Between My Fingers – My Creative Journey

Hug for Janice Tutorial

August 5, 2016 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Some people have found the stitch pattern on a Hug for Janice a little confusing, so I decided to post a tutorial to help you out!

Yell if you have any questions!

Chain 73 or a multiple of 4 plus 5. I chained 17 (12 + 5) for my example. I’d suggest you try a swatch using 17 chains so yours looks just like mine.

Row 1

3 dc in 5th ch from hook. Sk 3 ch.

First Cluster

1 sc in next ch. *Ch 3, 3 dc in same ch as sc, sk 3 ch, 1 sc in next ch* Repeat to end. Turn.

First row

Row 2

ch 4. 3 dc in 1st ch of ch 4. (This will be the chain right above the last sc in row 1. )

3 DC into 4th chain

First cluster on the 2nd row

*Sk 3 dc; (1 sc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch 3 space.* (Other than the first stitch in the row, you’re working in the chain-3 spaces across)

2nd row – 2nd cluster

3 clusters in the 2nd row

Repeat to end. (The swatch will have 3 clusters. The actual shawl will have 17)

SC into ch-4 space

Work a sc in ch-4 space. Turn.

Keep repeating row 2.

The hook is pointing to where the Double Crochets go

First cluster in the 3rd row

Always end the row with a single crochet into the last space

After 5 rows

10-Minute Dish Scrubby – Free Crochet Pattern

May 23, 2016 By: Sharon Frazier9 Comments

10-Minute Scrubby – free crochet pattern by Sharon Frazier

I bought some of this Red Heart Scrubby Yarn and played around with patterns until I found one that I like. I think it works best when the scrubby is two layers thick so you can hold onto it better. This is a super easy pattern, and it only takes 10 minutes to make one!

Free crochet pattern by Sharon Frazier

I made two sizes. Of course I like the small one better and my sweetie likes the bigger one. I made several scrubbies with one skein of yarn. One skein will make 6 small or 4 large scrubbies. Best of all, they dry fast and you just throw them into the washing machine to clean them. I’ve also put them in the dishwasher with equal success.

Two sizes of scrubby

Combine this with some homemade cleaning solutions for a great housewarming present!

What You’ll Need:

Red Heart Scrubby Yarn – 14 yards for the small scrubby. 23 yards for the big one.
Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Gauge

Not important for this project
Small scrubby = 3 ¼” diameter
Large scrubby = 4 ½” diameter

Abbreviations

CH = chain
SS = slip stitch
DC = double crochet
ST = stitch
DC2TOG = double crochet two together

Pattern (Large Scrubby)

CH 3 leaving a 4” tail. SS to 1^st ST to join
Round 1 – CH 3. 12 DC in circle. SS to 1^st DC to join. (12)
Round 2 – CH 3. 2 DC in each ST. SS to 1^st DC to join. (24)
Round 3 – CH 3. *2 DC in 1 ST. 1 DC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (36)
Round 4 – CH 3. *DC2TOG. 1 DC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (24)
Round 5 – CH 3. *DC2TOG* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (12)
Round 6 – CH 3. *DC2TOG* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (6)
Round 7 – CH 3. *DC2TOG* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (3)
Pull starting tail through the hole you just made. Cut yarn leaving a 6” tail. Tie 2 tails together in a knot. Using the yarn needle, pull both tails through holes to the other side. Tie together again. Pull through the scrubby to hide the tail. Cut yarn.

Pattern (Small Scrubby)

CH 3 leaving a 4” tail. SS to 1^st ST to join
Round 1 – CH 3. 12 DC in circle. SS to 1^st DC to join. (12)
Round 2 – CH 3. 2 DC in each ST. SS to 1^st DC to join. (24)
Round 3 – CH 3. DC in each ST. SS to 1^st DC to join. (24)
Round 4 – CH 3. *DC2TOG* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (12)
Round 5 – CH 3. *DC2TOG* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (6)
Round 6 – CH 3. *DC2TOG* Repeat around. SS to 1^st DC to join. (3)
Pull starting tail through the hole you just made. Cut yarn leaving a 6” tail. Tie 2 tails together in a knot. Using the yarn needle, pull both tails through holes to the other side. Tie together again. Pull through the scrubby to hide the tail. Cut yarn.

Tutu Tooth Fairy Pillow – Free Crochet Pattern

April 26, 2016 By: Sharon Frazier2 Comments

Tutu Tooth Fairy Pillow – Free crochet pattern by Sharon Frazier

Tutu Tooth Fairy Pillow

I have 2 little ones in my life who will start losing their baby teeth in the next year or so. They are both girly girls! The only question is whether you do pink, purple or “Elsa Blue” for the tutu! So I designed this super-cute and easy Tooth Fairy Pillow for them. You can hang it on the door to make the Tooth Fairy’s life much easier, or, as one of these girls explained to me, “it’s supposed to go in bed with you”! Either way, it works perfectly.

Tutu Tooth Fairy Pillow

I used a sewing machine to sew the pocket on and to gather the tutu, but it can also be done by hand. My sewing skills are extremely limited, so it requires only sewing a straight line!

I don’t have any little boys of that age in my life right now, but I will in a few years. So if anyone wants to take this basic pattern and make a boy pillow, I’d love to feature it on this blog as well!

What You’ll Need:

90 yards of Worsted Weight Yarn in White – I used 2 skeins of The Sassy Skein Worsted in Coconut
Small amount of yarn for the bow
Yarn or embroidery floss for the mouth
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
2 safety eyes
¼ yard of tulle fabric
Felt for the pocket
12” of 3/8” ribbon for the hanger
12” of 7/8” ribbon for the waistband
Button
Thread
Sewing Needle to sew tutu to tooth
Small amount of Fiberfill
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Gauge

Not important for this project – 4” = 15 stitches and 11 rows
My finished pillow measures 9” tall X 6” wide

Abbreviations

CH = chain
HDC = half double crochet
ST = stitch
HDC2TOG = half double crochet two together
SC = single crochet
SC2TOG = single crochet two together
DC = double crochet

Pattern (Make 2 of these)

CH 19
Row 1 – HDC in 3^rd CH from hook and each CH across. Turn. (17)
Row 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in 1^st ST. HDC in next 15 ST. 2 HDC in last ST. Turn. (19)
Row 3 – CH 2. HDC in each ST. Turn. (19)
Row 4 – CH 2. 2 HDC in 1^st ST. HDC in next 17. 2 HDC in last ST. Turn. (21)
Row 5-7 – CH 2. HDC in each ST across. Turn. (21)
Row 8 – CH 2. HDC2TOG. HDC in next 17. HDC2TOG. Turn. (19)
Row 9 – CH 2. HDC in each ST. Turn. (19)
Row 10 – CH 2. HDC2TOG. HDC in next 15. HDC2TOG. Turn. (17)
Row 11 – CH 2. HDC in each ST. Turn. (17)
Row 12 – CH 1. SC2TOG. SC in next 13 ST. SC2TOG. Turn. (15)
Row 13 – CH 1. SC in each ST across. Turn. (15)
Row 14 – CH 2. 2 HDC in 1^st HDC in next 13. 2 HDC in last ST. Turn. (17)
Row 15 – CH 2. HDC in each ST across. Turn. (17)
Row 16 – CH 2. HDC in 8 ST. Turn. (8)
Row 17 – CH 2. HDC2TOG. HDC in next 6 ST. Turn. (7)
Row 18 – CH 2. HDC 5. HDC2TOG. Turn. (6)
Row 19 – CH 2. HDC2TOG. HDC in next 4 ST. Turn. (5)
Row 20 – CH 2. HDC 3. HDC2TOG. Turn. (4)
Row 21 – CH 2. HDC2TOG. HDC in next 2 ST. Turn. (3)
Row 22 – CH 2. HDC. HDC2TOG. Turn. (2)
Row 23 – CH 2. HDC2TOG. Turn. (1)
Fasten off

Join yarn on other side of tooth and repeat lines 16 – 23.

Do not fasten off.

Crochet around the tooth – it’s not important that you have the exact number of stitches around the tooth that I do. It IS important that you have the same number on both of your teeth!

CH 1. 10 SC up the side to the last HDC row before the SC “waist”. SC in each row of the SC. 10 SC to 2^nd row from the top. 3 SC in top corner.
In unused loop across the top of the tooth, follow this pattern. SC. HDC. HDC. 2 DC. 3 DC. HDC. HDC. SC. SS to center ST. SC. HDC. HDC. 3 DC. 2 DC. HDC. HDC. SC. (this should take you across the top of the tooth)
3 SC in top corner. 10 SC to top of waist. SC in each row of the SC. 10 SC to the last ST at the root of the tooth.
3 SC in the point. 8 SC up the leg. 1 SC in the middle of the legs. 8 SC down the other leg. 3 SC in point. SS to 1^st
Weave in ends.

Tutu Tooth Fairy pillow – Free crochet pattern by Sharon Frazier

Decorating the Pillow

You’ll want to do as much as possible prior to joining and stuffing the pieces so it’s easier to work with!

Attach eyes
Embroider mouth
Cut and sew on pocket. I wanted a rounded edge, so I made a pattern out of paper by drawing a 2 ½” square and then using a drinking glass to make a rounded edge. Then I cut that out and traced the design onto the felt. Sew on using a machine or by hand.
Attach hanging ribbon. Sew both ends to the back of the pillow using white thread. Once again, use a machine or hand sew.
Make bow & sew it on. I used this cute bow pattern from Whistle & Ivy. Use your starting and ending thread to hand-sew it on.
Now attach the front and back. Line up the corners and put a stitch marker through both the front and back. Then with the front of the pillow facing you, SC into both front & back around. Skip a SC at the top center to allow the ribbon to lay flat.
When you’re most of the way around, stuff with fiberfill. Finish SC around and SS to 1^st Bind off. Weave in ends.
Make the tutu and sew it on. Cut 2 4” strips of tulle. Machine or hand sew a seam 3/8” from the edge. If using a machine, make the stitch length as long as possible. Gently pull the bobbin thread, allowing the tulle to bunch up. Carefully spread the gathers evenly across the fabric. Repeat on the 2^nd strip of tulle. Starting at the side seam, pin the one piece of the tulle across the front of the tooth and one across the back. Hand sew the tulle to the tooth along the waist of the tooth.
Add the belt. Wrap the wide ribbon around the waist, fold it over, and sew it on through the button. I only attached this in the back. The front just lays over the tulle gathering.

You’re done! Now all you have to do is wait for the tooth fairy to visit!

Design Your Own Hat – Basic HDC Pattern for all sizes…You customize!

April 10, 2016 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Basic hat pattern in 8 sizes – You customize

Once you know how to make a basic hat, you can design your own masterpiece to fit any personality or situation. Add flowers, stripes, ears, eyes, braids, initials or more. These can easily be made into baby hats, gifts for all ages, chemo caps, and more.

This hat is made using half double crochet stitches. You can also make them with double crochets, but I like this better because the stitches aren’t quite as tall…making for better head coverage.

A couple of elements that I like:

I always start with a magic circle or magic loop. You can always chain 3, join, and then crochet into the hole, but I like the magic circle better because there isn’t a hole in the top of the hat.
I’ve seen many patterns where the first chain 2 in the round counts as a HDC. Mine doesn’t. By ignoring that chain 2, and slip stitching to the top of the first HDC, it puts the chain behind the join. It’s a matter of personal preference, but I like this join a lot better!

Some of the ways I personalized these hats:

Change colors every row. You don’t even need to cut the yarn. Just crochet over the yarn from the previous row for 2 stitches to keep it nice and clean, then continue around with your new color. Pick up the old one and do it again.
Replace the last row of SC with a crab stitch or reverse single crochet. This gives a nice finish for baby hats. That’s what I did on the purple and yellow one.
Eliminate 2 rows of HDC and add 4 rows of SC to the bottom. This is a nice finish for a man’s hat.
Eliminate 2 rows of HDC, and add a DC, CH 1 round. You can then weave a ribbon around the hat.
Eliminate 1 or 2 rows of HDC and add 2 rows of SC in a contrasting color. Then continue to finish the hat as directed.
Eliminate 1 or 2 rows of HDC and add a shell using 5 DC, SK 1, 1 SC, SK 1 around the hat.
Eliminate 3 rows of HDC and replace them with 3 rows of alternating Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet. Then finish with a row of SC. This gives the ribbed look on the gray hat.
Replace 1 row of HDC with 2 rows of SC through the back loop only. This provides a nice texture on the hat.
Eliminate 2 rows of HDC and add a row of skip 2 stitches, DC, the DC in first skipped stitch. I combined this with the SC through the back loop only on the red hat to create the X Pattern.
Eliminate 1 row of HDC and SC at the bottom of the hat, and replace with a row of SC and 2 rows of alternating Front Post Single Crochet and Back Post Single Crochet. This is what I did on the Dark Blue and Gray hat.

Gauge

13 stitches and 10 rows = 4” in HDC. Use whatever size hook you need to obtain gauge.

What You’ll Need:

32 – 130 yards of Worsted Weight Yarn depending on size. Some of the yarns I used were: Cascade Avalon, Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme, Berroco Modern Cotton, and The Sassy Skein Worsted Weight
Crochet Hook Size I (5.5 mm)
Yarn Needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations

MC = magic circle
CH = chain
HDC = half double crochet
SS = slip stitch
SC = single crochet
ST = stitch
DC = double crochet
SK = skip

Preemie Hat Pattern by Sharon Frazier

Preemie (Pink Hat) (10” circumference, 4” length)

Requires 32 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 7.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (36)
Rounds 6-12 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (36)
Round 13 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (36)
Finish off. Weave in ends.

Newborn hat pattern

Newborn (Purple & Yellow Hat) (13” circumference, 4 3/4” length)

Requires 53 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Rounds 6 – 13 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 14 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (40)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

3-6 Month old hat pattern

3-6 Months (Purple Hat with multi-colored stripe) (14 1/2” circumference, 5 1/2” length)

Requires 67 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 6 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 4.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Rounds 7 – 15 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Round 16 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (48)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

6 month – 1 year old hat pattern

6-12 Months (Yellow Hat) (16” circumference, 6 1/2” length)

Requires 81 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 6 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 4.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Round 7 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 11.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (52)
Rounds 8 – 17 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (52)
Round 18 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (52)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Toddler hat pattern

Toddler 1-3 years (Gray Hat) (18” circumference, 7” length)

Requires 88 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 6 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 4.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Round 7 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 5.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (56)
Rounds 8 – 18 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (56)
Round 19 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (56)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Child’s hat pattern

Child 3-10 years – (Red Hat) (20” circumference, 7 1/4” length)

Requires 95 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 6 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 4.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Round 7 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 5.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (56)
Round 8 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 13.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (60)
Rounds 9 – 20 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (60)
Round 21 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (60)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Small adult hat pattern

Teen or Small Adult (Light Blue Hat) (21” circumference, 7 ½” length)

Requires 108 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 6 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 4.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Round 7 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 5.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (56)
Round 8 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 6.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (64)
Rounds 9 – 21 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (64)
Round 22 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (64)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Large Adult hat pattern

Large Adult (Dark Blue & Gray Hat) (23” circumference, 8” length)

Requires 130 yards worsted weight yarn.

Pattern

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 8 HDC IN MC , SS to 1^st HDC to join (8)
Round 2 – CH 2. 2 HDC in each ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (16)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (24)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 2.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (32)
Round 5 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 3.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (40)
Round 6 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 4.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (48)
Round 7 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 5.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (56)
Round 8 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 6.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (64)
Round 9 – CH 2. *2 HDC in first ST, 1 HDC in next 9.* Repeat for a total of 6 times. 1 HDC in next 4 ST. SS to 1^st HDC to join (70)
Rounds 10 – 22 – CH 2. HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (70)
Round 23 – CH 1, SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC to join (70)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Easter Hats

March 28, 2016 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Easter hats! – Free crochet patterns

On Easter, my two beautiful Great Nieces modeled the hats I designed for them…and they looked beautiful!

The two hats have common design elements like the flowers and the 3-stitch shells, but they’re different enough for a baby and a very grown-up five year old.

Adorable!

Here is the link to the pattern for the big girl hat. And here is the one for the baby hat.

Baby hat – free crochet pattern

Both hats are easy to make, but the baby hat is super-quick. I think I had the whole hat done (including the flower) in 2-3 hours!

These were made for Easter, but the big girl hat would make a great sun hat for the beach or pool, and the baby hat is a great year-round baby gift.

Enjoy!

More Sandwich Fixins! – Free Crochet Pattern

March 25, 2016 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

Fried Egg Sandwich – Free crochet pattern

A reader requested additional sandwich patterns, and I really couldn’t wait to get to them! These are so much fun to make because they’re super cute, and if they’re not perfect, it’s okay. After all, you want the peanut butter to look like you quickly spread it on the bread, so it’s not a perfect rectangle. Eggs aren’t circular and the yolks of a fried egg aren’t always in the center. So feel free to mess them up a little bit to make them more realistic!

I’ve included patterns for peanut butter and jelly, bologna, American cheese, and fried egg. In addition, you can find the patterns for the bread and bacon, lettuce and tomato here.

I hope you enjoy making them as much as I did!

Gauge is not important for these projects. I used an I hook (5.5 mm) for all of them. I like the sandwich ingredients to stick out of the bread on the sides a little bit. If you’d like to neatly fit on the bread, I’d use an H hook.

Abbreviations

CH = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2TOG = single crochet 2 together
ST = stitch
SS = slip stitch
MC = magic circle
PM = place marker
DC = double crochet
HDC = half double crochet
TC = triple crochet

PBJ with grape jelly

Peanut Butter & Jelly (they both use the same pattern)

Worsted weight yarn. I used Vanna’s Choice Deep Gold for the peanut butter. Cascade Yarns Avalon in Crown Jewel for the grape jelly. And some leftover red yarn with a strand Vanna’s Glamour in Ruby Red for the strawberry jelly. This one was my favorite, because the sparkly yarn looks like strawberry seeds!
Size I Crochet Hook (5.5 mm)
Yarn needle to weave in ends

You’ll need to know how to SC 2 together for this pattern. It’s super easy. Here is a quick video to show you how.

Peanut butter & Strawberry Jelly – the jelly has little specks that look like strawberry seeds

Pattern

Ch 12

Row 1 – SC in 2^nd CH from hook and each CH across. Turn. (11 ST)
Row 2 – CH 1. 2 SC in first ST. 1 SC in next 8 ST. SC2TOG in last ST. Turn. (11 ST)
Row 3 – CH 1. SC2TOG. SC in next 8 ST. 2 SC in last ST. Turn. (11 ST)
Row 4 – CH1. SC in each ST across. Turn (11 ST)
Rows 5-13 – Repeat rows 2-4 three times.
Border – CH1. SC in each ST across the top. Turn work ¼ and 3 SC in side of ST just made. 12 SC evenly down the side. 3 SC in corner. 10 SC in unused loop of beginning chain. 3 SC in corner. 12 SC evenly up the last side. 3 SC in corner. SS to 1^st SC of border
Finish off. Weave in ends.

Bologna Sandwich

Bologna

Size I Crochet Hook (5.5 mm)
Worsted weight yarn – I used Vanna’s Choice in Pink
Stitch markers
Yarn needle to weave in ends

You’ll need to make a magic circle or magic ring for this project. Here’s a video to show you how.

I tried a couple of different ways to crochet in the round for this, and a continuous circle or spiral worked best. You’ll be marking your first stitch in each round with a stitch marker so you know when you’ve completed that round.

Pattern

Magic Circle

Round 1 – CH 1. 6 SC in MC. SS to 1^st SC to join. CH 1.
PM in 1^st ST of this round and move to 1^st ST of each round. Do not SS & CH 1 moving forward. Just continue each round in a spiral.
Round 2 – 2 SC in each ST (12 ST)
Round 3 – *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next.* Continue around. (18)
Round 4 – *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next 2 ST.* Continue around (24)
Round 5 – *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next 3 ST.* Continue around (30)
Round 6 – *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next 4 ST.* Continue around (36)
Round 7 – *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next 5 ST.* Continue around (42)
Round 8 – *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next 6 ST.* Continue around (48)
Round 9 – SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC in round to join.

Finish off – weave in ends

Grilled Cheese

American Cheese

Worsted weight yarn. I used leftover yellow yarn for this project.
Size I Crochet Hook (5.5 mm)
Yarn needle to weave in ends

Pattern

Ch 12

Row 1 – SC in 2^nd CH from hook and each CH across. Turn. (11 ST)
Rows 2-11 – CH 1. SC in each ST across. Turn (11 ST)
Border – SC in each ST across the top. Turn work ¼ and 3 SC in side of ST just made. 10 SC evenly down each side and in unused loop of beginning CH. 3 SC in each corner. SS to 1^st SC of border.
Finish off. Weave in ends.

Fried Egg Sandwich – Free crochet pattern

Egg

Worsted weight yarn. I used leftover yellow yarn and Lily’s Sugar N Cream in white.
Size I Crochet Hook (5.5 mm)
Small amount of stuffing
Yarn needle to weave in ends

You’ll need to make a magic circle or magic ring for this project. Here’s a video to show you how.

Round 3 of the white is somewhat random. Feel free to improvise!

Pattern

Yolk

Magic Circle
Round 1 – CH 1. 6 SC in MC. SS to 1^st SC to join.
Round 2 – CH 1. 2 SC in each ST. SS to 1^st SC to join. (12 ST)
Round 3 – CH 1. *2 SC in next ST. 1 SC in next.* Continue around. SS to 1^st SC to join. (18 ST)
Round 4 – CH 1. SC in each ST. SS to join, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

White

Magic Circle
Round 1 – 12 DC in MC. SS to 1^st DC to join
Round 2 – CH 3. 2 DC in each ST. SS to 1^st DC to join (24 ST)
Round 3 – CH 2. 2 HDC in first ST. 1 HDC in next. 3 DC in next. 1 DC in next. 2 HDC in next. 1 HDC in next. 1 DC in next. 3 DC in next. 1 DC in next 3 2 DC in next. 1 DC in next. 2 DC in next. 2 TC in next. 3 TC in next. 2 TC in next. 2 DC in next 4 ST. 1 HDC in next. 2 HDC in next. 1 HDC in last. SS to 1^st ST in round to join.
Round 4 – CH 1. SC in each ST around. SS to join.
Finish off – weave in ends
Sew the yolk to the white and add a bit of stuffing to make the yolk stand up.
Use with bacon from my BLT pattern for a great breakfast!

It’s Spring! Baby Sun Hat – Free Crochet Pattern

March 18, 2016 By: Sharon Frazier3 Comments

It’s Spring! Baby Sun Hat – Free Crochet Pattern by Sharon Frazier

I have 2 beautiful Great Nieces, and their Mom bought them matching pink and white Easter dresses. I decided they also needed matching hats! Like the dresses, I wanted to use the same yarn and some basic design elements, but I wanted to make them different since they’re almost five years apart.

Here’s the second one. It’s for the baby and will fit most 3-6 month olds. She’s actually 7 months old, but she’s a preemie, so she’s still a little tiny…but growing like a weed! This one is sooooo fast and easy to make because her head is so small! Just like the Big Girl Hat, this pattern can also be used for a beach sun hat.

The two hats together

Most hats crocheted in the round count the first chain as a stitch. I prefer this method where I don’t count it as a stitch. Then I join it to the first real stitch in the round so the chain slips behind the row. It makes the joining seam much less obvious. However, as you’ll see in the pattern below, I switch to the conventional method when I start the more open pattern of the shells.

I’ll definitely post a picture of them wearing their hats after Easter!

What You’ll Need:

75 yards of DK weight white yarn. I used Butterfly Mercerized Cotton
Small amount of contrasting yarn. I used 16 yards of hot pink and 26 yards of paradise pink in the same Butterfly Mercerized Cotton
A ¾” or 1” button for the flower
Crochet Hook Size F (3.75 mm)
Yarn Needle to weave in ends
Needle and thread to sew on button

Gauge

In HDC, 14 rows and 17 stitches = 4”
Hat dimensions are:
- Hat Circumference – 15 3/4”
- Hat Length (Crown to bottom of scallop) = 5 3/4”

Abbreviations

SS = slip stitch
CH = chain
HDC= half double crochet
DC = double crochet
SC = Single crochet
ST = stitch
SK = skip
SP = space

Pattern

Make a Magic Circle. You can always, chain 3, ss to join, and crochet into that circle instead.
Round 1 – CH 1. 12 HDC into circle. SS to 1^st HDC to join.
Round 2 – CH 2. (Does count as a HDC) 2 HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC allowing CH-2 to fall behind the round. (24 HDC)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join. (36 HDC)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next 2 ST.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join. (48 HDC)
Round 5 – CH 2. 2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next 3 ST.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (60 HDC)
Rounds 6- 13 – CH 3. (For this section of the hat, the CH-3 DOES count as a DC) 2 DC into same ST. SK 2 ST. *3 DC in next ST. SK 2 ST.* Repeat around. SS to top of CH-3 to join. (20 shells). Once you’ve completed round 6, you’ll be putting your shell in the first DC of each shell in the previous row.
Round 14 – CH 1. SC in each ST around. SS to first SC to join. (60 SC)
Round 15 – Change color. Repeat round 14.
Rounds 16 – 18 Change color. Repeat round 14 three times.
Round 17 – Change back to same color as row 15. Repeat round 14.
Round 18 – Join white yarn. CH 1, SK next SC. 5 DC in next SC. SK next SC. *SS to next SC. SK next SC. 5 DC in next SC. SK next SC* Repeat around. SS to into same SP as CH-1. (15 shells)
Finish off. Weave in ends.

Flower

I wanted the flower slightly smaller than on the big girl hat, so I used a size E Crochet Hook. I also reversed the colors so this one had more light pink
For the flower, I used: #3 Colorful Flower on this site just completing 3 sets of petals.
Sew the flower on the hat through the button.

Please post your projects on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

Do I have enough yarn? An easy trick to calculate how much yarn you have left

March 17, 2016 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

We’ve all done it. We want to start a new project, and we check out our stash to see if we have any yarn that will work. We have tons of partially used skeins, but we’re not sure if it’s enough, so we run out to the local yarn store to buy more. Or worse yet, we start the project with what we’ve got, only to get 90% done and run out of yarn!

Well, there’s a super-simple way to determine if you have enough yarn with no guessing! All you need is:

Yarn
A kitchen scale – the kind you use to measure ingredients when baking or to weigh foods so you know the calorie count
The yarn label or at least the type of yarn so you can look up the info online

You’ll need your yarn, a kitchen scale and the yarn label

If you have those 3 things, you’ll always know if you have enough yarn. Here’s how it works.

Weigh your yarn in grams
Look at the label to find the total number of grams in a new skein of yarn
Divide the weight of your yarn by the total in a new skein
Look at the label to find the total number of yards in a new skein
Multiply your percentage from step 3 by the number in step 4

Okay, that sounds more complicated than it really is, so let’s look at an example using really simple math.

You weigh your yarn, and it’s 50 grams.
The label says a new skein is 100 grams.
50/100 = 50%. You have ½ a skein left.
The label says a new skein is 200 yards.
200 X 50% = 100 yards.

You can complete any project that calls for less than 100 yards.

So let’s try it using numbers that aren’t so straightforward. Let’s say I want to make the It’s Spring! Sun Hat on my blog. I want to use this pink yarn for the main color. My pattern says that I need 135 yards of the yarn.

My yarn weighs 101 grams

I weigh the yarn, and it’s 101 grams.
The label says that a new skein is 125 grams
101/125 = 80.8% of the skein left
The label says a new skein is 249 yards
249 X 80.8% = 201 yards left
My yarn label

I have plenty of yarn for this project!

It’s so easy and works every time!

It’s Spring! Girl’s Sun Hat – Free Crochet Pattern

March 16, 2016 By: Sharon Fraziercomment

It’s Spring Girl’s Sunhat – Free Crochet Pattern by Sharon Frazier

It’s Spring! Girl’s Sun Hat – Free Crochet Pattern

Here’s the first one. This is the big girl hat. It worked up very quickly, so there’s still time for Easter. However, this pattern is great for a summer beach hat as well! It’s made for a 5-year old, so it’s just a little small on my model, Lexi, who is 9. This hat should fit a girl who is 4-8 years old. If you want to make it for an older girl, use a larger hook.

Here’s Lexi modeling the hat

Most hats crocheted in the round count the first chain as a stitch. I prefer this method where I don’t count it as a stitch. Then I join it to the first real stitch in the round so the chain slips behind the row. It makes the joining seam much less obvious! However, as you’ll see in the pattern below, I switch to the conventional method when I start the more open pattern of the shells.

I love the side angle! It’s Spring! Girl’s Sun Hat

Special thanks to my beautiful model, Lexi!

What You’ll Need:

135 yards of DK weight white yarn. I used Butterfly Mercerized Cotton
Small amount of contrasting yarn. I used 40 yards of hot pink and 25 yards of paradise pink in the same Butterfly Mercerized Cotton
A ¾” or 1” button for the flower
36 – 38” of Brimlock & Joiners or Hat Wire. I ordered from Judith M . It’s inexpensive, but you do pay shipping, so order enough for 3 or 4 hats. I’ve used it for many projects including my Mandala Clock
Crochet Hook Size F (3.75 mm)
Yarn Needle to weave in ends
Needle and thread to sew on button

Gauge

In HDC, 14 rows and 17 stitches = 4”
Hat dimensions are:
- Hat Circumference – 18”
- Hat Length (Crown to last hot pink stripe before V-stitches) = 6 3/4”
- Brim circumference = 36”

Abbreviations

SS = slip stitch
CH = chain
HDC= half double crochet
DC = double crochet
SC = Single crochet
ST = stitch
SK = skip
SP = space

Pattern

Make a Magic Circle. You can always, chain 3, ss to join, and crochet into that circle instead.
Round 1 – CH 1. 12 HDC into circle. SS to 1^st HDC to join.
Round 2 – CH 2. (Does count as a HDC) 2 HDC in each ST around. SS to 1^st HDC allowing CH-2 to fall behind the round. (24 HDC)
Round 3 – CH 2. *2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join. (36 HDC)
Round 4 – CH 2. *2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next 2 ST.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join. (48 HDC)
Round 5 – CH 2. 2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next 3 ST.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (60 HDC)
Round 6 – CH 2. 2 HDC in same ST. 1 HDC in next 4 ST.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st HDC to join (72 HDC)
Rounds 7- 15 – CH 3. (For this section of the hat, the CH-3 DOES count as a DC) 2 DC into same ST. SK 2 ST. *3 DC in next ST. SK 2 ST.* Repeat around. SS to top of CH-3 to join. (24 shells). Once you’ve completed round 7, you’ll be putting your shell in the first DC of each shell in the previous row.
Round 16 – CH 1. SC in each ST around. SS to first SC to join. (72 SC)
Round 17 – Change color. Repeat round 16.
Rounds 18-19 – Change color. Repeat round 17 two times.
Round 20 – Change back to same color as row 17. Repeat round 16.
Round 21 – Join white yarn. CH 4 (Counts as 1 DC and CH-1). DC in same ST. *SK 2, (DC, CH 1, DC) in next ST. SK 1, (DC, CH 1, DC) in next ST* Repeat around. SS to 3^rd CH of CH-4. (29 V-stitches)
Round 22 – SS to center of V-stitch. CH 4. DC in same SP. *(DC, CH 1, DC) in center of each V.* Repeat around. SS to 3^rd CH of CH-4.
Round 23 – SS to center of V-stitch. CH 4. DC in same SP. *(DC, CH 2, DC) in middle of next V. (DC, CH 1, DC) in middle of next V.* Repeat around. SS to 3^rd CH of CH 4.
Round 24 – SS to center of V-stitch. CH 5. (Counts as DC and CH-2). DC in same SP. *(DC, CH 2, DC) in middle of next V.* Repeat around. SS to 3^rd CH of CH-5.
Round 25 – CH 1. SC in same ST. 2 SC in middle of V, SC in next ST. *SC in next, 2 SC in middle of V, SC in next.* Repeat around. SS to 1^st (116 SC)
Round 26 – CH 1. SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st SC
Round 27 – Change color. *SC in next 3 ST, 2 SC in next ST.* Repeat around. SS to to 1^st (145 SC)
Round 28 – Change color. SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st
Round 29 – CH 1. SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st
Round 30 – Change back to color used in round 27. SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st
Round 31 – Change back to white. SC in each ST around. SS to 1^st
Round 32 – SC in each ST and around Brimlock. I cut a 38” piece of Brimlock and crocheted around it, all the way around the hat. Then I cut it back 2” (until I felt like the brim was right), and unraveled some of my stitches to join it. You join it using a lighter, so I didn’t want that near my work! Once it was cool, I crocheted around to the end. Join with SS.
Finish off. Weave in ends.

Flower

For the flower, I used: #3 Colorful Flower on this site just completing 3 sets of petals.
Sew the flower on the hat through the button.

Please post your projects on Ravelry and link to the pattern so I can see what you’ve done!

BLT Sandwich – Free Crochet Pattern

March 8, 2016 By: Sharon Frazier5 Comments

BLT Sandwich – Free crochet pattern by Sharon Frazier

I have always loved fake food! I don’t know what it is, but it just makes me smile! Last year, I used my very basic sewing skills to make felt pasta, vegetables, and spaghetti sauce. This year, I decided to crochet a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich! This was a lot of fun to make, and the whole sandwich can be completed in 2-3 hours using inexpensive yarn, making it a perfect gift for the little ones in your life!

Make the whole sandwich in an afternoon!

Gauge is not important for these projects. I used a small hook when I wanted the piece to be more rigid…like the tomato.

Abbreviations

CH = chain
DC = double crochet
SK = skip
SC = single crochet
ST = stitch
SS = slip stitch
CH-SP = chain space
PM = place marker
HDC = half double crochet

Bread

Bread – free crochet pattern by Sharon Frazier

Each slice of bread took me approximately 30 minutes.

I used 3 different yarns so they could pretend that it’s white, wheat, toast or multi-grain. These are all Lily’s Sugar ‘N Cream. I used Soft Ecru, Warm Brown, Jute and Sonoma Print. Any worsted weight yarn will work.

Size I Crochet Hook (5.5 mm)

Yarn needle to weave in ends

Pattern

Ch 10

Row 1 – SC in 2^nd CH from hook and each CH across. Turn. (9 SC)
Row 2 – 8 – CH 1. SC in each ST across. Turn (9 SC)
Row 9 – CH 1. 7 DC in 2^nd SK 2 SC. SS into next sc. SK 2 SC. 7 DC in next SC.
SS to last SC. Finish off.

Repeat above a 2^nd time, but do not SS or finish off.

Crochet the 2 pieces together

Insert hook in last SC in row you just completed, and then in the same ST on the other piece. SC 2 together all the way around as follows:
7 SC down the side. 3 SC in corner
7 SC across bottom. 3 SC in corner
7 SC on side +1 in the hole just before the DC
1 SC in each of the 7 DC, 1 SC in the SS, 1 SC in each of the 7 DC, SS to 1^st

Change colors. Attach in the center SC in one of the bottom corners. 3 SC in the first ST. SC in each SC around, putting 3 SC in the other bottom corner. SS to 1^st SC.

Finish off. Weave in ends

Bacon

Bacon – free crochet pattern

Size H Crochet Hook (5 mm)

Worsted weight yarn – I used Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Terra Firma

Pattern

Ch 22

Row 1 – DC in 4^th CH from hook. *SK 1 CH; DC in next* (2 times). DC in next. 5 DC in next. DC in each of next 2 CH. *SK 1 CH; DC in next* (4 times). DC in next. 3 DC in last CH.
Row 2 – CH 1, turn. SC in each ST. 3 SC around last DC. SC in unused loop of starting chain including each CH-SP. (You’ll be working along the opposite side of the bacon, back up to where you started to SC.) 3 SC around last DC. SS to first SC to join.

Finish off – weave in ends

Lettuce & Tomato – free crochet pattern

Tomato

Size G Crochet Hook (4.25 mm)

Red worsted weight yarn – I used Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Red

Pattern

Round 1 – 12 SC in a magic circle. SS to 1^st SC to join. (You can also chain 3, and join with a SS to make a circle, then crochet 12 sc inside instead of using the magic circle)

Round 2 – CH 1. 2 SC in each SC. SS 1^st SC to join (24 stitches)

Round 3 – CH 3. 2 DC in next ST. 1 DC in next. 2 DC in next ST. CH 4. SK 4. (*1 DC in next ST. 2 DC in next. * Repeat from * to *. CH 4. SK 4) Repeat between ( ). SS in top of CH-3 to join. (You’ll have 3 segments with 6 DC and 3 CH-4 spaces)

Round 4 – CH 3. 1 DC in next ST. 2 DC in next. 1 DC in next 2 ST. 2 DC in next ST. 4 DC in CH-4 SP. (* 1 DC in next 2 ST. 2 DC in next. * Repeat from * to *. 4 DC in CH-4 SP.) Repeat from ( to ). SS to top of CH-3 to join. (36 stitches around)

Round 5 – CH 1. SC in each ST around (36 stitches)

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Lettuce

Size I Crochet Hook (5.5 mm)

Red worsted weight yarn – I used Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Lime Stripes & Hot Green

Pattern

Ch 9

Row 1 – SC in 2^nd CH from hook & in each CH across. CH 1. PM in CH 1. SC in unused loop on other side of CH. (8 SC on each side with a marked CH-SP between). CH 1. Turn.

Row 2 – SC in next 2 ST. HDC in next 2 ST. *2 DC in next ST. 1 DC in next.* Repeat from * to *. 5 DC in marked CH-1 SP. *1 DC in next ST. 2 DC in next*. Repeat from * to *. HDC in next 2 ST. SC in last 2 ST. CH 1. Turn. (25 stitches)

Row 3 – *1 SC in first ST. 2 SC in next. * Repeat from * to *. 1 HDC in next. 2 HDC in next. *1 DC in next. 2 DC in next. 1 DC in next. 2 DC in next 7 ST. 1 DC in next ST. 2 DC in next. 1 DC in next. 2 HDC in next. 1 HDC in next. *2 SC in next. 1 SC in next* Repeat from * to *. (40 stitches)

Row 4 – SC in next 8 ST. 2 SC in next 8. 3 SC in next 8. 2 SC in next 8. 1SC in next 8.

Finish off. Weave in ends.