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Free Easy Crochet Cocoon Pattern

So I've been making a ton of these cocoons as part of a set for a baby candy corn set.  I thought I'd share the basic pattern with you, and you can use it for a ton of different ideas.  First, I like to use a magic circle so if you don't you can also use a chain 2 and sl st into the first chain and chain 2.  I do not use my starting ch-2 as a stitch.  I like it there to fill in a bit so you don't have any gaps in the row.   I didn't add the color change so you can decide where that would be or perhaps not at all if you just want a one color cocoon! Note also you can make more or less rows if you're making for a preemie or a very big baby.

J hook
Worsted weight 4 yarn

Row 1:  Magic circle, chain 2, and place 12 dc in circle.  Tighten circle and sl st to first dc. 
Row 2:  Chain 2, and place 2 dc in each stitch around.  Sl st to first dc. 
Row 3:  Chain 2 and place 2 dc in the same stitch as sl st.  *Dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch*, repeat from * to * around.  Sl st to first dc.
Row 4:  Chain 2, and place 2 dc in the same stitch as sl st.  *Dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch*, repeat from * to * around.  Dc in last stitch.  Sl st to first dc.
Row 5:  Chain 2, and place 2 dc in same stitch as sl st.  *Dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch*, repeat from * to * around.  Dc in last stitches.  Sl st to first dc.
Row 6-27:  Chain 2, dc in each stitch around.  Sl st to first dc.
Row 28:  Chain 1, sc in each stitch around.  Sl st to first sc.  Fasten off and weave in ends because you're done! 

So Many Ideas, Too Little Time!

My creative juices are flowing, my energy is up, I'm ready to go...  and....  no.   I now officially have at least 10 projects started and a list of things to do that is growing every minute I'm awake.  Oh, while I'm awake...that's it, I'll take a nap! 

If only that were an option. So, what do you do to get focused?  Getting started seems to be the hardest part.  Avoidance is certainly not productive.  Screaming might work, but I doubt the neighbors would be appreciative.  Organization might be the key, but then how many creative people do you know who are organized? 

Maybe my new crafty prayer will help...

Lord, please give me the focus to create one thing at a time,
the strength to accept my limitations,

and the wisdom to know when it's time to walk away! 

Free Crochet Ponytail holder flower pattern

All photos Copyright Expertcraftss

 Hope you like this adorable crochet ponytail flower pattern.  I was caring for a little girl who was desperately searching for her flowered headband and couldn't find it so I quickly whipped up this flower that she could slip over her ponytail.  She loved it!

You can make a bunch for a quick surprise, or use for stocking stuffers, gift decorations and so much more.

If you'd like to buy some, I also sell them in my Etsy store.

Please let me know through email if you have any trouble creating these beauties.

PATTERN:

Materials:
1 elastic ponytail ring
Hook size, I.
I used 100% cotton 4 ply yarn, but any ww would do and probably provide a bit of extra stretch.

1.  Simply take one elastic ponytail ring and double it.  Holding this together in a ring, make 14 sc around the band.  Slip stitch into first 

sc.
2.  *Ch 3, skip 1 stitch, slip stitch into next stitch.*  Repeat from * to * around.  Chain 3 and slip stitch into bottom of first slip stitch.
3.  Chain 1, (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) into each ch-3 space around.  Slip stitch into first sc.
4.  Chain 2, then while going from the back behind the row you just did, slip stitch into the first skipped stitch from row 2.  *Chain 5 then slip stitch into the next skipped stitch from row 2.  Repeat from * to * around.*  Slip stitch into the first chain stitch in this row.  (Not the chain 2 which is just placed so that it reaches the skipped stitch and doesn't misfigure the flower.)
5.  Ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) into each of the ch-5 spaces around.  Slip stitch into the first sc and fasten off. 

To change color for the center, do only row 1 and then change color.

NOTE:   This pattern and photos is not to be used for profit or used as your own, but certainly can be used to make gifts or items for profit as you desire.  It would be greatly appreciated if you link back to this blog.  Thanks so very much for your consideration!

The Sticky Wrapper!

Featured Artist: The Sticky Wrapper
 

This week’s Featured Artist brought to you from Share the Love, Blogger’s Unite is The Sticky Wrapper! A world of delight for all you “Sweet Tooths”! Wonderful treats for your special some one, parties and more!

Come to your senses with The Sticky Wrapper, where we spend our time reinventing classic flavors. We love to push the envelope to bring you new and creative treats that are sure to become fan favorites. You will always find creative and classic treats that will bring you back for more.
My candy is made to order and in small batches.

I can customize any order and would love to make favors for weddings, showers, or any party.

      

Meet the Artist – Sara

I am a out of work mom, who has decided to start up a candy store. Aside from candy making, I also am a huge foodie, am very crafty, and love gardening, so the blog may venture off in different directions. Enjoy! I am a proud YUMMYLICIOUS Villager of Sampler Village Visit the Village at: SamplerVillage.etsy.com
You can find the Sticky Wrapper On:   Craft Cafe   Etsy   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Blog

Free Little Christmas Bow Pattern

Put a little personal touch on your gifts this year with these little bows.  Attach them to anything with ribbon or make a long chain for your own ribbon.  Great to add to gift tags.  I used metallic yarn to add a little sparkle. 

Ch 12, dc in 4^th ch from hook and each ch across (10)

Ch 3, turn, dc in same st and each stitch across to last stitch, put 2 dc in last st.  (12)

Ch 1, sc around entire bow.  Sl st in first sc and fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Center Band:

Ch 7, sc in first ch from hook and each ch across.  Fasten off with long tie for sewing.

FINISHING:  Place center band around bow (stretch) and sew together at back.  Finish off and weave in all ends.  If you’d like, you can make a long chain and use as ribbon to attach bow.

Free Owl Fingerless Glove Pattern

I'm in love with these gloves and Erika Ward on Ravelry has the pattern as a free download!  This is definitely something you don't want to miss and it's pretty impressive that it's free.  I, at least, would have expected to pay money for it.  A great gift idea for the owl lover in the family, or just something different and unique.  If you want a quick project that's sure to please the receiver, check it out!      Go here!

Caty Anns Creations is the featured artist on Fire for Handmade

Caty Anns Creations is the featured artist on Fire for Handmade so check her out!  Cute jewelry selections at reasonable prices.  I'm thinking lovely gifts or even special stocking stuffers. 

Free Scoodie Pattern

Here's my first attempt at a scoodie...a scarf/hoodie combo.

I think it turned out pretty well and will be posting the free pattern if there's an interest.  I think it turned out pretty well and really wasn't all that hard, just a bit time consuming.  I used a chunky yarn and an I needle.  Most people seem to use a larger needle, but this worked for me...not to mention that I couldn't find my J hook!  I may try a larger hook now that I've gone out and gotten a new J hook, as well as a K.  If you're interested in the pattern, please comment and if there's interest, I'll put it up.  I'm also going to list in my Etsy shop if anyone would like to purchase one.  Thanks and have a fantastic day!

FREE Christmas Elf Hat!  And if you don't want to wait to see if you win, get yours for 25% off on sale today!  Email me for specifics at expertcraftss@gmail.com.   Spread the word!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway by Kadydid Designs!

This is my submission to the giveaway so make sure you stop by and shop and sign up, not only for mine but for all the great items listed!  I'll be shopping around and hoping to be the winner of some of these fantastic gifts too! 

Little Cindy Loo Who Hat inspired by Dr. Seuss

Hey All!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExpertCraftss

I'm sorry to have been gone for so long.  If you've ever had to move, you'll understand.  I've just spent 2 months in moving boxes and cleaning products, with very little time for anything else.  However, I did manage to get this adorable hat completed in a couple of colors and just wanted to share it with you.  We made a trip to the library a week ago and I found the pattern hiding among a bunch of other much more normal and not nearly as interesting projects.  I just think it would make an absolutely adorable picture on a newborn babe.  I've posted a couple of other colors on the Etsy store site so please, tell me what you think!

Crochet Dilemma, Must be Monday

I'm calling today mindless Monday.  All my creative energy from the weekend has taken a nose dive.  I put all of my ongoing projects away and started yet another one this weekend.  It was my plan to make a baby blanket, and 30 x 6 inches later, I'm not happy with the way it's going.  It's a simple pattern, double crochet and chain stitch, but what possessed me to think this was going to work for a baby blanket?  I don't think anyone wants a baby blanket with holes in it, no matter how pretty it looks; I certainly don't. 

So, it looks like I will be taking this completely apart and starting again; however, as to what to do now....I have no idea.  I'm sure I'll figure it out, but it's definitely going to take a lot more coffee.  So many possibilities, do you have any ideas for this lovely variegated yarn?  Do you have projects that aren't speaking to you today?  Don't worry, just blame it on Monday.

THIS is loving Crochet, don't miss it

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/may/22/art#/?picture=374857317&index=1

I just had to post this.  Did you see there is a person next to her?  I wonder if I can hide from my kids like that, lol.

Even if she crochets quickly, how long would that take her to do?

If the World is Coming to an End....

I have so many projects to finish!  My 13-year-old has made a point of giving me updates on just how much time I have until the rapture.  Apparently, however, he is only concerned about what I'm doing, as he does nothing but play video games while keeping me abreast of the upcoming doom.  I, on the other hand, have crocheted my fingers off this afternoon... just in case, lol.  And I've now got a new BIG earred bear hat and a crazy Cheshire cat.  Somehow I don't think that the 2 ponchos, 1 earflap, 1 doll, 1 octopus, and the pair of booties that still needs the 2nd one is going to get finished if I only have until 6 p.m.  On a happier note, if it happens I don't have to worry about all those moving boxes I have to fill by the end of June, and I don't have to cut the grass.  Hmm, I'm thinking there's definitely some positives.

Have a great day folks, and I'll be back tomorrow to report on the next thing that tries to get in the way of my creative process.  And if not, I can assure you I'll have a hook in my hand for all of eternity :)  Happy Saturday!

Free Crochet Hat, Beanie, Cloche, Slouchie

I'm so excited to offer this to you!  What you'll receive free of charge and shipping is.....a free hat from my Etsy shop, made to order, size and color of your choice just by doing one of the things below!  Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Here's all it takes:

1.  Become a follower of this blog or sign up for email notifications.
2.  Make a purchase at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExpertCraftss
3.  Like "ExpertCraftss" on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Expert-Craftss-Handmade-Crochet/197236840315171
4.  Follow ExpertCraftss on Twitter.
5.  Tweet about this great giveaway!

For every one of these things you do you'll get an entry in the giveaway that ends on May 31, 2011.  If you do 3 out of 5, I'll give you 10 automatic entries and instantly up your chances of winning!  See all the possibilities at my Etsy shop and decide which one you'd like if you win.  All hats can be made from newborn to adult.  I'd absolutely love to hear what hat you're hoping to get, so please share!  Thanks everyone.  Happy entries!

Free Crochet Bunny Face Applique Pattern

I know it's an odd time to post a crochet bunny face pattern, but I was actually attempting to create a tulip applique (which I'm still working on) when instead I ended up with a very simple way to make a bunny head.  I did a search for other patterns, but didn't find any, so I'm sharing it here with you.  It's very simple and done in one piece.  With a few needlework stitches for the facial features, it's adorable and great for pins, magnets, etc.  Hope you like it!

Crochet Bunny Face Pattern
Hook Size and Yarn:  I used an I hook, but you could use bigger or smaller to get the size you wanted.
Skill level:  Easy.
Stitch knowledge needed:  ch, sc, dc, sl st

Begin with a magic ring and 6 sc in ring.  Do not join.
Row 2:  2 sc in each sc (12).  Join with sl st in 1st sc.
Row 3:  Chain 6.  1 sc in 1st ch from hook, dc in each of next 4 ch st.  Skip 1 sc in circle and sl st in next sc.
Row 4:  Repeat step 3.
Fasten off.

Note:  An alternate to the magic ring is to ch 2 and make 6 sc in first ch, continue with pattern.

That's it!  You've got yourself a perfect little handmade crocheted bunny head to decorate as you wish.  I love how the ears are just a little bit floppy at the tops, but you can stretch and flatten if you prefer.  Please let me know if you have any questions concerning the pattern, I'd be happy to help!