Crochet Pokeball Beanie for Our Littlest Pokemon Master

Our youngest grandson, Bentley, has been playing Pokemon since before he was born!  His momma and daddy and big brother Blane got lots of exercise prior to labor and delivery.  And they all still go out as often as they can to add more Poke Characters to their collection.   They must have hundreds by now!

The extent of my own Pokemon hunting has been following around my 10 year old grandson, Sam, as he 'taught' me how to play the game.  I'll tell you, he's a lot better at it than I am!

But one thing I can do is make things from yarn!  So I designed this adorable little beanie for Bentley.  While there are several similar beanie patterns out there, this one was designed especially for an infant in mind.  The yarn is soft and a little stretchy and the stitch is close for comfort and warmth.

Here is the pattern, designed for a baby's head. 

 Before I began, we measured the circumference of Bentley's head and used that measurement as my gauge.  The ribbed band on the hat needed to be about the same length as Bentley's head.  In his case, that was 16 inches.

This beanie is made from the band upward to the top.  I used single crochet stitches throughout.  The beanie is made from baby or sport yarn.  I just used what I found in my stash so I can't give you a brand name on this.  I used a G or 4mm hook.  You will also need a yarn needle to stitch on the button and to weave in ends.

Hat band:

1.With white yarn chain 8.  Sc in 2nd chain from hook and remaining 6 chains for a total of 7 sc.

2-72.  Sc in each stitch back loop only.  Chain 1 and turn.  Using the back loop on the band is what gives it the ribbed texture and a very neat look.   (Your band may need more or less rows depending on your head circumference measurement.)  Remember that the stitch count may be different from what I have listed if your measurements are different.

When your band is the length you need put the two ends together being careful not to twist it and slip stitch the ends to one another.  Do not fasten off yarn!  Turn the band so that the slip stitching is on the inside.  

Hat:

1.  Now sc in each row of the band to form the first row of the hat.  (72)  I use a running stitch marker to keep track of my rounds.

2-7.  Sc in each stitch.

8-10.  Change to black yarn.  Sc in each stitch.

11.  Change to red yarn.  Sc in each stitch.

12-13.  Sc in each stitch.

14.  *Sc in 7, dec*  (64)

15.  Sc in each stitch.  (64)

16.  *Sc in 6, dec*  (56)

17.  Sc in each stitch.  (56)

18.  *Sc in 5, dec*  (48)

19.  *Sc in 4, dec*  (40)

20.  Sc in each stitch.  (40)

21.  *Sc in 3, dec*  (32)

22.  Sc in each stitch.  (32)

23.  *Sc in 2, dec*  (24)

24.  *Sc in 1, dec*  (15)

25.  *Sc in 1, dec*  (10)

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew top closed.  Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave the tail through the sc stitches of the last round.  Pull the yarn tail fairly snug so that the hole at the top is pulled closed.  Secure the yarn tail with a couple of stitches inside the hat to secure.  Weave in the end.

Button:

1.  With white yarn  make 6 sc in a magic ring.

2.  Increase in each stitch.  (12)

3.  *Sc in 1, inc*  (18)

4.  *Sc in 2, inc*  (24)

5.  *Sc in 3, inc*  (30)

Change to black yarn.

6.  *Sc in 4, inc*  (36)

7.  *Sc in 5, in*  (42)

Fasten off yarn leaving a long tail to stitch button to front of hat.  Line the button up as pictured and stitch securely to the front of the hat.

Your infant Pokemon Beanie is finished!

If you enjoyed this little free pattern and want to be sure that you don't miss new things coming up, click here  to receive updates.

Blessings!

Reny

Crochet a Pete the Cat Earflap hat for the little ones!

In our family, we love Pete the Cat, the zany, adorable blue cat with the mismatched shoes!   I have made several of these Pete Amigurumi's for family and friends.  Paired with a Pete the Cat storybook they make a wonderful gift for any occasion.

I found this awesome Pete the Cat pattern on Ravelry and it has served me well. 

So as I was pondering what to make my great-grandson for his birthday this year Pete the Cat came to mind.  Since my great-grandson already has the Pete amigurumi,  I decided to make him a Pete earflap beanie to wear this winter.

I found an ordinary beanie pattern on the net.  This is the one I used.  Then I searched for a tutorial for adding the earflaps.  This site gives simple instructions for adding earflaps, as well a pattern for the beanie if you would rather get the whole pattern from one site.

My next step was to make ears and cut felt for the eyes and nose which I stitched on.  I just winged the ears, but I believe you could probably use the ears from the main Pete amigurumi pattern and use a bulky yarn and a larger hook to get larger ears for the beanie.












Finally, I made the ties.  For these I used the shoe pattern from the original pattern and made the ties the same as the leg pattern but decreased the diameter to 6sc around rather than the 9sc the leg called for.  This makes the ties more flexible.   I then stitched the ties to the earflaps.

The end result is this cute Pete the Cat earflap hat.  I hope my great-grandson will love it!


And I hope you will love it as well!

Happy Hooking!
Reny

Here Fishy Fishy! Crochet Fish Pattern for a Christmas Ornament!

     I'm still working on Christmas ornaments, and I'm getting quite a collection!  My latest addition is this pair of crochet angle fish. 

      The larger fish is made from acrylic yarn and a G hook.  The smaller one is Cleo cotton and crocheted with a E hook.

     I found this pattern at Little Giggles Adventures  blog.  The instructions were easy to follow and I was able to finish a fish in a short time, so hop on over to Little Giggles and look over her selection of free patterns!

     I believe they will be very cute on our Whimsy tree!

Make your tree special this year with handmade ornaments, then give them away as  toys or family keepsakes!

Happy Hooking!

Reny

Week 6, Cute Little Monsters Christmas Ornament Crochet-a-long

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 What better way to decorate a Whimsy Tree than with cute little monsters with silly grins and crazy hair. 

In case you missed the beginning of this Crochet-a-long, check out this post for more info.
https://renysplace.blogspot.com/2018/06/christmas-crochet-long-new-ornament.html

This was my very first crochet pattern design and it was so well received that I have decided to offer it again to my readers!

    I absolutely adore bright colors and funny expressions. At our house we call it the 'cuteness factor'.  It is what I strive to achieve in all my varmint creations.  At times this means making several tries before it meets the requirements.  But the satisfaction of finally getting it right is so worth it!

   These little monsters are about 3 inches tall and are just the right size for little hands to carry around.  And I wish I could describe to you the delight we see in every child who has received one of these.  Big smiles, audible giggles as they toss them up in the air or hug them close to their little chests.    The wonder is that such a simple little monster could elicit all that.

    So I invite you to  enjoy this free crochet pattern.  I suggest you make several for adorable Christmas gifts.  And keep some extra's around for little visitors.  I try to do this and it is such a great help to parents when their child has something special to play with during the visit.  And then I send it home with them!

    All you need to make this free crochet pattern are some bits of leftover yarn, stuffing and some felt for the eyes.  Be sure to stitch eyes, arms and legs securely if you plan to give one of these to a baby.

   Once you have completed one, it's hard not to make more.  And the more you make, the more delighted your littles will be!

                                 Giggle Monster Pattern

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

G crochet hook

fiberfill for stuffing

felt for eyes (or may use safety eyes if you like)

needle and thread to sew on eyes

yarn needle for weaving in ends

   This pattern is worked in rounds and I used a running stitch marker to keep track.  An understanding of basic stitches and general crochet terms is helpful.

    If you are not familiar with how to make a magic ring, this is a great tutorial to explain it.

  http://www.instructables.com/id/Crochet-Magic-Ring-Adjustable-Ring/

Rnd 1:  In a magic ring make 6 sc.

       2:  Make 2 sc in each st.  (12 sc)

       3: *Sc in next st., 2sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (18 sc)

       4:*Sc in next 2 sts., 2 sc in next st.*  Repeat to end of rnd. (24 sc)

       5 *Sc in next 3 sts., 2 sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (30 sc)

       6:*Sc in next 4 sts. 2 sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (36 sc)

      Rounds 7 through 11, Sc in each stitch around.

Rnd 12: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd.  (30 sc)

       13 and 14  Sc in each stitch around..

       15: *Sc in next 3 sts.,  sc2tog*   Repeat to end of rnd.  (24 sc)

       16 and 17  Sc in each stitch around.

       18: *Sc in next 2 sts., sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd. (18 sc)

        19: Sc in each stitch around.

        20: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd. (12 sc)

        Stuff your ‘Giggle’ and then sc2tog around until opening is closed. 

        Fasten off and  weave in the yarn end.

   To make the arms and legs visit this website for a great pictorial tutorial. 

 http://www.fiberfluxblog.com/2012/07/how-to-crochet-curlicue_31.html

   Attach your finished curlicues to the sides and bottoms of your ‘Giggle’ for arms and legs.

   Now, let your creative juices flow as you envision and create unique facial expressions.  I used felt shapes for the eyes and stitched them securely onto the ‘Giggle’.  If you decide to use safety eyes, attach them before you stuff and finish off your ‘Giggle’.  I used yarn to embroider on the mouth.  You can make the face as simple or as detailed as you like.

   For the hair I attached strands of yarn as if attaching fringe.  This tutorial does a great job of showing how to do this.

http://rescuedpawdesigns.com/2014/07/10/how-to-add-fringe-to-crochet-projects/#_a5y_p=4486753                            

     So there you  have it!  Happy little monsters that are sure to make you smile!

Blessings!

Reny

Slinky the dock dog..........work in progress!

     We have a winner!   Slinky the dog from Toy Story was the winner of the drawing held last week and Lori Bradley will receive this awesome crochet dog as soon as he is completed!

     I wanted a challenge, and boy, did I get one!  This dog sports a slinky body and an internal armature (frame) of wire to give him shape and stamina.  The free pattern can be found here.  http://www.galamigurumis.com/slinky-perro-muelle-toy-story/

     To enhance the challenge, the pattern is written in a mix of English and (I think) Spanish.  But it includes enough photos and English words that I have been able to decipher most of it.

   
      He really is adorable and I am having a blast working on this project.    I think I may have him completed by next weekend and will be posting pics of the finished doxy in my next post.
As a matter of fact, I am thinking of having a contest similar to this every few months.  I learn something new with each new project!

     Thanks to everyone who participated!  Be sure to visit my Facebook page often to see what I am up to and to join in the fun!         https://www.facebook.com/Renycrochets/

Blessings!
Reny

Handmade Yarn Varmints, Gifting Ideas for Little Elves....

Hello again varmint lovers!   The holidays are steadily creeping up on us  and I have had some questions about the sizes of my handmade yarn varmints. Some ofyou are wondering if they would make good stocking stuffers.   The answer is 'Yes',!  Yarn varmints can be made in virtually any size you like!  The trick is to use different weights of yarn and/or size of crochet hook.  The lighter weight the yarn and the smaller the hook size, the smaller the finished varmint will be.  And, of course, if you wish a larger handmade yarn varmint, use a bulky weight yarn and a larger hook.  So, as you can see,  they would make great stocking stuffers, or baby crib toys, or party favors or whatever you can imagine using a yarn varmint for.  

[caption id="attachment_96" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Yarn Varmints 'Giggles' Free E-Book with Pattern[/caption]

If you sign up for my monthly Yarn Varmint newsletter, you will receive my free 'Giggles' E-Book which includes the pattern for the original Giggle monsters  I designed. These little guys are approximately 4 inches tall when crafted using worsted weight yarn.   

Make varmints in a variety of sizes and dress them in festive holiday hats to line up on the mantle or tuck under the tree!  I would love to hear from you and see pics of your varmints.

So let's get crafty and have those holiday projects done early this year!  And don't forget to include a pack of handmade yarn varmints in the mix. Just imagine the delighted giggles when the little ones see these cute little monsters!

Blessings~
Reny

Welcome Summer!.... and new projects!

Whew!  It's been really busy lately what with visiting kids, etc.  But we're back home and getting into our summer groove.   We had a great trip to the Cleveland area to visit kids and grandkids.  We didn't get to see everyone, but maybe next trip.

Of course I took a crochet project or two.  I was able to finish this sweet little summer vest for my daughter.  She makes such a great model.   Sorry, I didn't get a close-up of the stitches.  But still, you can get a general idea of what it looks like.

I also finished this little crochet clutch after I got home.  I just needed something small and understated to carry to a wedding.  This was perfect.  I love the vintage button closure and the smart shell-stitch.

I love this little clutch purse and will probably use it often.  I may even make one in bright colors and add a shoulder strap for a cross-body bag.  Have I said these are really fun to make?  The free pattern can be found here.

Here's a Happy Little Hippo for you!

In keeping with my crocheted 'Giggles' characters, this week I have created the cutest little hippo!
The ears and nose were a little tricky and required a couple of redos, but I am satisfied with the end result.  I really love the color combination on this one!  The pattern can be found here at Ravelry and on Craftsy by searching Hippo 'Giggles' Amigurumi.   So, I now have 3 jungle animal 'giggle' patterns published.  What should I design next?

Finished!

Finished my bathroom rug!  WooHoo!  I like the way it turned out.  Now to figure out a way to make it non-slip.  Next bathroom project will be a seat cover.  I'm thinking of doing a Mandela type pattern, but all in one color to coordinate with the rug.    It should be interesting to see how it comes together.

Here is the finished rug.

The blue rounds are actually a darker blue than the pic shows.  I love the scallops around the edge!

Blessings!
Reny

Road Trip Scarf

     The first time I saw this scarf on Pinterest, I fell in love with it!  I love the open weave of the stitch, the unique scalloped border and the dainty flowers with the added twisted braids on the ends.  While most triangular scarves are worn with the point in the back, this one is designed to wear the point in the front with the two ends wrapped around the back of the neck and draped to the front as well.
   
     I finally got around to making my own.  I just happened to have a remnant of yarn, so I got to work.  As often happens when I try to use up some of my stash on a project,  I didn't have enough to finish, so had to go buy more.  Luckily, Walmart still had some to match.

                          Many thanks to Zooty Owl for sharing her design and free pattern.

More Headbands...

     I made several trellis headbands this weekend.  I think I like the results.  These headbands tie in the back (or wherever you want the tie to be) to close.  They are handmade and because of difficulty with patterns I had to come up with my own.  I'm eager to make this headband in different yarns, fibers and colors.  I think it will be a versatile accessory.

Spring headbands anyone?

This week I got a request for some spring headbands for little (and big) girls.  I really haven't made many headbands, so it's a new project for me.  Here's what I have come up with so far.  I'm still thinking on the 'big girl' headbands.  There are lots of patterns out there to choose from, but I would love to come up with something original.  I'm thinking of something boho/hippie style.  We'll see if my boho mojo kicks in.

Flowers and butterflies.  

Love the sweet little rose on this one.

This one is my favorite so far.  Love the
adorable little daisies.  This one is for
my sweet great-granddaughter, Maddie.

Giggles!

    While working from patterns is very rewarding, there is also great satisfaction in working up my own designs.  I love making cute, whimsical little creatures that bring a smile to faces.  ‘Giggles’ is one of those creations, and I offer this free pattern to all my fellow crocheters.  This little creature is pretty simple and works up fairly quickly.    I think these would make an adorable addition to an Easter basket or any festive occasion.  I may decorate my tree with them this next Christmas.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

G crochet hook

fiberfill for stuffing

felt for eyes (or may use safety eyes if you like)

needle and thread to sew on eyes

yarn needle for weaving in ends

This pattern is worked in rounds and I used a running stitch marker to keep track.  An understanding of basic stitches and general crochet terms is helpful.

   If you are not familiar with how to make a magic ring, here is a great tutorial to explain it.

Rnd 1:  In a magic ring make 6 sc.

       2:  Make 2 sc in each st.  (12 sc)

       3: *Sc in next st., 2sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (18 sc)

       4:*Sc in next 2 sts., 2 sc in next st.*  Repeat to end of rnd. (24 sc)

       5 *Sc in next 3 sts., 2 sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (30 sc)

       6:*Sc in next 4 sts. 2 sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (36 sc)

      Rounds 7 through 11, Sc in each stitch around.

Rnd 12: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd.  (30 sc)

       13 and 14  Sc in each stitch around.

       15: *Sc in next 3 sts.,  sc2tog*   Repeat to end of rnd.  (24 sc)

       16 and 17  Sc in each stitch around.

       18: *Sc in next 2 sts., sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd. (18 sc)

        19: Sc in each stitch around.

        20: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd. (12 sc)

        Stuff your ‘Giggle’ and then sc2tog around until opening is closed. 

        Fasten off and  weave in the yarn end.

To make the arms and legs visit this website  for a great pictorial tutorial. 

Attach your finished curlicues to the sides and bottoms of your ‘Giggle’ for arms and legs.

Now, let your creative juices flow as you envision and create unique facial expressions.  I used felt shapes for the eyes and stitched them securely onto the ‘Giggle’.  If you decide to use safety eyes, attach them before you stuff and finish off your ‘Giggle’.  I used yarn to embroider on the mouth.  You can make the face as simple or as detailed as you like. 

Tip: I have found it easier to sew on the face before stuffing the 'giggle'.

For the hair I attached strands of yarn as if attaching fringe.  This tutorial does a great job of showing how to do this.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did!  I would love to see pics of your ‘Giggles’ in the comments below.

                                                                                    Blessings!

                                                                                       Reny

Gotta Love This Pretty Necklace!

I love working with good high quality fibers when I'm crocheting!  And some of the yarns are sooo pretty!  Like this:  

The picture does not really do this necklace justice.  It is just gorgeous in real life!  This is hand crocheted using the Solomon's Knot stitch and is approximately 10 yards long and done in one long piece.  The options for looping this around the neck are varied and endless.   The button tab on it can be  removed or embellished with a broach or flower.

I love this necklace!  I can't wait to try more colors with this pattern.

Thanks to Carolyn at Living Skies Crochet  for this lovely pattern. 

Pinterest....A world of Wonder!

I Love Pinterest!!!

Here are my versions of two handmade greetings from Pinterest.  I simply adore the colors and the way these are put together.  Of course the originals are much more striking than my copies, but I try to use the materials I have on hand.  I also have to cut out some of the images by hand since I don't have a large collection of cutting dies.  This makes it quite time intensive.  However, I am delighted with the finished products and these cards will go to some special people on my list this year.

A special thanks to my Sis, who always sends these special 'pins' my way.

 Love you, Sissy!!!!!

My Latest Crafting Adventure

It's been awhile since I posted, and the thumbnails on the left will give you a hint why.  I have found that working with bits and pieces of pretty paper make me happy.    I like working on my  multiple scrapbooks, but I love making greeting cards!  The possibilities are just endless and they generally come together fairly quickly, which is perfect for an impatient person like me.  While I have several cards for sale in my Etsy shop (I need to recoup a little money to help support this habit)  I have just shipped my first package of cards to Operation Write Home, an organization that sends handmade cards to service men and women that they can write in and send back home to their loved ones.  There are no card shops in some of the places overseas where these fine members of our military are sent.  I'm glad to help out with this endeavor and hope you will click on the link and check them out.



http://www.operationwritehome.org/

Easy Christmas Gifts

So, all these marvelous handmade cards I am now collecting are serving as my packaging for my 'non-clutter Christmas'. Yes folks, at the risk of shocking all you Christmas giving traditionalists, I am giving cash this year. These beautiful cards will be the package and gift wrap for my gifts. And for those who feel the need to have a memento of the gift, the card will serve the purpose. It can be framed, scrap-booked, stashed or just scraped. Whatever suits the recipient is fine with me. They can then use the cash for whatever they would really like to have. No more unwanted and disappointing gifts and no more useless clutter.

And for me, no more giving anxiety. No more searching for the perfect item just to find it in the charity box in a few months. In today's economy, I have no desire to waste my money on something that may or may not be the right thing. And as I grow older, I find that the simple life suits me much better. The chaos of Christmas shopping no longer appeals to me. And I no longer feel the need to do things just because that's the commonly accepted way.

So, call me Scrooge, or the Grinch if you like. Or even rebellious. But I think it's time to live life a little differently. I'm done competing with the 'Jones's".

That said, I do have plans for a wonderful holiday celebration with my family and friends. But that will be another post.

Handmade Holiday Greeting Cards

This year I am endeavoring to give beautiful personalized handmade cards to all my family and a few close friends. My friend, Gina, from BabyFishDesigns is such a great help to me in this project. Having tried making my own cards, I found that it is a time consuming task that requires lots of creativity. Since my time is limited, and my creativity does not lean toward paper crafts, I am doing the next best thing. I am having them made. While Gina has some outstanding items in her lovely Etsy shop, I tend to hit the custom request most of the time. I have found her to be exceptional in creativity and in promptly getting to work on my request. With just a little bit of information about the recipient of the card, she is able to create cards that perfectly fit the occasion and the person. And did I mention that her prices are exceptional as well? I could not buy such a perfect card at the card shop for the same low price. I was especially delighted with a 'rush' order for a birthday card just recently. As I placed the card in the envelope, I noted that the butterfly on the card was repeated on the envelope! How perfect is that!? Such attention to details is what makes me return again and again. Please visit her shop at:

http://www.babyfishdesigns.etsy.com

Rainy Tuesday

Sometimes I just love a rainy day! There's something about the subdued skies and sound of rain on the roof that is just relaxing. And all the better when I know that I don't have to leave the house today.

I have a bit of an annoying sniffle today. It's that time of year I guess. A bit of extra vitamin C will help, and lots of soft fluffy tissues. ;) Still, it's a great day!

Two new items have been added to The Kings Treasury today. If you get the time, go check them out. One of them has a prophetic word included. This is a bold step since not everyone understands or accepts that God still speaks to His people today except through His word. And when this subject comes up, I always stress that the Bible is the number one way God speaks today. And any prophetic word given must be in line with what the Lord has already spoken and recorded in His word. That said, I think it is exciting to know that God is not totally silent in these tumultuous times. I love it when He has something special to say to only me. It makes me feel like He is near and He really is mindful of each one of us. That makes even a rainy day seem special!

Win a Beautiful Necklace and Earring Set!

I am sponsoring a give away for this beautiful crystal necklace and earring set on the blog listed below. Go check it out and enter for your chance to win.

Handmade showcase is a great blog with lots of interesting crafts and people. You will enjoy it.


http://handmadeshowcase.blogspot.com/2008/08/giveaway-contest-renys-beads.html


Be sure to leave a comment stating your favorite item in my Etsy shop so your name will be entered in the contest.

Oh, I can't wait to see who the lucky winner will be!