2DC, Chain 2, 2DC] all in chain 2 space, repeat from * 3 more times, join to chain 3

Round 3-5: Chain 3, *DC across, [2DC, Chain 2, DC] all in chain 2 space, repeat from * 3 more times, DC into remaining stitches to complete the round , join to chain 3


Photo shows how many DC across should be in each row for one side of the square.


You can purchase the entire PDF file that includes all 15 designs, granny square pattern, layout - all you need to make this afghan all in one place! Click here to purchase.

Creature Appliques
Crab

Jellyfish

Turtle

Dolphin

Starfish

Coral

Seahorse

Stingray

Seashell

Shark

Puffer Fish

Tropical Fish

Whale

Octopus

Clownfish

To finish up this afghan, I used an invisible seam method to join the squares. Use what ever method you prefer and/or are comfortable with!

Border consists of SC across one time in white with 3 SC in each corner.

**This blanket is complete! Click here to see all the pictures of the finished project**

You can purchase the entire PDF file that includes all 15 designs, granny square pattern, layout - all you need to make this afghan all in one place! Click here to purchase.

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Double Sided, Extra Thick Scrubby for Bath & Kitchen


I remember years ago, my mom and I stocked up on Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn at Michael's when they had it on sale. We got home and worked up our very first dish clothes. We compared our stitches, and hypothesized which ones we thought would work the best.  Primarily, we made them for the kitchen but they were so soft and durable, I started making them for my son for the bath. 

After using them, we both agreed they were better than any wash clothes especially since we could customize them however we liked! They're quick to whip up and wash well. I especially like to use them in the bath for my son because of how soft they are.


For Mother's Day I got her several skeins of cotton yarn including a new cotton yarn we've both talked about, but neither of us picked up a skein of it: Red Heart Scrubby Cotton. When I was over at her house the other day, she handed it to me and asked me to work up a double sided scrubby. She could have done it herself, but I know she wanted me to have the first try at using the new scrubby cotton yarn because using new yarn is exciting! Gotta love moms.


To make the double sided scrubby, I worked up a circle the size I thought would be good for scrubbing dishes by increasing after each round.  



Instead of fastening off to make the other side and sew it together, I worked single crochets in the back loops only and started to decrease in the next rounds to create the back.


After only three rows of decreasing, there wasn't anymore room for more rows. I fastened off and left a tail for sewing.


I took my tapestry needle and weaved in and out of the stitches from the last row, pulled tight and tied a knot.


This is what the back looks like. 


The first one I made was with the scrubby cotton yarn, but it's difficult to see the stitches when working with this yarn.  It wasn't necessarily difficult to use, but it definitely takes some getting use to when you can't really see where you're crocheting into exactly.  It helped to feel the stitches when crocheting, but I had no problem crocheting into stitches.  If you're confident in your crocheting, you'll be able to work with this yarn.


I made the scrubbies with the scrubby cotton for the kitchen and the regular cotton yarn for the bathroom. Honestly, I think they can be interchangeable of where they are used, but obviously keep track of which ones are used for the kitchen and which ones are used for the bath. The cotton scrubby looks rough but is surprisingly soft enough for your face, as long as you're gentle.

Yes, I'm going to share this easy pattern! It's only 8 rounds! I think they would make wonderful gifts and a great small item to add to your stock for craft shows! I was able to make 3 scrubbies from one skein of the Lily Sugar n' cream and 3 from the Red Heart Scrubby Cotton with yarn to spare. Each scrubby measures 5 inches in diameter.


Materials:
H hook
Cotton yarn
[I used Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Pebble Beach Ombre & Red Heart Scrubby Cotton]
Tapestry Needle

Pattern:

Round 1: Magic ring, Chain 2, 12 DC into the ring, join
Round 2: Chain 2, 2 DC into each stitch around, join
Round 3: Chain 2, *DC, DC increase, repeat from * around, join
Round 4: Chain 2, *2DC, DC increase, repeat from * around, join
Round 5: Chain 1, SC evenly around in back loops only, join
Round 6: Chain 2, *2 DC, decrease, repeat from * around, join
Round 7: Chain 2, *DC, decrease, repeat from * around, join
Round 8: Chain 2, decrease all the way around, join
Fasten off and leave tail for sewing up hole.

That's it! Enjoy your scrubbies!



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Thursday, May 11, 2017

Crochet Bag Pattern Round-up



Crocheting isn't very popular during the warmer months, but there are fantastic things you can still make that doesn't involve blankets, hats, or scarves!

 Yarn can still be your friend when the weather gets warm - don't put your hook down just yet! I've rounded up these 10 crochet bags patterns that you can check out for free! Some of these would make great beach bags, market totes, and some are perfect for date nights and every day use!


1. Boho Tassel Crochet Bag



2. Finger Crochet Market Tote



3. Shark Bag



4. Market Bag



5. The Roxy Bag



6. Desert Sunset Tote Bag



7. Crocodile on the Beach Bag



8. Urban Gypsy Boho Bag




9. Moroccan  Tote




10. Slouchy Market Bag




Will you be making one or a few of these for your summer adventures? Happy Crocheting!! :)

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Friday, May 5, 2017

Eloise the Unicorn - Amigurumi Crochet Pattern



Meet Eloise. El for short.

I'm so stoked to be sharing with you guys the first amigurumi I've ever designed! I'm not going to lie, it took me a lot of unraveling, re-hooking, re-sizing, and many times I even put her aside and gave myself a few days in between this whole process.  

The first few tries, she did not look so pretty. The next few tries, she wasn't quite right. But I got it on the last few tries. My issue? I was too quick to judge and didn't bother attaching anything before I decided 'that doesn't look right'. 
Note to self: Put it together to make sense of it - of course, a bunch of body parts aren't going to look right!



I'm so happy I stuck it out and worked on her until the end - because look at her! I know what you're thinking, so I'm just going to say it.. LOOK AT THAT HAIR! If this isn't #hairgoals, I don't know what is.

What's the yarn I used for the hair? Yarn Bee Glowing in Purple-Multi. Okay, everyone run to their Hobby Lobby and pick some up! Don't have a Hobby Lobby near you? Well, I checked and it's totally available to buy from Hobby Lobby's website online!!

 

Let's get to the pattern, shall we?

Materials
I Love This Cotton! yarn in white, black, ivory sparkle 
Yarn Bee Glow in Purple Multi for mane/tail
G hook
F hook
Stitch Marker
Tapestry needle
Stuffing/Poly-fil

Notes: The head and the body will be worked in continuous rounds, they will NOT be joined after each round. Use a stitch marker to keep track of what round you are on.

SC increase = 2 SC in one stitch

Invisible decrease = work decrease as normal except work into only front loops for a clean finish


Pattern

Head - G hook - White - Worked in a continuous round

Round 1: Magic ring, 8 SC
Round 2: SC increase in each stitch around (16)
Round 3: *SC increase, SC, repeat * (24)
Round 4: *SC increase, 2 SC, repeat* (32)
Round 5: *SC increase, 3 SC, repeat * (40)
Round 6: SC increase, 4 SC, repeat * (48)
Round 7-24: SC evenly around (48)

Sew on nostrils and sleepy eyes using black yarn and tapestry needle.
Sew ‘x’ on Row 6 for the nostrils about 6 stitches apart.
Sew eyes between rows 16-18, about 3 stitches apart.

Starting stuffing and continue to stuff as you go.

Row 25: *4 SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (40)
Row 26: *3 SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (32)
Row 27: *2 SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (24)
Row 28: *SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (16)
Row 29: *invisible decrease, repeat* (8)

Sew up hole with tapestry needle, fasten off and weave in ends.


Body - G hook - White - Worked in a continuous round

Round 1: Magic ring, 8 SC
Round 2: SC increase in each stitch around (16)
Round 3: *SC increase, SC, repeat * (24)
Round 4: *SC increase, 2 SC, repeat* (32)
Round 5: *SC increase, 3 SC, repeat * (40)
Round 6-29: SC evenly around (40)
Row 30: *3 SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (32)
Row 31: *2 SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (24)
Row 32: *SC, invisible decrease, repeat * (16)
Row 33: *invisible decrease, repeat* (8)

Sew up hole with tapestry needle, fasten off and weave in ends.

Ears - G hook - White

Round 1: Magic ring, 4 SC, join (4)
Round 2: Chain 1, SC increase in each stitch, join (8)
Round 3: Chain 1, *SC increase, SC, repeat*, join (12)
Round 4-7: Chain 1, SC around, join (12)
Round 8: Chain 1, *SC, decrease, repeat*, join (6)

Sew onto head between rows 24-26 on a slant using the eyes as a guide. 
Line up the outer side of the ear with the outer side of the eyes.

Horn - ivory sparkle - F hook

Round 1: Magic ring, 4 SC, join
Round 2: Chain 1, 4 SC, join
Round 3: Chain 1, *SC increase, SC, repeat *, join (6)
Round 4: Chain 1, 6 SC, join (6)
Round 5: Chain 1, *SC increase, 2 SC, repeat*, join (8)
Round 6-7: Chain 1, 8 SC, join (8)
Round 8: Chain 1, *SC increase, 3 SC, repeat *, join (10)
Round 9: Chain 1, 10 SC, join (10)

Fasten off, leave tail. Sew in between ears.

Arms/Legs - G hook - Ivory Sparkle & White 

Make a total of 4

Starting with ivory sparkle
Round 1: Magic ring, 6 SC, join (6)
Round 2: Chain 1, *SC increase, repeat *, join (12)
Round 3: Chain 1, SC in back loops only all the way around, join (12)
Round 4: Chain 1, SC around, join (12)
Round 5: Chain 1, *4 SC, invisible decrease, repeat * , join (10)
Change color to White 
Round 6-20: SC in continuous rounds using a stitch marker to keep track of rows (10)
Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.


For each limb piece, pinch the opening together and sew together. Leave a tail for sewing onto body.



Now you will assemble the head, body, and limbs. Sew the head onto the body. Be sure to go around a few times to secure the head.

Counting from the snout, I sewed on the head between Rows 13-20 of the head onto the top of the body. (The top of the body is where you sewed up the hole.) Sew arms 3 rows down from where the head is attached to the body.


Sew legs on rounds 2-5 on the body.


Mane/Tail - Yarn Bee Glow Purple Multi 


The mane and tail will be made by cutting 8 inch pieces of yarn and looping them through the stitches. 

To attach, fold the piece of yarn in half. Insert your hook through a stitch where you want to attach the piece of yarn, pull the yarn through with hook, create a big enough loop on one end to pull the two ends through, and pull tight.



Attach hair around the horn, and down the back of the head. (You can see the side of the head above to see how far down the head I attached the yarn.) The width of my mane was about 10 stitches wide. It was right between the ears going down the back of the head. Trim the front to make bangs and sweep to the side.

For the tail, attach yarn 2 pieces at a time. Attach to rows 6-9 making sure to center it using the legs as a guide. I started at row 6 and attached 4 pieces across, went up a row and attached 4 across, and went up another row and attached 2 across to make it somewhat circular in shape. 




Happy Crocheting! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to share with me your works!

Don't forget to pin to your boards!


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