Crocheted Cocoon Cardigan

What does one do when the power goes out for 3 1/2 days?  Crochet!!  Due to a storm many people and businesses lost power for several days. I took advantage of not having power to CROCHET!

These fun cocoon cardigans are perfect to layer.  They are just right for most fall, winter, spring and even chiller summer evenings.   

 

The Details:  The cardigan pictured above is made from 100% acrylic yarn.  The main color is made in a violet color and the trim in med. grey.  Because of the relaxed styling of this garment, it should fit from a women's size Medium to XXL.  The lovely model normally wears a women's size large in most clothing items.  This particular cardigan measures about 47" from cuff through center back/front to the other cuff on both the front and back.  It measures about 45" long measured from the neck to the bottom.

The Details:  The cardigan pictured above is made from 100% acrylic yarn in scarlet red.  Because of the relaxed styling of this garment, it should fit from a women's size Medium to XXL.  The lovely model normally wears a women's size large in most clothing items.  This particular cardigan measures about 48" from cuff through center back/front to the other cuff on both the front and back.  It measures about 47" long measured from the neck to the bottom. 

To buy these crocheted by hand cocoon cardigan sweaters 1) Choose which color you'd like from the drop down menu.  The "Buy Now" Button will take you to PayPal where you can safely and securely complete the transaction.  If you have any questions please contact me at Purseaddict.cf@gmail.com

The cost per cardigan ins $52.99 plus $12.65 S&H. 

Choose Color

Violet with Grey Trim Scarlet Red

Crochet Starling Bag

I have some yarn I've been trying to use.  I found a great pattern to play with.  I also found a tutorial on how to line a crocheted bag.  YEAH!!

Here is what the two mixed together resulted in.  

I do realize that the flower is a little big and floppy, but it's kinda fun, right?

This is what the LINED inside looks like! It has 

a pocket.

This is the back.

The bag is a free pattern from Futuregirl.  It is the Starling Bag.  She has it available in several different languages and there is even "Crochet Along" videos.  She also made the lining tutorial.   THANK YOU Futuregirl!  

You can find the bag pattern here: http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/labels/starling%20handbag.aspx

You can find the tutorial for adding lining here: http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/1/tutorial-sew-lining-for-crocheted-bag.aspx

Crochet Market Bag

Here is another crocheted market bag.  I've made this bag a few times before (http://sincerelyree.blogspot.com/2011/04/to-market-to-market.html?m=0).  The free pattern link can be found on that post.  

This time I decided to make it striped.   I started with white then changed to red.  I switched colors every two rows. 

Sorry for the poor pic.  I took this quick pic. Then gave it as a gift.

That's all for now! 

Hooded Baby Blanket-Crochet

I have a new nephew!  For Spring Break we took a long car trip. I croched this blanket while we were on the road...better than paying attention to Hubby's driving.  AAAK! 

The blanket is a free crochet pattern at Lion Brand Yarn Website.   It is the Hooded Baby Blanket.  I found this cute Car Shape Applique Pattern to put on the hood.   

Go Lightly Crochet Bag

This crocheted bag is a smaller version of this market bag.  The pattern can be found at www.lionbrandyarn.com.  The pattern is Golightly Tote (Pattern # 90136AD).

I was playing around and decided to try something new. I added the orange/white stripe. I don't really love how the stripe turned out...reminds me of the 80's...or so I'm told.  It was fun to play. 
I decided I wanted to crochet a BIG flower for this bag.  I found one in this book.  I, however, had to make a few changes. 

I do love how the flower turned out.
Once again, I used Sugar N' Cram yarn:  light blue for the bag, tangerine for the stripe and flower, and white for the stripe and inside of the flower,  green for the leaves. 
Enjoy your day!

Bobble Blanket

Sorry, it appears I took most of the month of November off.  I have been busy, and neglected the blog. 
Here is a blanket I finished last spring. If you make one please share.  Thanks!
Ever since I saw this post.  I wanted needed to make a bobble stitch blanket.  She even gives a quick bobble stitch tutorial here. 

If I would have paid attention to this tutorial the sides of my blanket might have been more even...but I bet you didn't really notice, huh?  :)

I kind of made an educated guess using info. from the Tales From the Cuckoo Land Blog to make this blanket.
The size of mine turned out to be about 65" wide by 70" long
I used Lyon Brand Yarn Pound of Love 2 skeins of bubble gum, 2 skeins of light pink and black...stash. 
Here is the pattern I used: disclaimer....this is my first time trying to explain crocheting. I am still somewhat of a beginner.  Please be nice.  Please note this is how I made this blanket...my bobbles are not even...down one side I have an extra stitch when compared to the other side.  If this bothers you please make adjustments. 
For the bobble stitch I used: (*yo, insert hook in desired st, pull up one loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, repeat from * 4 times (there will be 5 loops on your hook), yo, pull through all 5 loops. sc in next st.

In color A:
Row 1:  168 Foundation Single Crochet's
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across (168 single crochet's)
Row 3:  Ch 1, sc in each st across (168)
Row 4:  Ch 1, *7 sc, bobble stitch in nxt stitch, repeat  from * till end of row (note: at the end of the row I did 8 sc instead of 7 sc and then bobble stitch) (168)
Rows 5-7: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across (168)
Row 8:  Ch 1, 4 sc, bobble stitch in nxt st, *7 sc, bobble stitch in nxt st, repeat from * to end of row (again note: my bobbles are not perfectly off set....two rows of bobbles are closer together. At the end of the row I had 3 sc)
Rows: 9-11 repeat rows 5-7
Row 12:  repeat row 4
Rows 13-15 repeat rows 5-7
Row 16: repeat row 8
I continued this pattern until I had a total of 20 bobble rows.  I finished that section with 3 rows of single crochet
Switch to color C (black-color c) and did 3 sc rows. 
Switch to color B (lt pink-color b) and did 3 rows of sc, then bobble row (continuing pattern above) until I had 16 bobble rows, then finished with 3 sc rows,
Switch to black, did 3 rows of sc,
Switch back to dark pink (color A) start w/ 3 rows of sc...then crochet a total of 12 bobble rows (following pattern above) finish with 3 rows sc
Switch to Black 3 rows sc
Switch to lt pink (color b) 3 rows of sc, then 8 bobble rows (following pattern above), finishing with 3 rows of sc. 
I edged my blanket using the three colors in my blanket.
Let me know your thoughts and if you have any questions

ENJOY!

Colorful Crochet Bag

Happy Spring!  I know it's not really spring, yet.  However, around here it kind of feels and looks like spring.  The wildflowers are blooming and a few trees are blooming.  BEAUTIFUL! 

This crochet bag is called Spring Petals Backpack.  That name fits well. 
I fell in LOVE with all the colors of this bag.  She has some cute crocheted things on her blog.  You really need to check it out http://asparagusmayonnaise.blogspot.com/.  Yes, she is kind enough to offer this as a free pattern!  That is very generous of her!
Here is the bag I made using her directions.  I didn't change a thing.  Except I think I croched all the scallops upside down....oh well, still a cute, cute and fun bag!  :) I did, however, use the Sugar 'N Cream yarn in the exact colors and order.

As a friend said..."It makes me happy just looking at it!"  Yes, that it does.  :)
Have yourself a happy day!

Crocheted Treat Bag

Here is another crochet project.
I finished a project and I wanted to use up the remaining yarn.  So, I decided to make this striped treat bag.  There is another bag on the same pattern that is a Frankenstein bag.  But I thought that this treat bag could be used for anytime of year...like Valentines day or Easter.

The flower is from a different pattern.

view from top

The free crochet pattern I used can be found at www.lionbrand.com.  The pattern is called Halloween Treat Bags (pattern # L0112AD).  I used Sugar N' Cream yarn in tangerine and hot purple. 
The flower is from the book "Crocheted Flowers" by Nicky Epstein.

Crochet Water Bottle Carrier

This was a gift for a friend.  She had asked about a crocheted water bottle carrier.  So, I searched online.  I found a few options. 
I ended up using this pattern from Vallieskids Blog.  I think I made only slight changes on the handle and maybe the top band. 
Here is the result:

My friend wanted the handle to be long enough to go across the body.  I, of course, had to add a flower.   I think this can stretch to fit a variety of different sized water bottles.   

One Skein Summer Wrap

Here is another crocheted Christmas present I made this year. 

The pattern for the wrap can be found at the www.caron.com.  Or by clicking here.
I also added a flower from "Crocheted Flowers" by Nicky Epstein.  I used the Lady Finger Lace pattern.  I made two of them and sewed them together. 

Time Out Cowl

I crocheted a few of these cowls for Christmas presents this year. 

The pattern can be found by going to www.lionbrandyarn.com and searching for "Time Out Cowl" or pattern number 90652AD.  Or try clicking here.  You will need to sign in to get the free pattern.
On this one I added a flower from Nicky Epstein's book "Crocheted Flowers".  It is the Lady Finger Lace pattern.  I used different sized hooks to get the graduated sizes and then stacked them and sewed them together. 

Bath Buddies

These bath buddies were so much fun to make.  They didn't take very long to complete either. 
They are made using Sugar N' Cream yarn.  I used a pattern found here.  You'll have to search for the pattern called "Baby's Bath Buddies."  You'll need to sign in to a free account you set up to view instructions.
The pattern is for a frog and a whale.  However, they show an alligator not  a frog.  LOL!  Now, I want to make an alligator.  :)   
My whale looks more like a dinosaur or monster, too. 
I suppose these could also be used as puppets.  I know I sure thought it was funny when I the puppets told the kids to do their chores.

Dublin Scarf

Time for another crocheted scarf!  Yippee! 
I've mentioned this one a few times on my blog.  Finally, I'm posting THE SCARF! :)

I've used the flower from this pattern on many projects.   I actually made up all 8 flowers that the pattern suggested.  I just couldn't find a way to add them all to the scarf in a way that I liked.  So, I have a few extra to use on other projects.  :)
The pattern for the Dublin Scarf can be found by going to www.lionbrand.com and searching for Dublin Scarf  or pattern # 80883AD.  Or by clicking here.  You will need so sign in to download the pattern. 

Charleston Cloche

Time for another fun crochet project. 
This was my first time crocheting a hat.  When I attempted this pattern for the first time, I made a mistake somewhere in the middle of the project.  I tried to unravel only a few stitches, but got too lost and had to unravel completely.  I gave my self a few weeks to grieve--HAAA HAAA-then attempted it again. This time it was a success! :)

The crochet pattern for this super cute Charleston Cloche Hat  by Debbie Stoller can be found here. 
I did make the flower that is included in the pattern.  However, I changed my mind and decided to use a white flower that I didn't use on a different scarf project.  (scarf pattern)
Have a great day!

Crochet Flower Ear Warmer

Sorry, I tried and tired, but this is as good of a picture as this ear warmer would take.
Walking through stores, I'd notice these neat knitted/crocheted flower headbands.  They began to grow on me; to the point that I HAD to make one.  Since I LOVE to put flowers on most things I make, I, of course, had to search for a pattern.   Got to LOVE the Internet for this purpose.  :)
Here is a free crochet pattern I came across Flower Ear Warmer.    I used the flower pattern as listed, but I changed the band part some.  However, I do think the band pattern will work as listed. 

I just haaaad to try to take a better picture....UNCLE! 

I also made another style of ear warmer....

This one has an adjustable band.  I added bling to the center of the flower.    Here is the pattern for this Crochet Flower Headband.  (click on name).

Enjoy your day!

Crochet Mother's Day Bag

Hello!
I finally finished this bag!  I started it a few months ago.  I was crocheting along and I realized that when I started a new ball of yarn I grabbed one of a different dye lot.  OOPS!  Of course, I never catch on to these things until I reach a point that I have to rip out many inches/hours of work.  UGGG!  So, I put this on the back burner until I had the will to undo all that work.  Eventually, I got a brilliant idea to just finish it and make it look like I'd meant to do that color change.  :)  This is what I came up with. 

I couldn't decide which picture to use.  So, I used them both.  :)
Despite the name of this post, I didn't intend on making this for Mother's Day.  I did, however, plan on making it for my mother.  The title of this post is also the name of the pattern I used.
I made this from a free pattern I found online. You can find it at www.lionbrand.com. Again, the pattern is called Mother's Day Bag (pattern # L0130AD).  You'll need an account and password to get the pattern directions.  The flower is the poppy flower from the book "Crocheted Flowers" by Nicky Epstein.  I used Sugar N' Cream yarn in Tangerine for the bag and hot purple for the flower.  I also assembled the flower a little differently than the instructions. 
My only issue with this pattern is that I struggled with where to place the handles.  I pinned them several different ways, but just couldn't really figure out a good placement for them.  The instructions only say to sew the handles to the bag.  Other than that it was clear and a great pattern for this beginner.

Flower Burst Handbag

Wow!  With all these crochet posts you'd think I was an avid crocheter.  I'm not.  This is the longest I've crocheted.  It's been maybe a month.  LOL!
I really appreciate it when people are kind enough to offer free patterns.  Since I am new to crocheting, I am not yet willing to spend money on a pattern when I'm still "green".  I am glad I can practice my skills on cute free patterns.  They even make great gifts.  OOPS!  If you know me then disregard that last statement. :)

Here is the link to this Flower Burst Handbag pattern.

I changed the pattern ever so slightly.  I added more rows at the bottom and crocheted less rows at the top.
Click here for another style of crochet bag. 
Enjoy your day!

To market, to market...

For other crochet bag ideas click here, here, here  and here. 

This market bag will hold just about everything.  I am using this bag to carry my crochet supplies.  This bag is huge and stretches even bigger.  Fun!
The pattern can be found at http://www.lionbrandyarn.com/ search for Fresh Produce Bag, pattern number: 90448AD.
I used Sugar N' Cream yarn-Hot Purple for the bag. 
For the flower, I used a pattern out of 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet. 
Have a great one!

Crochet Mesh Shopping Bag #2

Hello again! I thought I'd show you one more crochet bag I made. 

For other bags I crocheted click here, here, here, and here. 

I love this flower! 

 I made this bag for a very dear friend.  :)  She told me that she liked the other bags I made, so I made her this one. 

For the pattern for the bag click here.  OR go to http://www.sugarncream.com/

and search for Sugar'n Cream Market Bag (Crochet).  This site requires you to have or create an account to get the pattern--it's all free.  For the flower and  leaves, I used a pattern for one that is on a scarf I am in the process of making.  You can find it by searching http://www.lionbrandyarn.com/.  The scarf is Doublin Scarf pattern #80883AD.  Again, you have to create or have an account to access the pattern. 

There are many free flower and bag patterns available...just do a search.  One site that has many crochet patterns for anything you'd like to crochet--maybe even things you didn't know you wanted to crochet click here.

For this bag I used Sugar 'n Cream Rose Pink yarn.  For the flower only, I used two strands together. 

If you make a bag, please let me know.  I'd love to see what you create!
Check back within the week.  I'll be posting another style of a crochet market bag.

Have a great day!

Crochet Mesh Shopping Bag

I've been enjoying my crochet projects lately. I searched online for patterns. OMG! There are millions of free patterns! Granted lots of them are not for me...there is NO WAY you can get me in a bikini, so crocheting one probably wouldn't be a good thing.
These were made from a free pattern that was on the label of Sugar 'N Cream yarn. I thought I'd give it a try. It was fun and easy. I added crocheted flowers.

Originally, I started making one as a gift. I started one bag with the yarn I had on hand. I got about 1/2 done and remembered a comment that this friend had made about not liking the color I was using. So, I got a different color and started another one. I hope she likes it.
Enjoy your day!

Update:  For a link to the pattern click here to go to post.