Easy to Crochet Gifts for the Holidays

I realize it's still September but even if I don't like seeing Christmas lights up before Halloween I do like to get some gifts made before the cookie baking and ornament hanging begins. Here's some patterns to crochet for gifts to get a head start on the holidays.

Christmas Crochet has patterns for these cute little carolers and....

these adorable snow man and lady rattle toys. How about the mouse and puppy? Oh so cute!

Hooked on Crochet has some challenging patterns but it also has some great ideas that will work up pretty quick. The ripple afghan can be done in any colors and would be appreciated on cold winter nights. 

The fishing bear on the bottom would make a cute Teddy for someone and those golf club covers are too darned cute! A think they could even become puppets for a show.

And how about this bed jacket? Any color would work. It could even become a little shawl for a fancy dress when worked in the right yarn. 

OK, so I am a sucker for cotton crochet yarn. It works up quick and has a nice feel to it......and since I am always looking for hot pads for the table these patterns are a given. I love them! An H hook and a ball of yarn and I am in my happy place. The Jack O' Lantern is adorable and the poinsettia (below) would look good on a holiday table. 

Well, that's all for now. I'm still adding more to the PatternHaus shop so stop by. There are more patterns....crochet, knitting, needlepoint, cross stitch, and embroidery.....to get your creative juices flowing before the holiday crazies start. 

Post by Eileen from GoofingOff Sewing, PatternHaus, and Miss Eileen's Vintage. 

Knitting and Crocheting Season

I have a hard time knitting or crocheting in the summer. I know, there are folks out there who can knit and crochet at the beach in 110 degree weather but I am not one of them. I have no desire to work with yarn until the weather cools off so I know when fall starts I'll be pulling out the yarn and start hooking...so to speak. 
So, for the folks out there who, like me, are getting ready to knit and crochet, I bring awesome patterns. Some of these patterns will be awesome for the new baby in your world, others perfect Christmas or Hanukkah gifts, and then, maybe something for yourself. 
Who knows where the needles and hooks may take you?

Knit Baby Booties from Leisure Arts has 14 patterns for baby booties. 

 This Leisure Arts booklet is filled with bootie patterns...baby booties, that is. Sweet little Mary Janes, boots, elf shoes (!), even saddle shoes bootie style. The patterns use sport yarn and US number 7 knitting needles. Hey, you can change the yarn and needles and make ornaments....just saying.

Crocheted Slippers for Women & Children from Leisure Arts. Seven patterns to crochet for the hookers (I just love that) in the world.

There is always someone who needs slippers during the winter and here's some great patterns to keep those toes warm. There are patterns for moccasins, espadrilles, sandals, and even fur-around-the-ankle-keep-the-toes-warm slippers. Even slippers from granny squares for those granny square addicts. The patterns use worsted weight yarn and hook size E to I. 

Crocheted Pillows from Leisure Arts Leaflet 282, 6 Designs in Worsted Weight Yarn from 1983. 

 These pillows have the retro look everyone is looking for. The patterns use worsted weight yarn and hooks from F to I. 

Clothespin Angel Ornament by Leisure Arts

Adorable ornaments using bedspread weight (size 10) thread and a clothespin. 

Leisure Arts 356 Slippers! 9 Styles

Keep those toes warm using a crochet hook and worsted weight yarn. 

Crochet Patterns by Herrschners' is full of patterns from easy to expert, ornaments to afghans.  Fourteen fantastic patterns to crochet including afghans, earmuffs, snowflake ornaments, and the gorgeous kissing ball on the front cover. 

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing, Pattern Haus, and Miss Eileen's Vintage. 

Friday's Freebie: Crocheted Slippers

I am surrounded by old papers and patterns....surrounded...but patterns like this one.....I'm OK. These cute slippers came from an old magazine page....not sure what magazine but they look like they'd keep feet warm on a cold winter night....and winter will come soon enough. Crochet a few pairs of these honeys while you sit at the pool or in the car during the summer road trip and holiday shopping will be a little less hectic.
Per the pattern: "Crochet these from  Coats & Clarks Red Heart Knitting Worsted. Six ounces are sufficient for a pair; use plastic crochet hook G. Instructions are given for small size, changes for medium and large are in parentheses. Sew elastic thread around top.

Abbreviations:
ch (chain)       sk (skip)
st (stitch)        hdc (half double crochet)
dc (double crochet)   rnd (round)
inc (increase)
sp  (space)           dec (decrease)

Hope you enjoy the pattern. Work these babies up and keep the tootsies warm this winter. Handmade is always appreciated. 

Love ya!! 

Post by Eileen Patterson....who is GoofingOff 

Filet Crochet Book

I have a friend who is a crochet master....at least I think so. It seems she can crochet anything with anything....yarn, string...don't sit too close or you'll become part of the project...one of those kind of people. I sit awed watching her crochet. The hook seems to take on a life of its own in her hands. She does the most amazing filet crochet....like the projects in this book. 

The Filet Crochet Book by Chris Rankin, 1990

Love the stars! 6 points!

These trims would be wonderful on a crib blanket for a new baby....So cute!

OMG! An heirloom to swoon over.

Beautiful!

Beautiful way to add color to a room. Fabulous patterns.

So, I think this is a great way to challenge one's self....add a bit of oomph! to already-owned skills. Or just look at the book and OOOH and AAH over the pictures....then find some thread and a steel hook and get started dazzling everyone...

Post by Eileen Patterson.....GoofingOff

Use the coupon code BLOGGIN and get 15% off this book and anything else in my Etsy shops....GoofingOff Sewing, MissEileen (vintage), PatternHaus (yarn, patterns, and now pattern books), and Metal Woods N' Water (handmade and beachy stuff).

What to Make with Boutique Yarns

After a trip to the local thrift shop I found myself well-stocked with boutique yarns, read Sashay and Boutique Ribbons. After a while I sat and thought "What does one do with this gorgeous stuff besides making scarves?" Here's a few ideas I found around the web:

Ribbon Remix Scarf uses 1 skein of Red Heart Soft, 1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Sashay, 2 yards of grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/2 inches wide, 5mm (size H-8) hook, and a yarn needle.

 Knit a Lei Scarf designed by Anneliese Anneliese. There's an easy to follow tutorial or print out the downloadable instructions.
You'll need:

• One skein Red Heart Boutique Ribbons yarn (I chose "Fire")
• Size 8 circular knitting needles, 32 inches long
• Sewing needle and thread for finishing
  
  
  How about a crocheted ruffled skirt? This pattern is sized for the little ones, sizes 2-4, designed by Amy at Crochet Creative Creations.
  
  
  
  Crochet Hook: I/9 or 5.5 mm hook

  Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

  Click here for crochet pattern

  
  
  How about a purse? This is so cute.This is from Dearest Debi. She has a written pattern and a tutorial. 
  
  
  
  You'll need a skein of Bernat Satin and a skein of Boutique Sashay Yarn, a size I (9) hook and a size J (10) hook. 
  
  
  So, there's a few things to do with this beautiful yarn I think a pillow would look good. Maybe flowers to add to a headband. How about a few ruffles on a little girl's skirt? So much to do. So much I want to do. Sleep is so over rated. 
  
  
  Post by Eileen