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Sunday, July 30, 2017

Ocean Granny Square Afghan




I'm so incredibly thrilled to be sharing with you the completed Ocean Afghan! This has been a work of love since May and I enjoyed bringing this together right to the very end.

If you've been around, you know this is my second themed granny square afghan. My first themed afghan was the Woodland Afghan that I finished back in March. That one was much larger than this afghan.


As you can see with this blanket, it's much smaller and packed with a lot of color and character! Of  course, this project can be made as large as preferred with 15 different ocean creatures to play around with.


I used pretty blue tones for the solid granny squares in Lion Brand Vanna's Choice. The color did not disappoint - each color is rich and the texture of this yarn is soft and squishy! Perfect for this baby sized afghan.

I made simple white squares to allow each design to be showcased between the solid squares in a checkered pattern. Each design is unique and together it pulls the whole afghan together into a pretty and fun ocean theme.



To make this afghan yourself, you can click the link above to find the post on my blog that contains all the links to the individual designs as well as the pattern for the granny square and layout of this afghan.

I also have a PDF file for patterns and instructions of this whole afghan that you can purchase on Etsy or Ravelry. This file for purchase is for all 15 design patterns, granny square pattern, layout - everything you need to make this afghan all in one PDF file for your convenience that you can print or download to your computer/device! You can find the links above to purchase.






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


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE CLOWNFISH CROCHET PATTERN.


The Clownfish is the 15th and final square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

I can't tell you how happy I am to be sharing with you the last and final square of the Ocean Afghan! 

This guy has a lot of color changing and ends to weave in, but it's worth it! He adds a really fun pop of color to the afghan. Whip up this little guy, and get started on joining those squares!


Materials
Worsted weight yarn in orange, black, white
6mm safety eye (can be substituted by sewing on with black yarn)
E hook
G hook
Tapestry needle and scissors

Amazon Picks:


Pattern notes:

SC2TOG: single crochet 2 together (AKA SC decrease) - Insert hook into first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into second stitch, pull up a loop, YO, pull through all loops on hook.

SC3TOG: single crochet 3 together - Insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, repeat for 2 more stitches, YO, pull through all loops on hook


Pattern

Using E hook and starting with orange yarn:

Row 1: Chain 4, SC into second chain from hook and the next 2 across, turn your work
Row 2: Chain 1, 2SC, SC, 2SC, turn
Row 3: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 3, 2SC, turn
Change to black
Row 4: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Change to White
Row 5: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Change to Black
Row 6: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Change to Orange
Row 7: Chain 1, SC across
Row 8: Chain 2, DC in next 2 stitches, SC into next 3 stitches, DC into last 2 stitches, turn
Change to Black
Row 9: Chain 1, SC across
Change to White
Row 10: Chain 1, SC into next 2 stitches, DC into next 3 stitches, SC into last 2 stitches, turn
Change to Black
Row 11: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Change to Orange
Row 12: Chain 1, SC2tog, Sc into next 3 stitches, SC2tog, turn
Row 13: Chain 1, SC2tog, SC, SC2tog, turn
Row 14: Chain 1, SC3tog, turn
Row 15: Chain 1, 2SC, turn
Row 16: Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch across, turn
Row 17: Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch across, turn
Change to Black
Row 18: Chain 1, SC across, fasten off

Fins - Using G hook and starting with orange

Attach yarn to top middle orange section of the body.
Chain 1, HDC, DC, HDC, slip stitch into same stitch last HDC was made, fasten off.
Attach black yarn to just made fin and single crochet around, fasten off

Attach yarn to last black stripe on top of the body
Chain 1, HDC in next 3 stitches, slip stitch into same stitch last HDC was made, fasten off
Attach black yarn to just made fin and single crochet around, fasten off

Attach yarn to underside of body 1 stitch away from the tail
Chain 1, HDC in next 3 stitches, slip stitch into same stitch last HDC was made, fasten off
Attach black yarn to just made fin and single crochet around, fasten off

Side fin - using E hook and starting with orange yarn
Make a slip knot, chain 3, SC into second chain from hook and next stitch, turn
Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch, turn
Change to black
Chain 1, SC across, fasten off

Attach safety eye or sew on with black yarn and tapestry needle.

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Sunday, July 23, 2017

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


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE OCTOPUS CROCHET PATTERN.


The Octopus is the 14th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

This little purple octopus was so fun to make! Only one more design to go, and the ocean afghan will be complete! If you don't want to miss out be sure to follow me on social media and/or sign up for my mailing list on the side bar!



PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST.

Materials
Worsted weight yarn in Light Purple
G hook
6mm safety eyes (can be substituted by sewing on with black yarn)
Tapestry needle and scissors

Amazon Picks (affiliate links):


Pattern

Body

Round 1: Magic ring, 10HDC into ring, join to first HDC
Round 2: Chain 1, 2HDC into each stitch, join to first HDC
Round 3: Chain 1, Sc in next 7 stitches, 2HDC into next 3 stitches, DC, 2DC, DC, 2DC, 2 HDC into next 3 stitches, SC into last 3 stitches, join to first SC, do not fasten off

Tentacles
*Chain 9, working your way back up the chain - SC into second chain from hook and into next 3 stitches, HCD in next 2 stitches, DC in last 2 stitches, join to space where you started the chain (see picture)
Slip stitch into next stitch on the body, repeat from * for three more tentacles. Fasten off and leave tail for sewing onto granny square.





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Wednesday, July 19, 2017

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


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE WHALE CROCHET PATTERN.


The Whale is the 13th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

Say hello to the newest addition to the Ocean Afghan! A plump little whale! This guy can be made in many different colors - get creative! I was set on doing an orca whale, but the black did not translate well and the face really got lost so I ended up with a cute blue whale instead!


Only two more designs to go! I'm already joining them up and it's looking fantastic! Can't wait to share the whole afghan :)

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Materials:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Colonial Blue
Very small amount of worsted weighted black yarn
G hook
6mm safety eye (can be substituted by sewing on eye with black yarn)
Tapestry needle and scissors

Pattern:

Round 1: Magic Ring, 10 DC into ring, join to first DC
Round 2: Chain 2, 2DC in each stitch around, join to first DC
Round 3: Chain  1, *HDC, 2HDC, repeat from * around, join to first HDC
Round 4: Chain 1, SC, HDC, DC, turn your work
Round 5: Chain 1, SC in next 2 spaces, turn your work
Round 6: Chain 1, Sc in next 2 spaces, turn your work
Round 7: Chain 2, (DC, Chain 2, DC) all in one space, slip stitch into next space, (DC, Chain 2, DC, slip stitch) all in same space, fasten off.

Attach safety eye and sew on smile with black yarn and a tapestry needle.


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Saturday, July 15, 2017

Crochet Tropical Fish Applique and Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern - Ocean Themed Blanket



The Tropical Fish is the 12th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

This week I'm bringing you this adorable little tropical fish! Doesn't he remind you of Flounder from the Little Mermaid? I think he just might be my favorite of the bunch so far. I'm loving the color combination for this little guy! It's going to bring a lot of character to this afghan :)

My goal is to have this afghan done by the end of July! Three more designs to go and I'm already starting to join the squares! So stoked.


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Materials:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Aquamarine
Worsted weight yarn in yellow
G hook
6mm Safety eye (can be substituted by sewing eye on with black yarn)
Tapestry needle and Scissors

Amazon Picks (affiliate):


Notes:
SC2tog: Insert hook through first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook through second stitch, pull up a loop, YO, pull through all loops on hook

SC3tog: Insert hook through first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook through second stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook through third stitch, pull up a loop, YO, pull through all loops on hook

Pattern:

Starting with yellow yarn

Row 1: Chain 2, SC in second chain from hook and next space, turn
Row 2: Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch across, turn
Row 3: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 2 stitches, 2SC, turn
Row 4: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Row 5: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 4 stitches, 2SC, turn
Row 6: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 6 stitches, 2SC, turn
Row 7: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 9 stitches, turn
Row 8: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Row 9: Chain 1, SC2tog, SC in next 9 stitches, turn
Row 10: Chain 1, SC in next 8 stitches, SC2tog, turn
Row 11: Chain 1, SC2tog, SC in next 7 stitches, turn
Row 12: Chain 1, SC2tog, SC in next 4, SC2tog, turn
Row 13: Chain 1, SC2tog, SC in next 2 stitches, SC2tog, turn
Row 14: Chain 1, SC2tog, SC2tog, turn
Row 15: Chain 1, [SC, slip stitch] into same space, SC, fasten off

Using Aquamarine, attach to Row 1 of the body to start the tail

Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch across, turn
Chain 1, SC across, turn
Chain 2, 2DC, SC in next 2 stitches, 2DC, slip stitch into same space as last DC, fasten off

Top fin - use aquamarine

Attach  on the side of Row 10 on the top of the body (start counting the rows from the tail - the tail of the fish will be pointing to the left)

Chain 1, SC in next 3 stitches, 2DC 4 spaces down from the last SC, *SC in next 2 stitches, 2DC 4 spaces down from the last SC, repeat from * one more time, turn
Chain 1, SC across until you get to second to last stitch, fasten off

Side fin - use aquamarine - will be made separately then sewn onto the body
Chain 2, SC across, turn
Chain 1, SC3tog, fasten off and sew onto body

Find the pattern for the granny square here.


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Thursday, July 13, 2017

Crochet Puffer Fish Applique and Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern - Ocean Themed Blanket


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE PUFFER FISH CROCHET PATTERN.


The Puffer Fish is the 11th square of the crochet Ocean Themed Blanket. Find all the information about this granny square blanket here.

I've officially resorted to emoji's for my ideas, which isn't a bad thing! I love how unique this puffer fish is and it adds some neutral to this colorful afghan.

I'm getting so close to finishing, I just can't contain my excitement! Eeee!!! I have laid down my squares and have a good idea of where I am going to place all the ocean critters.

I am joining with an invisible seam, but you can join however you prefer. This is my first time doing the invisible join so I'm crossing my fingers everything turns out well! I have used single crochets to join my Woodland Afghan because I think it's quick and easy! If you would like to join with single crochets, I put together a small tutorial on how to do that here.


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Materials:
Loops&Threads Impecable in Soft Taupe
Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Taupe, Mustard, a tiny bit of black
G hook
6mm safety eye
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Amazon Picks (affiliate links):


Note: It's not always favorable to mix yarns but I used what I had on hand, hence mixing the lion brand and loops&threads yarn.  For this project, I think it turned out fine.

Spikes on the body are sewn on with a running stitch using a tapestry needle.

Picot: SC, chain 2, SC all in one stitch

Pattern:

Body - G hook - Soft Taupe and Taupe
Starting with Soft Taupe
Round 1: Magic Ring, Chain 1, 10 HDC in ring, join to first HDC
Round 2: Chain 1, 2HDC in each stitch around, join to first HDC
Round 3: Chain 1, *2HDC, HDC, repeat from * around, join to first HDC
change yarn to Taupe color
Round 4: Chain 1, *picot (see notes), slip stitch in next 2 spaces, repeat from * around until you have three stitches left, fasten off

Using tapestry needle and Taupe colored yarn, sew on spikes on the body (upside down V's around the circle). Position the circle so the spike gap is facing the right. Between that gap will be the face, do not sew a spike on that side.

Tail - G hook - Mustard

Attach yarn to slip stitch between the 5th and 6th spikes (count from the top of the head and around).
Row 1: Chain 1, SC in same space and next space, turn your work
Row 2: Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch, turn your work
Row 3: Chain 1, SC across, fasten off

Fin - G hook - Mustard
This is made separately then sewed onto the body with a tapestry needle.

Row 1: Chain 3, SC in second chain from hook and next stitch, turn
Row 2: Chain 1, SC2tog, fasten off

Face

Attach safety eye (can substitute by sewing on with black yarn) and sew on mouth with a small amount of black yarn.

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Sunday, July 9, 2017

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


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE SHARK CROCHET PATTERN.

The Shark is the 10th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

Shark week is coming up on Discovery channel in a few weeks, so I just had to design a shark for the Ocean Afghan! Do you guys watch Shark week? I'm not by any means a die-hard fan or watch it religiously, but I do enjoy watching some of the segments they put up for the week!

So I officially have 2/3 of the designed squares done!! It's the final stretch!! I do have a good idea of what the last 5 squares will be, so I'm hoping they will all work out. If you are a designer or create things on your own, you know that things don't always come out as planned. Several of these squares so far I have reworked and reworked, and some I even had to change my vision for because they just weren't panning out the way I thought.


For this shark, I'm not too thrilled with the colors I chose. The underbelly is white so it didn't show up very well on the white square. You can try using a darker gray for the body and a light gray for the underbelly if you would like it to pop out more on the square. Perhaps even a dark blue and light blue under belly would work well. Share with me on Facebook or Instagram! I'd love to see what you come up with :)

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Materials:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Silver Heather (gray), White, Black
6 mm safety eye
G hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Amazon Picks (affiliate links):


Notes:
SC2TOG: single crochet decrease/“single crochet two together”

Pattern:
Body

Using the gray,
Row 1: Chain 2, SC into second chain from hook, turn
Row 2: Chain 1, 2SC, turn
Row 3: Chain 1, 2SC in next two stitches, turn
Row 4: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Row 5: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 2 stitches, 2SC, turn
Row 6-13: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Row 14: Chain 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2, sc2tog, turn
Row 15-16: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Row 17: Chain 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn
Row 18: Chain 1, SC across, turn
Row 19: Chain 2, [2dc, chain 3, 2dc] all in first space, slip stitch to second stitch then work the following in that same stitch [chain 2, 2dc, chain 3, 2dc, slip stitch] fasten off

The “right side” of the shark will be with the tail on the left and the face on the right.

Top fin

Attach gray yarn about 8 stitches back from the head
Chain 1, SC in next 3 stitches, turn
Chain 1, SC in next 3 stitches, turn
Chain 2, sc2tog, fasten off

Side fin (make separate then sew on)
Using gray yarn
Chain 3, SC in second chain from hook and in next stitch, turn
Chain 1, SC across, turn
Chain 1, sc2tog, fasten off and leave tail for sewing

Underbelly
Using white yarn
Attach white yarn about 3 stitches away from the tail
Chain 1, SC across until there are 2 stitches left. Slip stitch and fasten off.

Attach eye between rows 4&5 or use black yarn to sew on eye
Sew on gills and mouth using black yarn and a tapestry needle

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

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


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE SEASHELL CROCHET PATTERN.

The Seashell is the 9th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

You can't have an Ocean theme without a pretty seashell! This 9th square is so pretty and will be my last one that I use so much pink on. ;) I love this shade of pink from Lion Brand Vanna's Choice - it gives a delicate sheen to it and is just so pretty!

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD PINTEREST.

Materials:
Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Pink and White
G hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Amazon Picks (affiliate links)


Notes:
TR - treble crochet/triple crochet in US terms


Pattern:

Row 1: Chain 6, SC into second chain from hook and in the remaining stitches, turn (5)
Row 2: Chain 1, SC decrease, SC, SC decrease, turn (3)
Row 3: Chain 1, SC across, turn (3)
Row 4: Chain 1, 2SC, SC, 2SC, turn (5)
Row 5: Chain1, 2SC, SC into next 3 stitches, 2SC, turn (7)
Row 6: Chain 1, 2SC, SC into next 5 stitches, 2SC, turn (9)
Row 7: Chain 1, 2SC, SC into next 7 stitches, 2SC, turn (11)
Row 8: Chain 1, 2SC, SC into next 9 stitches, 2SC, turn (13)
Row 9-10: Chain 1, SC across (13)
Row 11: Chain 1, 2SC, SC into next 11 stitches, 2SC, turn (15)
Row 12: Chain 1, SC into next 3 stitches, HDC into next 3 stitches, DC into next 3 stitches, HDC into next 3 stitches, SC into next 3 stitches, turn
Chain 13: Chain 1, skip first stitch, 5HDC (all in one stitch), slip stitch, skip stitch, 5 DC(all in one stitch), slip stitch, skip stitch, 5TR (all in one stitch), slip stitch, skip stitch, 5 DC (all in one stitch), slip stitch, skip stitch, 5 HDC (all in one stitch), slip stitch, fasten off.

Using white yarn and tapestry needle, sew on details. You can also use the surface crochet method if preferred. I used the backstitch to sew on the details with a tapestry needle. (A quick youtube or google search will be able to show you this method of sewing if you're not familiar with this technique).

Enjoy your pretty seashell! You can find the granny square pattern here.

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Sunday, July 2, 2017

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





OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE STINGRAY CROCHET PATTERN.


The Stingray is the 8th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

Say hello to my 8th granny square design - a stingray! I got my inspiration from Finding Nemo's Mr. Ray.  I love the spotted look of Mr. Ray and I wanted to incorporate that into this design!

I think he's very simple but will make a great addition to the other ocean friends I have currently designed.

This 8th squares puts me past the half-way mark *happy dance* and I "only" have 7 more to go!


I'm thrilled to be past the half way mark and every time I lay down my squares, I feel a sense of satisfaction. This afghan is coming together so beautifully with all the colors and I can't wait to have it all pieced together!

PIN TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST.

Materials
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Navy and Silver Blue
G hook
6mm safety eyes (optional)
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Amazon Picks (affiliate):


Notes:
Foundation single crochet technique will be used in this pattern for the tail.

YO = yarn over

6mm safety eyes are used, but can be substituted with french knots in black yarn.

Pattern

Row 1: Chain 3, SC across, turn (2)
Row 2: Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch across, turn (4)
Row 3: Chain 1, 2SC, SC, SC, 2SC, turn (6)
Row 4: Chain 1, 2SC in each stitch across, turn (12)
Row 5: Chain 1, Sc across, turn (12)
Row 6: Chain 1, 2SC, SC in next 10 stitches, 2SC, turn (14)
Row 7: Chain 1, Sc across, turn (14)
Row 8: Chain 1, slip stitch into next 5 stitches, Chain 2, DC into next 4 stitches, slip stitch into the last 5 stitches, fasten off

Tail/Spots

Attach navy yarn to Row 1, chain up 1, insert hook into next space, pull up a loop, YO, pull through one loop, YO, pull through both loops. That completes one foundation single crochet. Continue to foundation single crochet 4 more times. Fasten off.

Using a tapestry needle and silver blue yarn, sew on spots on the body.

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Sunday, June 25, 2017

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



OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE SEAHORSE CROCHET PATTERN.






The Seahorse is the 7th square of my Ocean Afghan. To find all the information about this Afghan click here.

I'm so happy to share with you this little seahorse! Doesn't he just remind you of a ray of sunshine?

I chose to make him the typical yellow seahorse, but once I used a different shade for his outer edging and fin I immediately thought - how cute would this be if it were a yellow and pink seahorse? Or a blue and yellow one? I hope you guys get creative with the colors because I'd love to see the outcome!



I can already see this afghan coming together as I've started to lay down some of the squares for arrangement. I've shared on Instagram and Facebook a sneak peek of what it will look like. It's a sneak peek for me as well! All the colors are coming together so nicely and I'm motivated more than ever to keep these designs coming!

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Materials
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Mustard (lighter yarn of the two)
Loops&Threads Impeccable in Mustard (darker yarn of the two)
G hook
F hook
6mm safety eye (optional - can use black yarn for eye)
Tapestry needle and scissors to finish off

Amazon Picks - affiliate links - I may earn a small commission when you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Thank you!


**These safety eyes on Amazon are the cheapest I have found by far. I use to get them at my craft store at around $3 but only got 10 pieces. For about $6, you can get 100 pieces on Amazon! Note: Prices may have changed since I posted this.**

Notes:
Picot - SC, Ch.3, SC all in one stitch
SC increase - 2 SC in one stitch

Pattern

Head - G hook - Lion Brand Mustard (lighter of two yarns)

Round 1: Magic ring, 8SC in ring, join to first SC
Round 2: Chain 1, *SC, SC increase, repeat from * around, join to first SC
Chain 3, DC in same space, fasten off. (This last portion completed the nose)

Body - G hook - Lion Brand Mustard (lighter of two yarns)

Attach yarn 2 spaces below the nose (see piture)


Row 1: Chain 20, SC in second chain from hook and into the next 10 stitches, HDC in next 2 stitches, DC in next 2 stitches, HDC in next 2 stitches, SC in next 2 stitches, join to head right next to the space where you originally attached the yarn for the body (see picture). Chain 1, turn your work


Row 2: SC into next 10 stitches, slip stitch into next two stitches, fasten off.

Outer Ridges of Body - F hook - Loops&Threads Mustard (darker color of the two yarns)

Attach yarn to the last SC you made of Row 2 (see picture)


Chain 1, picot in same space, slip stitch, *picot in next space, slip stitch in next space, repeat from * all the way up the body and around  the head until you get to the second stitch above the nose. (See picture when going from body to head - do not add an extra stitch in between the body and the head) Fasten off.


Fin - F hook - Loops&Threads Mustard (darker color of the two yarns)

Row 1: Chain 3, SC in second chain from hook and next space, Chain 1, turn your work
Row 2: SC decrease, fasten off, sew onto body of seahorse

Eye

Attach safety eye or use black yarn to sew on eye.

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Thursday, June 22, 2017

Crochet Coral Applique and Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern - Ocean Blanket


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE CORAL CROCHET PATTERN.


This granny square makes the 5th design of my Ocean themed Afghan. For all the information for the Ocean Afghan click here.

You can't have ocean theme without coral, and I have the perfect pattern for it! I used Red Heart's scrubby yarn to give it some texture and depth. I paired it with a regular worsted weighted yarn so it would be easier to work with. The result is a subtle texture and so coral-ly! (Sorry, I know that's not a real term).

The shades of pink work nicely together and believe it or not, the scrubby texture is soft! You can even check out my scrubby pattern here to use up all the left over you will have from this project. You will only need a few yards.


I attempted to write up the pattern, but it was too wordy and complicated. This coral is literally only made up of chains in which I branched out in different directions. To make things easier (and hopefully not more complicated) I made a chart. I know charts can be intimidating, but I have done my best to add explanations as well!

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST.

Materials
Lion Brand Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn in Pink Grapefruit
Red Heart Scrubby Cotton in Blushing Print
G hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Note: There will be a lot of ends. I tried to weave them in as I went along. I sewed the coral to the square at the end with a separate piece of the pink worsted weighted yarn.

Throughout the pattern, the worsted weight and scrubby cotton is held together and crocheted as one.

If you do not want to use the scrubby yarn, you can just double up the worsted weight yarn.


I have added numbers to this chart. I know it is probably not conventional to do so on a crochet chart, but counting small dots can be a headache and I don't want this to be an unpleasant experience for you.

So where to start?

First and most importantly, all those dots represent chains. That's all this pattern is. Chains. It's just a matter of how many and where.

Start with chaining 15 holding both the scrubby and worsted weight yarn together. I added red to these dots because this is the main part of the coral. This is the chain we will be working off of. Once you have chained 15, fasten off.

From here, I branched off starting at the bottom. On the left side I attached the yarns 3 spaces up from the bottom, chained 7, and fastened off. Again, I attached the yarns to the middle of that chain 7, chained up 3 and fastened off. That creates the bottom left branch.

I continued to do these branches stemming from the main chain on both sides as shown in the chart.

You will end up with what looks like a chained mess so you will have to form the coral's shape before sewing it onto your square. Pinning it down before you sew it on will help tremendously.

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Sunday, June 18, 2017

Crochet Starfish Applique and Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern - Ocean Theme Blanket



OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE STARFISH CROCHET PATTERN.





This granny square makes the 5th design of my Ocean themed Afghan. For all the information for the Ocean Afghan click here.

This week I have a simple pattern for you to add to the Ocean Afghan! This starfish is such a pretty pink. I was browsing the aisles at my local Michael's, and this Vanna's Choice yarn in Pink Grapefruit caught my eye. I knew I had to have it and since I have a son that I don't make pink frilly things for, I snatched it up to use it for this Starfish design. Perfect!


I've also flipped through the calendar to see where I was at with these squares. Shocking, because I barely know what month it is most days. I've been steadily dishing out one square a week, which will bring us into the end August/early September once I finish it. I'd like to finish this project a lot sooner, so I'm going to put on my crochet shoes and hopefully be kicking it up a notch. How does two patterns per week sound?

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest so you don't miss out when I release the future squares!

You can also subscribe to my mailing list on the left hand side or at the bottom of the post.

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST.

Materials
Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn in Pink Grapefruit and Pink
G hook/4.0mm hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Amazon Picks
- affiliate links - You can support my blog by purchasing through these links that will make me a small commission with no extra cost to you! Thank you!


Pattern

Using a G hook and Pink Grapefruit color yarn

Magic Ring, Chain 1, 15 HDC into ring, join to first HDC

*Chain 1, SC into the next 3 stitches, turn your work
Repeat from * for 3 more rows
Chain 1, SC triple decrease, fasten off

This forms one point of the starfish.


Attach yarn right next to the point you just made and repeat from * to make another point.
Continue to do this until you have 5 points of the starfish completed.

Using the pink colored yarn and a tapestry needle, sew on the details.

I used a running stitch starting from each tip and working my way towards the middle. I did not fasten off at any time, I allowed my yarn to run along the back as you can see in the picture



Since I will be sewing this onto a granny square, I am not concerned about it getting caught in anything.

For the granny square pattern you can check out this post here.

Don't forget to PIN to your boards!

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Sunday, June 11, 2017

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


OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FREE DOLPHIN CROCHET PATTERN.


This is the fourth square I have designed for my Ocean Afghan! I hope you are enjoying the squares!

You can find the Granny Square pattern as well as all the details to make the Ocean Afghan here.

I won't delay with any more words. Here's the quick pattern for this little guy!

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST.

Materials
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice worsted weight yarn in sky blue
G hook
6mm safety eye (can be substituted by making a french knot with black yarn)
Tapestry needle and scissors for fastening off

Amazon Picks:


**These safety eyes are the cheapest I have found.  You can also find them in your craft store for about $3 for 10 pieces. For about $6, you get 100 pieces - which is a win for me! I ordered these on Amazon twice and never had a problem with them - always got them in two days (with Amazon Prime - you can sign up for a free trial here->  Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial)! I also used these in my Woodland Afghan and they are holding up great.

Notes: 
SC increase: 2 SC in same stitch

Pattern

Body

Row 1: Chain 15, SC into second chain from hook and into next 5 stitches, SC increase into next 4 stitches, SC into last 4 stitches, turn
Row 2: Chain 1, HDC into the next 16 stitches, turn your work (there will be two stitches left that will not be worked in)
Row 3: Chain 1, SC into next 11 stitches, slip stitch into the last 5 stitches, do not fasten off, turn your work 90 degrees to work on the tail

Tail (picture shows where you will start) 

Chain 1, 3 SC across, turn
Chain 1, SC increase, SC, SC increase, turn
Chain 1, SC increase, 3 sl st, SC increase, fasten off


Top fin

Attach yarn 7th stitch counting back from row 3 (see picture)
Chain 1, SC into next 3 stitches, turn
Chain 1, SC decrease, SC, turn
Chain 1, SC decrease, SC onto the side (see picture), fasten off



Bottom fin

Attach yarn to bottom portion, counting 7 stitches back (see picture)
Chain 1, SC in next two stitches, turn
Chain 1, SC decrease, fasten off


Eye

Attach safety eye to Row 2, two stitches to the left OR Using black yarn, create french knot

That's it! Go ahead and whip this guy up to go along with the other critters for the Ocean Afghan. You can find the pattern for the granny square here along with the other squares I have designed so far.


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