Aunt Barb's Christmas Stocking

Aunt Barb loved to crochet, and she was quick to crochet each new baby a Christmas stocking for their first Christmas.  Made in the traditional granny square they each became a treasured heirloom.  When cancer took her home to heaven the tradition has continued and each new baby gets a stocking from Grandma.  Here is her basic pattern, we have used many color combinations but the favorite are the classic red, green and white.  Enjoy!

For this you will need 3 colors of yarn, I am using red, green, and white Red Heart Yarn which was her favorite to use for the project. 

Size J crochet hook

yarn needle

To start your first granny square  with red yarn chain 3 and make a loop,

Round 1: ch 2, make 2 DC in the loop, (ch 1, do 3 DC in the loop), repeat 2 times, ch 1 slip st to the top of the ch 2, tie off.  You will need 15 of these, I find it faster to just work with one color and do all the squares at once.    

Round 2: with green working in the corner ch 1 space, ch 2, 2 DC, ch 1 3 DC in the first corner, ch 1 move to the next corner and do 3 DC, ch 1 3 DC, repeat in the next two corners, ch 1 sl st in the top of the first ch 2, tie off.  

Round 3:  with white and starting in the corner ch 2 2DC, ch 1 3DC, ch 1 3DC in the center ch 1 space, then the next corner 3 DC, ch 1 3DC, ch 1 3DC, ch 1 repeat ending with a ch 1 sl st to the top of the ch 2.  For this round I leave a long string to use to sew the squares together as I go.  

For the heel of the stocking make 1:

Round 1: chain 3 in red and make a loop.  Ch 2, make 2 DC in the loop, ch 1, 3 DC, repeat once, ch 1 sl st to the top of the ch 2.  

Round 2:  in green, ch 2, 2DC, ch 1, 3 DC, ch 1 then 3 DC, ch 1, 3DC  ch 1 repeat in the next corner, ch1 and sl st to the top of the ch 2.  Tie off and switch to white.  

Round 3: working in white, ch 2, 2 DC in the first corner, ch 1 3 DC in the same space, ch 1 3DC in the next ch 1 space, ch 1 3 DC ch 1 DC in the next corner, repeat around, ch 1 sl st to the top of the first ch 2.  tie off leaving a long string.  

Sew pieces together starting at the toe then do 2 rows of double crochet around the top of the stocking starting at the back of the sock, make a chain 20 from the end of your second row to make a loop for hanging the stocking, then do 2 rows of SC on the chain to make it sturdy.

Baby Bear Hat

I have two new grandsons this month and one foster granddaughter, so of course they needed a new hat.  This hat I first made in Martha Stewart extra soft wool blend, and loved how it was so soft and warm, then I made it in Lion Brand Heartland yarn, and loved that as well.  Pictured will be the Heartland yarn hat.

For this you will need the following:

Lion Brand Heartland Yarn in:

126 Sequoia

169 Shenandoah

Size I or 5.5 mm hook

yarn needle

2 black buttons

Starting with the Sequoia make a magic loop or a ch 4 loop and ch 1.

Round 1:  do 10 HDC in the loop and pull tight, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.
Round 2:  do 2 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1. (20 HDC)
Round 3:  do 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.  (30 HDC)
Round 4:  do 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 2 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.  (40 HDC)
Round 5:  do 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 4 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.  (48 HDC)
Rounds 6- 12:  1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1.  (48 HDC)
At the end of round 12 begin the first ear flap.


Ear Flap:
Row 1:  1 SC in the next 8 sts, ch 1 and turn.
Row 2:  SCD in the first 2 sts, 1 SC in the next 4 sts, SCD in the last 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 3:  1 SC in the next 6 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 4:  SCD in the first 2 sts, 1 SC in the next 2 sts, SCD in th last 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 5:  1 SC in the next 4 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 6:  SCD in the first 2 sts, SCD in the next 2 sts, ch 1 turn.
Row 7:  SCD in the last 2 sts, tie off.
Count 18 sts across the front of the hat and start ear flap 2.

After you finish the second ear flap starting at the tip of either ear flap with Shenandoah SC evenly around the base of the hat.

Ears are made in 4 parts, 1 inside ear and 1 outside ear stitched together, this makes the ear a little more sturdy.  I crocheted the front to the back to save time just matching sts from the front to the back and HDC the two together.

Inside Ear, make 2
Round 1:  starting with a magic loop, ch 1 and make 12 HDC in magic loop, sl st to the top of the first st, ch 1
Round 2:  2 HDC in the next 10 sts. (20 HDC) tie off.

Repeat instructions above for the outside ear but do not tie off after round two, ch 1 then start
Round 3:  with the inside ear on top, do 1 HDC in each st, through both sts on the inside and outside ear around, tie off leaving a long tail to sew on the ear.

Nose:  starting with Sequoia and a magic ring, ch 1.
Round 1:  make 10 SC in the ring, sl st to the top of the first st and tie off leaving enough tail to make a mouth with your yarn needle and a double thread.
Round 2:  switch to Shenandoah, ch 1 and do 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around and sl st to the top of the first st and ch 1. (15 HDC)
Round 3:  Do 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 2 sts, repeat around, tie off leaving a long tail to sew on the nose.  I used a little bit of polyfill stuffing to make the nose stick out just a little.

Braids:
For each braid cut 6 strands of Sequoia and 6 strands of Shenandoah.  Make each strand about 30 inches long.

Rose Beanie Crochet Hat

I had a request for the Rose Beanie in Adult size so here it is.  My husband and daughter are on a dental mission trip this week in Guyana so I have had a little time to catch up on things and finish up a few projects.  This hat was made with Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Wool, but any worsted weight yarn will work.

For this you will need the following:
Cascade Yarns 220 Super Wash wool in color number 862 (brown)
Size J or 6mm hook
yarn needle
Size L or 8mm hook
CL = Cluster stitch
Beg CL = Beginning Cluster stitch

To start make a magic loop with your J hook, or chain 4 loop and chain 1.
Round 1:  make 12 HDC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first stitch.
Round 2:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in each stitch around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (24 HDC)
Round 3:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (36 HDC)
Round 4:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 2 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (48 HDC)
Round 5:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (56 HDC)
Round 6:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (64 HDC)
Rounds 7-16:  ch 2, make the Beg CL in the same st, ch 1, *sk the next st, CL in the next st ch 1, repeat from * (32 Clusters) sl st to the top of the first CL and sl st to the ch 1 space.  Clusters in rows 8-16 will be worked in the ch 1 space between the clusters of the previous row.

The beginning cluster (beg cl) stitch is made by ch 2, yo, insert hook in the designated st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Cluster Stitches (cl) are Yo, insert hook in designated st, yo, pull lp through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, [yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook]twice, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook. 

Rounds 17-20:  ch 1, SC in each st around (64 SC) sl st to the top of the first st. 
After round 20 tie off and weave in all ends.  

Flower:  with your L hook, chain 4 and make a loop.
Round 1:  ch 1 and SC in the loop, ch 3, SC in the loop, ch 3 SC in the loop, ch 3 and sl st to the first SC. 
Round 2:  sl st in the first ch 3 space then do *1HDC, 3DC, 1HDC, Slip stitch in each chain 3 loop.  
Round 3:  you will be working on the backside for this round and making the foundation for the next round of petals.  SC around the post of the first petal and ch 3,  SC between the 2 & 3 DC in the first petal from round 2, ch 3, SC between the HDC and 1st DC in the next petal, ch 3, SC between the HDC and sl st on the same petal, ch 3, SC between the 2 & 3 DC in the last petal, ch 3 and sl st in the SC on the post.  

Round 4:  in each ch 3 space do, 1 sl st, 1 HDC, 4DC, 1 HDC, 1 sl st.  For a total of 5 petals.

Round 5: working on the backside again for the next foundation, SC around the post of the first petal, ch 3, SC between the 4th DC and the HDC in the first petal, ch 3 and SC between the 3rd &4th DC in the second petal, ch 3 and SC between the 2nd & 3rd DC in the third petal, ch 3 and SC between the 1st & 2nd DC in the fourth petal, ch 3 and SC between the first HDC and DC in the fifth petal ch 3 and sl st to the first SC in the post.

Round 6:  for each ch 3 space do 1 sl st, 1 HDC, 5 DC, 1 HDC, 1 sl st.   Tie off after you finish the 6th petal leaving a long tail to sew on the flower.  

Newborn Rose Beanie

This little cutie is my great niece who was born a few weeks early.  We said a lot of prayers for her and her mommy who had to spend several weeks in the hospital before baby was born.  We are thankful that she did not have to spend any time in the NICU and was able to go home after just two days!!  

This is basically the same pattern as the Flower Hat but using DK yarn and a smaller hook.  I wanted to make a few up ahead as with many nieces and nephews now married and starting their families I need a stash of hats for the new little ones.  For this you will need the following:

DK Yarn in the color of your choice, I used Cascade Cherub DK in Lavendar color 16.  

Hook size for the hat was H or 5mm.

Flower Hook size J.

Yarn needle to weave in ends and sew on flower.

For a Preemie hat use a G hook.  

 Start with a magic loop or a chain 4 loop which ever you prefer.
Round 1:  Ch 1 and make 10 HDC, sl st to the top of the first HDC.
Round 2:  Ch 1 and do 2 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (20 HDC)
Round 3:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (30 HDC)
Round 4:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (36 HDC)
Round 5:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next 5 stitches, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC, join to the top of the first HDC.  (42 HDC)
Round 6:  Ch 1 and do *2 HDC in the first st and 1 HDC in the next 6 stitches, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first HDC.  (48 HDC)
Round 7 is worked in cluster stitches.  Ch 2 and make beg cl in the first st, (see below for instructions on cluster stitches) *ch 1, sk the next stitch and begin cl in the next st. Repeat from * around, sl st to the top of the first cl.  (24 CL) 

The beginning cluster (beg cl) stitch is made by ch 2, yo, insert hook in the designated st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Cluster Stitches (cl) are Yo, insert hook in designated st, yo, pull lp through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, [yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook]twice, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook. 

Rounds 8-12:  sl st to the first ch 1 space and make beg cl (instructions above), *ch 1 make next cl in the next ch 1 space, repeat around, ch 1 sl st at the top of the first cl. (24 cl)

Rounds 13-16:  ch 1 and SC in each st around, sl to to the top of the first SC.  (48 SC) At the end of round 16 tie off and weave in end.  

Flower:  chain 4 and make a loop.
Round 1:  ch 1 and SC in the loop, ch 3, SC in the loop, ch 3 SC in the loop, ch 3 and sl st to the first SC. 
Round 2:  sl st in the first ch 3 space then do *1HDC, 3DC, 1HDC, Slip stitch in each chain 3 loop.  
Round 3:  you will be working on the backside for this round and making the foundation for the next round of petals.  SC around the post of the first petal and ch 3,  SC between the 2 & 3 DC in the first petal from round 2, ch 3, SC between the HDC and 1st DC in the next petal, ch 3, SC between the HDC and sl st on the same petal, ch 3, SC between the 2 & 3 DC in the last petal, ch 3 and sl st in the SC on the post.  

Round 4:  in each ch 3 space do, 1 sl st, 1 HDC, 4DC, 1 HDC, 1 sl st.  For a total of 5 petals.

Round 5: working on the backside again for the next foundation, SC around the post of the first petal, ch 3, SC between the 4th DC and the HDC in the first petal, ch 3 and SC between the 3rd &4th DC in the second petal, ch 3 and SC between the 2nd & 3rd DC in the third petal, ch 3 and SC between the 1st & 2nd DC in the fourth petal, ch 3 and SC between the first HDC and DC in the fifth petal ch 3 and sl st to the first SC in the post.

Round 6:  for each ch 3 space do 1 sl st, 1 HDC, 5 DC, 1 HDC, 1 sl st.   Tie off after you finish the 6th petal leaving a long tail to sew on the flower.  

Baby Tulip Sun Hat

This is an all cotton hat that will be cute for spring or summer, and help keep the sun out of baby's eyes.  I had some time this last week to slow down, not really by choice, my appendix decided that it was going to act up, so it had to come out.  I looked at lots of patterns and got lots of ideas, and after trying a tulip border for a dish cloth decided I wanted to do one into a hat.  For this hat I learned a new stitch, the ball stitch, and then made a Y stitch that I will explain in the pattern, it is not hard and worked great for the leaves.

For this I used Bernat Cottontots yarn in the following colors:

Sweet Cream

Poppy

Catnip

This was stash yarn, so no longer available, however, Lion Brand Cotton Ease, or Lion Brand Natures choice would also work nicely.  You could also use Cascade Yarns Luna, or Avalon.  

You will need a size I or 5.5mm hook, and a yarn needle.

Size 6-12 months

Using cream make a magic loop or a make a ch 4 loop then ch 1.

Round 1:  do 10 HDC in the loop, draw it tight and sl st to the top of the first st.  

Round 2:  ch 1, do 2 HDC in each stitch around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (20 HDC)

Round 3:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (30 HDC).  

Round 4:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (35 HDC)

Round 5:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 6 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (40 HDC)

Round 6:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 7 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (45 HDC)

Round 7:  ch 1, do *2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 8 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (50 HDC)

Rounds 8-10:  ch 1, do 1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (50 HDC)  Tie off after round 10 and switch to Poppy.  

The Ball Stitch is made by doing 4 HDC together.  The stitch is *YO (yarn over), insert hook into designated stitch, YO and draw through st, repeat this 3 more times, YO and draw through all 9 loops leaving one remaining.  

The Beginning Ball Stitch is made by doing a ch 1, YO, insert hook into same st, YO and draw through st,  repeat 2 more times, YO and draw through all 7 loops.  If you start with the ch 1 then a regular ball stitch your first ball stitch would be slightly bigger.  

Round 11:

You will be working the ball stitch in every other stitch around (25 balls).  To start with your beginning ball stitch, ch 1 (this will count as the first YO and draw through), then YO insert the hook in the same st as the ch, draw through, repeat 2 more times, YO and draw through all 7 loops, *(ch 2, sk the next st, and start the next regular ball stitch YO, insert hook into st, YO and draw through st, repeat this 3 more times, YO and draw through all 9 loop leaving one remaining).  Repeat from * around making a ball stitch in every other stitch, and sl st to the top of the first ball st and tie off.  Switch to Catnip.

Round 12:  this is a stitch I am going to call a Y stitch, you begin on one side of the ball, switch to the other side then finish the post of the stitch.  To start attach your catnip or green yarn next to any ball stitch, ch 2, YO insert hook in the ch 2 space on the other side of the ball stitch pull up a loop, YO pull through 2 loops, YO pull through last 2 loops, ch 2, then start the next Y stitch around the next ball stitch in the same ch 2 space from the previous row, *(YO insert hook and pull up a loop, YO pull through 2 loops, YO insert hook on the opposite side of the ball stitch pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops, YO pull through the last 3 loops, ch 2).   repeat from * around to make the tulip stem around each ball stitch.  Slip stitch to the bottom of the first flower post and tie off.

Round 13:  switch back to cream ch 1 and do 2 HDC in each ch 2 space from the previous row, sl st to the top of the first st. (50 HDC)

Round 14:  ch 1, 1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st. (50 HDC).
Round 15:  ch 1, 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (75 sts).
Round 16:  ch 1, 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 4 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (90 HDC).
Round 17:  1 SC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st, tie off and weave in all ends.  (90 SC)

Size 0-3 months

begin with your magic loop, ch 1.
Round 1:  make 10 HDC in the loop, sl st to the top of the first st.
Round 2:  ch 1, 2 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first st. (20 HDC)
Round 3:  ch 1, 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next st, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (30 HDC).
Round 4:  ch 1, 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (35 HDC).
Round 5:  ch 1, 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 6 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (40 HDC).
Round 6:  ch 1, 2 HDC in the first st, 1 HDC in the next 9 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (44 HDC).
Rounds 7-8:  ch 1, 1 HDC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first ch, tie off after round 8 and switch to Poppy.
Round 9:  make a ball stitch in every other stitch around ch 2 between each ball (see above instructions). (22 ball stitches)
Round 10:  Follow instructions above in round 12 and make a Y stitch around each ball stitch, tie off and switch back to cream.
Round 11:  ch 1 and do 2 HDC in each ch 2 space from the previous row.  (44 HDC).
Round 12:  ch 1, do 2 HDC in the first st, and 1 HDC in the next repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st. (66 HDC).
Round 13:  ch 1, do 2 HDC in the first st, and 1 HDC in the next 5 sts, repeat around, sl st to the top of the first st.  (77 HDC).

Round 14: do 1 SC in each st around, sl st to the top of the first stitch, tie off and weave in all loose ends.  

Victoria Beanie

I've been really bored sitting on the couch, rehabbing from a badly sprained ankle. When the doctor told me that I should be off it for 7 to 10 days, I had to come up with something to do. So, with the design assistance of one of my favorite teenage "daughters", here is what I spent 2 of my 10 days doing...

The Victoria Slouchy Beanie - designed, in part by Vicki

Supplies:

Yarn - Bernat Softee Baby in Soft Red (it was all I had within reach!)

Size 7 Circular Needles, 16" (and double points in size 7 if desired)

Cable Needle

Stitch Marker

Embroidery or Yarn Needle

Pattern:

Cast on 118 stitches and work 1" in a K1, P1 rib.

After band is formed, begin working the following pattern refering to Chart 1 (cable) and Chart 2 (leaves). 

Row 1: Knit Chart 1 (cable), Knit Chart 2 (leaves) - for this row only K2Tog on the first stitch of Chart 2 (leaves). Repeat Charts 1 and 2 twice more (3 repeats of each chart total)

Since the charts cover different numbers of rows, it is important to keep track of each section independently. Work the charts in pattern until the hat reaches approximately 9" - you will have completed the leaves chart 5 times.

Chart 1 - Cable Pattern

Chart 2 - Leaves Pattern

 Begin Decrease using the following pattern:
Decrease Row 1 - continue to work the cable chart as previous. In each section where the leaves chart is worked K2, K2tog, K7, SSK, P, K2tog, K7, SSK, K2.
Decrease Row 2 - while working cable chart; in leaves section, K2, K2tog, K5, SSK, P, K2Tog, K5, SSK, K2.
Decrease Row 3 - while working cable chart; in leaves section, K2, K2Tog, K3, SSK, P, K2Tog, K3, SSK, K2.
Decrease Row 4 - while working cable chart; in leaves section, K2, K2Tog, K, SSK, P, K2Tog, K, SSK, K2.
Decrease Row 5 - while working cable chart; in leaves section K2, K3Tog, P, K3Tog, K2.
Decrease Row 6 - while working cable chart; in leaves section K3Tog, P, K3Tog.
Decrease Row 7 - while working cable chart; in leaves section K3tog.
Decrease Row 8 - starting in cable section P2Tog, P, work knit stitches as in cable chart, P, P2Tog, K (the stitch left from leaves section). Repeat this twice more, but stop row one stitch short
Decrease Row 9 - with last stitch from previous row P3tog, work knit stitches as in cable chart, P3tog. Repeat twice more.
Decrease Row 10 - P, K2Tog, K2, K2Tog. Repeat twice more.
Decrease Row 11 - K2Tog. Repeat until last stitch. Sew through stitches and bind off to create top of the hat.

Bitty Baby Wave Blanket

I have three granddaughters who have Bitty Babies and they are some of their favorite playmates, when they come here to visit they like to find Auntie Emily's Bitty Twins and play with them wrapping them in an old knitted wave afghan that was made for my girls.  I thought it was time to use up some of the stash yarn and make something they could play with at home that would be just the right size.

For this you will need some worsted weight yarn.  I used Caron Simply Soft in bright colors, and for the second baby blues with
Bernat Softee Baby yarn.
Size I or 5.5 mm hook
yarn needle to weave in ends

The wave pattern in made in multiples of 13 for the base chain, I used 91.  So for this size chain 91.

ROW 1:  Starting in the third chain from the hook DC in the next 4 sts, *(3 DC in the next st, then 1 DC in the next 5 sts., sk the next 2 ch sts., then 1 DC in the next 5 sts), repeat from * across.   At the end ch 3 and turn.
ROW 2:  Sk the first st, then 1 DC in the next 4 sts, *(3 DC in the next st, then 1 DC in the next 5 sts, sk the next 2 sts., then 1 DC in the next 5 sts), repeat from * across.  At the end of the row chain 3 and turn.

Repeat Row 2 until you have completed 36 rows.  

I did 4 rows of each color to make a striped afghan, but you can make your blanket in any color combination that you like.  This is a great way to use up old yarn!!