Gifts and treats

Celebration time!
My daughter will turn 4 years old on July 12th and because it was her last week of preschool, we had to bring treats for the kids in her class and a little thank you present for her teachers.  I was lucky that there weren't that many kids left at the end of the school year. So I decided to make something myself.
Frog finger puppets and magic wand pencils for the kids and flower coasters for the teachers.

It was a great success and everybody was pleased with their gifts!

Here's how its done. All patterns are written in US crochet terms.

Magic wand pencils

Buy some colorful pencils and thin ribbon to match.
You can use your scraps of yarn for the stars. I used Phildar Phil coton 3 and crochet hook size 3mm.

Make two stars.
Form a magic ring.
R1: 10 sc in ring. Pull gently on tail to tighten ring. Join round with sl st in first sc (10 st)
R2: ch 1, [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] repeat 5 times. Join round with sl st in beginning ch (15 st)
R3: sl st, [hdc, dc, trc, dc, hdc in next st, 2 sl st] repeat 4 times. Hdc, dc, trc, dc, hdc in next st, Join round with sl st.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Leave a long tail on the second star to sew the two stars together. Insert the eraser end of the pencil just before you finish closing completely. You should be able to remove the star to use the eraser. 

Put a drop of glue on the pencil just under the star and tie the thin ribbon around the pencil.
Wave your wand and say the magic words "Bibbidi-Bobbiti-Boo"!

Frog finger puppet

Colors: green, white, black and any color you wish for his/her shorts.
Crochet hook size 2,5 mm.

Head and body:
In green, form a magic ring.
R1: 6 sc (6 st)
R2: 2 sc in each sc (12 st)
R3: 1 sc, 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, 3 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each sc to end (16 st)
R4: 1 sc, [1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] repeat 2 times, 1 sc in each sc to end (19 st)
R5: 1 sc, [2 sc together] repeat 3 times, 1 sc in each sc to end (15 st)
R6: [2 sc together] 3 times, 1 sc in each sc to end (12 st)
R7: sc in each sc to end (12 st)
R8-11: repeat R7. Fasten off.
R12: Change to desired color. sc in back loops only of each sc to end (12 st)
R13: sc in each sc to end (12 st)
R14: repeat R13. Fasten off.

Eyes: make 2
In black
R1: ch 1. Fasten off. Leave both tails.

In white
R1: ch 3, join round with sl st. Fasten off. Leave one long tail.

In green, form a magic ring.
R1: 8 sc in ring. Pull gently on tail to tighten ring. Join round with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Leave long tail to sew eyes onto the head.

Pull black tails through the white circle and secure with a double knot. Then sew the white part onto the green part of the eye.
Sew complete eyes onto the top of the head.

Arms: make 2
R1: ch 8. Fasten off.
Sew each arm onto the side of the body.

I pulled the frogs over small lolly pops for a special treat.

Flower Coasters

I used this pattern for the coasters. Many thanks to  A Spoonful of Sugar for the great pattern!
Add a tea glass, some tea and chocolates and you have a great gift for the teacher!

Rain or shine

The family had a short break and we went to Ibiza for relaxation, fun and sun!

The timing could not have been better because it rained the whole week in the Netherlands while we sat on the beach or by the pool basking in the glorious sun rays.

Of course I had lots of time to crochet and I started working on a new "What's your name?" baby blanket. This time in grey and pink for a baby girl.

 

 

Now were back home and unfortunately it's still raining so instead of sitting in the sun I'm inside on the couch with a crochet hook in my hand.

 

Goes to say it doesn't matter where you are or what the weather is like ..... It's always a perfect time to crochet!!!!

 

 

Colorful Yarn

I got a little bit carried away when I was buying yarn this week.
Just like a little kid in a candy shop!

 

Somehow you can never have enough...... well there are worse addictions I can think of.
There is something about all the different colors. It brings a smile to my face!

All the yarn shown is Phil Coton 3 by Phildar. I love working with this brand because it comes in lots and lots of colors, as you can see. And it's 100% cotton enriched with aloe vera. So it's nice and soft.
Just perfect for my "What's your name?" baby blanket. I'm hoping to make a few more of these blankets. You can place your custom order here.

What's your favorite brand?

Personalized baby blanket for Jens - free pattern

In my previous post I told you I was working on a secret project.

Well the gift has been given to it's new little owner, Jens, my brother's son.
So now as promised it's time to tell and show you all!

I just love personalized gifts. As soon as I heard my brother and his girlfriend were expecting I knew I wanted to make something with the baby's name on it. The only disadvantage is you have to wait until the baby is born before you can finish your gift.
Often we know beforehand if it will be a boy or a girl but a name always remains a secret. In this case you can start with the blanket and add the name later on. Just pray they don't choose a really long name ;-). In that case you can just use initials!

Want to make your own "What's My Name" baby blanket?
Here's how.......

Materials

• yarn in 7 different colors (1 skein of each color) and 5 skeins in main color
• crochet hook (slightly larger than your yarn requires) I used 4mm.
• crochet hook (smaller size for crocheting the name) I used 3mm.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• scissors

I used the following yarn and colors:

A. Phil coton 3 color 0008 Mercure (main color)

B. Phil coton 3 color 0049 Craie

C. Phil coton 3 color 0054 Canard

D. Phil coton 3 color 0056 Marine

E. Phil coton 3 color 0072 Cuivre

F. Phil coton 3 color 0086 Anisade

G. Phil coton 3 color 0087 Bambou all by Phildar 

H. Larra color 17336 by Scheepjes

 

 

Used stitches and abbreviations

Moss stitch also known as granite stitch. If you don't know this stitch, I recommend you watch this video before you start.

ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
sc = single crochet

Instructions

With color A, ch 115.
Row 1: sc in 3rd starting ch from hook, *ch 1, skip a ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * until you reach the end of the row. End with a sc in the last starting ch, then ch 2 (= turning ch and 1st ch 1 for the next row). Turn your work.
Row 2: sc in ch one sp of previous row, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp. Repeat from * until the end of the row. End with a sc in the ch two sp. Ch 2 and turn work.
Continue repeating row 2.

Color scheme as follows:
Row 1 - 12 color A
Row 13 & 14 color H
Row 15 color E
Row 16 color C
Row 17 color F
Row 18 color D
Row 19 color G
Row 20 color B
Row 21 color E
Row 22 color D
Row 23 color G
Row 24 color H
Row 25 color C
Row 26 color B
Row 27 color F
Row 28 color A
continue in reverse order starting with F from row 27 (then B, C, H, G, D, E etc.)
When you reach color A again continue in this color until you have used all 5 skeins.

How to change color at end of row
In the last sc of the row stop when you have two loops on your hook. Cut your working thread and leave a tail of approx. 4" (10 cm). Take the new color and pull it through both loops and continue by chaining 2. Turn work and continue working moss stitch in the new color.

Weaving in ends
Take two tails and tie a double knot. Then use your tapestry needle and weave in each end in the row of the corresponding color.

Crocheting name
I used the following tutorial from Sol de Noche {deco crochet}. Thanks for the inspiration Cintia!
Only don't use wire as she mentions. After you have the length you need to make the name you want. Simply sew the crochet "snake" as I like to call it, onto your blanket.

And presto you have a very special customized baby blanket!

Happy crocheting!

 

I would love to see your finished blanket! 

You can always mail me a photo or add your project to Ravelry.

 

If you would like to share, please use the main picture or the collage above and link back to the original post!  

Pip without Woezel & WIP

Are you wondering what is going on in my crochet studio?...........
At the moment I am working on two new projects.

The first is an order for a baby gift.
It's always nice when a customer gives you a bit of freedom to create something and trusts you will come up with something fantastic and original.

This time I was only told "She likes Woezel & Pip. Can you do something with that?"
"Yes of course. I love a challenge!" was my reply.

For those of you who do not live in The Netherlands, you probably don't know who they are. Woezel and Pip is an animated series based on the very popular children's books of the two sweetest dogs in the world.

My preference went to Pip (the yellow dog). I choose bright and gender neutral colors as we don't know if it's going to be a boy or girl. 
I found a free amigurumi pattern for Pip by Sabrina Somers and adjusted it a bit by adding a heart and little granny square blanket he is holding.

 

Also a small detail ... the original Pip has a small heart on his bottom.



The second project still needs to remain a secret. Why you ask?
Simply because the person to receive it reads my blog, so I can't tell you all to much about it. ;-)
But when the time comes I will show and tell you all. I promise!

As for now just a few photo's to make it even more mysterious.

What is going to be and maybe more importantly, who is it for?


What's keeping you busy these days?

From the Heart blanket pattern

Hello everyone...I finished the pattern for the baby blanket I've been working on.

It took some time to complete everything,  but I'm really pleased with the overall result. 
Design blanket✓
Squares made ✓
Squares joined ✓
Border done ✓
Ends weaved in ✓
Photos taken ✓
Pattern written ✓
and pattern published ✓

I'm calling it the "From the Heart Blanket"!

This pattern consists of squares that go from Heart to Circle to Square shape.

It works up nicely and would make a great gift for a baby or as someone commented before, it would also make a nice afghan for a wedding gift. Hearts equal LOVE!

Choose a color scheme to suit your own style, the nursery décor or wedding.

This PDF pattern comes in both US and UK crochet terms as well as in Dutch. More information can be found in my Etsy or Ravelry shops.





You might also like my "Field of Flowers" blanket design.

 

I have so many more ideas (almost a notebook full!). So I am pleased to say more designs will become PDF patterns in the future. 

Saying "I love you" with crochet

I'm sorry to say that my "Falling in love" blanket from my previous post is not near finished, let alone the photo tutorial and crochet instructions that goes along with the new design. Sometimes things seem to go faster in my head and then I realize that it takes a lot more time than I thought.

So instead, I decided to share some of my most favorite crochet designs for Valentine's Day with you. Maybe it's a little too late to make them for your Valentine this year, but just remember it's never to late to say

"I love you!"

 

I simply just love, love, LOVE the colorful crochet LOVE word, by Cintia

designer of Sol de Noche {deco crochet}.

She includes the pattern & a great tutorial to make your own.

 

Who wouldn't want to receive an airmail crocheted love letter in their mailbox?

From Ruby & Custard including photo tutorial.

 

 

A balloon heart by Airali design. Her blog shows the Italian pattern and the English version can be found on Simply Crochet, also includes photo tutorial.

 

For those of you on a everlasting diet.... a crocheted Box of chocolates.

A step-by-step instruction including photo's. By Tanya Eberhardt.

 

 

Beautiful roses. Easy pattern from Skip to my Lou.

 

 

Have a great Valentine's Day!

xoxo



 

Sneak peek - new crochet design

Hello everyone!
The last couple of days I have been busy working on a new crochet design for a baby blanket.

Here's a little sneak peek.....

I just ♥ this color combination.

It's times like this I wish I could crochet all day & night. Just love it when the creative juices are pumping through the veins.

I hope to show the end result real soon! Maybe Valentine's Day?
So stay tuned for more and in the meantime feel free to say hello.

Fantastic Fox knitting pattern & kit - finally available

Finally.... it's taken me some time, but I have finished working out the knitting pattern for my Fantastic Fox kids scarf!








My daughter receives so many compliments when she wears her Fox. 

I have been selling the ready-made scarves in my Etsy shop for a couple of months now and have been getting great reviews from around the globe.
Don't want to brag.... okay just a little bit ;-)

Because I know there are so many creative people out there who want to make their very own Fantastic Fox for their children or even grandchildren. I decided to work out the knitting pattern for everyone to enjoy! The pattern is available in English or Dutch.

Also I made a Knitting Kit including pattern and all the wool you will need to make one scarf in the color of your choice. Saves you the trouble of looking for the yarn and it also makes a great gift for someone who enjoys knitting.

Don't forget to add a picture of your finished Fox scarf to the projects page on Raverly to inspire more people!

 

And the winner is.......

As promised earlier ...... I am proud to announce the winner of my crocheted snowflake giveaway!

 

......Drum roll please........

Congratulations Margaret! Please send me an email with your address and I will send them to you.

Gefeliciteerd Margaret! Stuur je me een email met je adresgegevens? Dan stuur ik de sneeuwvlokjes z.s.m. naar je toe.