Planet M Files » Crocheted Stuff http://planetmfiles.com Welcome to Our Planet! It's filled with kids, dogs, and crocheted guinea pigs! (A real guinea pig, too!) Wed, 09 May 2012 16:11:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 A Crocheted Duck for Easter! http://planetmfiles.com/2012/04/07/a-crocheted-duck-for-easter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-crocheted-duck-for-easter http://planetmfiles.com/2012/04/07/a-crocheted-duck-for-easter/#comments Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:56:02 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8787 Here’s a reprint of my duck pattern from 2009. Maybe you can whip one up quickly for Easter!

I hope you have a wonderful day!  Happy Easter!

Crochet Duck

Here’s a cute little crochet duck for you to make!  She’s wearing a scarf in beautiful spring colors to keep her warm in these last days of winter and thinking about maybe showing up in some Easter baskets.  (My daughter named her duck Lily.)

This is another small, easy and quick project so you can make a flock of them if you want to!

 

 

Here she is without her scarf!
Here she is without her scarf!

Crochet Duck

Pattern created by Gayle www.planetmfiles.com

Size: Approximately 4 inches long

Materials:

  • Worsted weight yarn.  I used off-white for the duck.  I don’t know what specific brand or color it is.  I got it in a bargain bin! Also a small amount of yellow yarn for making the beak. And, I used Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in the color Monet for the scarf.
  • Stitch marker (I use a small piece of a contrasting color of yarn)
  • Crochet Hook – Size G
  • Fiberfill Stuffing
  • 6 mm half round Darice eyes – 2  Note: If you are giving this to a child, use black yarn and embroider eyes, don’t use the plastic eyes that little fingers can pull off!
  • Glue for gluing on eyes, if you are using the Darice eyes

Gauge: Not important

Abbreviations: sc = single crochet, ch = chain, sc dec = single crochet decrease,  sc inc = single crochet increase, sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch, dc = double crochet

Notes: Rounds are worked in continuous spirals, do not join.  Do not turn at the end of each round.

Body

  1. chain 2.
  2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Mark first st for beginning of round and move marker up for each round.
  3. 2 sc in each sc around – 12 sc.
  4. *sc inc, 1 sc in next 2 sc* around – 16 sc.
  5. sc in each sc around for 4 rounds – 16 sc in each round.
  6. *sc dec, 1 sc in next 2 sc* around – 12 sc.
  7. *sc dec, 1 sc in next 4 sc* around – 10 sc.
  8. sc in each sc around for 2 rounds – 10 sc in each round.
  9. *sc dec, 1 sc in next 3 sc* around – 8 sc.
  10. *sc dec, 1 sc in next 2 sc* around – 6 sc.
  11. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing opening closed.
  12. Stuff with fiberfill.
  13. Flatten opening and sew it closed flat. (See photo below for flattened opening.)
Crochet Duck - Body Tail Flat Closing Detail
Crochet Duck – Body Tail Flat Closing Detail
Head
  1. chain 2.
  2. 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook.  Mark first st for beginning of round and move marker up for each round.
  3. *sc inc, sc in next sc around* – 12 sc.
  4. *sc inc, sc in next 2 sc* around – 16 sc.
  5. sc in each sc around - 16 sc.
  6. *sc dec, sc in next 2 sc* around – 12 sc.
  7. sc in each sc around – 12 sc.
  8. *sc dec, sc in next 4 sc* around – 10 sc.
  9. At end of last round work a slip stitch and finish off leaving a long tail.
  10. Don’t stuff yet.
Beak – not worked in rounds
  1. ch 4
  2. dc in 3rd ch from hook.
  3. dc in next ch
  4. ch 4
  5. dc in 3rd ch from hook.
  6. dc in next ch
  7. finish off leaving a long tail.
Beak Half Done
Beak Half Done
Finished Beak
Finished Beak
First Wing – Not worked in rounds
  1. ch 4, turn
  2. sc inc, sc, sc inc, ch1, turn
  3. sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, sc inc, ch 1, turn
  4. sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, do not turn
  5. Without turning, do 7 sc’s along the top edge of the wing.
  6. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing onto body during assembly.
I made each wing slightly different so that the “right side” of each wing would be facing out from the duck body.  If this doesn’t matter to you, just make two of the “First Wing”.
Second Wing – Not worked in rounds
  1. ch 4, turn
  2. sc inc, sc, sc inc, ch1, turn
  3. sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, sc inc, ch 1, turn
  4. sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, sc inc, sc, do not turn
  5. Without turning, do *1 dc, ch 2, sc* in first space on the top edge of the wing. Do 1 sc in the next 4 spaces along the top edge of the wing. Do *1 sc, 1 sl st* in the next space.
  6. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing onto body during assembly.

 

Duck Scarf - Not worked in rounds

  1. Ch about 40 (or however long you want the scarf to be.)
  2. dc in the 4th ch from the hook.
  3. dc in the remaining chains.
  4. Finish off and weave in ends.

 

Scarf
Scarf

Assembly

  • Fold the beak in half and sew it to the head.
    Folded Beak
    Folded Beak
  • If you are embroidering on the eyes do that now.
  • Stuff head.
  • Glue eyes onto head now, if you are using the plastic eyes.
  • Sew wings onto body.
  • Sew head onto body.
  • Using a blunt needle thread all yarn ends into the body. Cut off any excess.

Your duck is finished!  I hope you enjoy this pattern!

This pattern is my own and is protected by copyright laws.  It is intended for your personal use only.  All other uses are strictly prohibited.  This pattern and items made from it may not be sold or used for monetary gains.

This pattern and all photographs are copyrighted.

All Rights Reserved.

© 2008 to the end of time – Planet M Files

If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments or email me: gayle at planetmfiles dot com

Don’t miss a pattern!  Subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter!

I love creating new crochet patterns and sharing them with you!

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2012/04/07/a-crocheted-duck-for-easter/feed/ 3 My Crochet Patterns http://planetmfiles.com/2011/12/11/my-crochet-patterns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-crochet-patterns http://planetmfiles.com/2011/12/11/my-crochet-patterns/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:59:53 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8659 To make browsing through my patterns a little easier, I’ve created this page that contains links to my free crochet patterns!  Click on the links to see the patterns.  I hope you enjoy them!

Christmas Tree Wall Hanging/Dish Cloth

Tulip Wall Hanging/Dishcloth This is just what I needed to welcome spring!

Basketweave Basket Really easy to make and so cute!


Crochet Dove This is a pattern from Lion Brand that I modified. (I finally did put eyes on it!)

Crochet Wreath Pattern You can use any color yarns that you like and make this wreath for any holiday or decor!

Crochet Turkey 2010 My 2010 Turkey pattern!

Crochet Guinea Pig Patterns This post has links to two patterns, one for an large size guinea pig and one for a small size guinea pig!

Two Crochet Tiny Backpacks/Purses I created these to go with my Monkey and Monkey Two, but you can use them for carrying just a few small items for yourself, too!

Crochet Firefly What’s summer without fireflies?!

Crochet Basketweave Bracelet I love crochet basketweave so I created a bracelet with it!

Crochet Hearts – Step by Step Pattern Instructions My crochet hearts are created in one continuous round, which can be a little confusing, so here is a step by step pattern.

Crochet Hearts Simple, quick and love-filled!

Crochet Tiny Ornaments and Stars I love tiny things and these look so cute on my crochet Christmas tree!

Crochet Christmas Tree Yep, it’s a crochet Christmas tree, in miniature!

Crochet Pilgrim Hat Maybe your crochet Monkey can wear this!

Crochet Air Mattress Another pattern I created as an accessory for my crochet Monkey!

Crochet Two Color Popcorn Bracelet This was the first crochet bracelet I created.  I love the two colors crocheted together.

Crochet Pansy I think pansies are such a sweet flower!

Crochet Duck I think this is one of my favorite patterns that I created.  You can make a bunch of them pretty quickly!

Crochet Cute Critter Designed by my daughter, created in crochet by me!

Crochet Pine Cone My half sister taught me this pattern.  Someone else taught it to her, so I don’t know what it’s origin is, but I love the look of it!

Crochet Tiny Teddy Bear Another example of my love of tiny things!  My Tiny Teddy Bear fits into my Little Stocking perfectly!

Crochet Little Stocking Pop Tiny Teddy Bear into this stocking and hang them on your Christmas tree!

Crochet Turkey What’s not to love about a tiny crochet Turkey?!  You can make one for every place setting at your Thanksgiving table!

Crochet Tiny Halloween Bag Quick.  Easy.  Cute!

Crochet Monkey My first posted pattern!  He’s got sort of a skinny neck, so if you’re not into skinny necked monkeys, try my Crochet Monkey Two!

Crochet Monkey Two She’s got a thicker neck than Crochet Monkey!

Crochet Ghost Costume for your monkey Of course your Crochet Monkey needs a costume!

Crochet Friendly Ghost These are a super quick and easy decoration!

Crochet Pumpkins – Two patterns! What can I say?  I love them!

How to Make Plarn (Plastic Yarn) – This is an illustrated tutorial on how to make plarn.

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/12/11/my-crochet-patterns/feed/ 12 Crochet Christmas Tree Wall Hanging/Dish Cloth Pattern http://planetmfiles.com/2011/12/04/crochet-christmas-tree-wall-hangingdish-cloth-pattern/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=crochet-christmas-tree-wall-hangingdish-cloth-pattern http://planetmfiles.com/2011/12/04/crochet-christmas-tree-wall-hangingdish-cloth-pattern/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:04:21 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8637 If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments or email me: gayle at planetmfiles dot com

Don’t miss a pattern!  Subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter!

I have a large selection of  patterns in my Free Pattern Archives.  Browse through them!

Wow! December got here so quickly! Here’s a really easy and pretty crochet decoration that you can make quickly!  You can also make this with cotton yarn and use it as a dishcloth!  I hope you enjoy it!

Free Crochet Christmas Tree Wall Hanging/Dish Cloth

Pattern created by Gayle www.planetmfiles.com

Size: Approximately  9 inches wide and 12 inches long (Length doesn’t include the hanger or the fringe.)

Materials:

  • I used Red Heart Super Saver in Green.  I don’t know the exact green I used because I lost the label!  If you want to make this a dishcloth, you can use cotton yarn.
  • Crochet Hook – Size H-8 (5mm)

Gauge: Not important

Abbreviations: ch = chain,  sc = single crochet, st = stitch,  spec st = three double crochets that are joined at both the top and bottom.  See my instructions on how to make this special stitch in the Notes section of this pattern.

Notes:

  • How to make the special stitch used in this pattern: My special stitch is 3 double crochets that are joined at both the top and bottom.  To make the special stitch:  yarn over hook, insert hook in next sc, pull up loop, yarn over hook, pull through 1st two loops on hook, yarn over, insert hook in same sc, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over hook, pull through 1st two loops on hook, insert in same sc again, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over hook, pull through all loops on hook. Special stitch made!
  • This pattern is worked from the bottom up.

Christmas Tree Wall Hanging/Dishcloth:

  1. chain 28.
  2. Turn. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across – 27
  3. Turn. ch 1, sc across – 27
  4. Repeat row 3 – 4 times
  5. Turn. ch 1, 13 sc, 1 spec st, sc, 13 sc – 27
  6. Turn. ch 1, sc across – 27
  7. Repeat row 5
  8. Repeat row 6
  9. Repeat row 5
  10. Repeat row 6
  11. Turn. ch 1, 2 sc, *1 spec st, 1 sc* 12 times, 1 sc – 27
  12. Repeat row 6
  13. Turn. ch 1, 3 sc, 1 spec st, 19 sc, 1 spec st, 3 sc – 27
  14. Repeat row 6
  15. Turn. ch 1, 4 sc, 1 spec st, 17 sc, 1 spec st, 4 sc – 27
  16. Repeat row 6
  17. Turn. ch 1, 5 sc, 1 spec st, 15 sc, 1 spec st, 5 sc – 27
  18. Repeat row 6
  19. Turn. ch 1, 6 sc, 1 spec st, 13 sc, 1 spec st, 6 sc – 27
  20. Repeat row 6
  21. Turn. ch 1, 7 sc, 1 spec st, 11 sc, 1 spec st, 7 sc – 27
  22. Repeat row 6
  23. Turn. ch 1, 8 sc, 1 spec st, 9 sc, 1 spec st, 8 sc – 27
  24. Repeat row 6
  25. Turn. ch 1, 9 sc, 1 spec st, 7 sc, 1 spec st, 9 sc – 27
  26. Repeat row 6
  27. Turn. ch 1, 10 sc, 1 spec st, 5 sc, 1 spec st, 10 sc – 27
  28. Repeat row 6
  29. Turn. ch 1, 11 sc, 1 spec st, 3 sc, 1 spec st, 11 sc – 27
  30. Repeat row 6
  31. Turn. ch 1, 12 sc, 1 spec st, 1 sc, 1 spec st, 12 sc – 27
  32. Repeat row 6
  33. Turn. ch 1, 13 sc, 1 spec st, 13 sc – 27
  34. Repeat row 6 – 5 times
  35. This row makes the hanger for the wall hanging. Turn. *ch 8, sk 2 sc, sc in next sc* 9 times
  36. Finish off
  37. Weave in yarn ends
  38. If you are making the wall hanging, add fringe to the bottom!
  39. Push all of the bobbles to the front.
  40. I collected a stick from my yard and wove it through the hanger loops, then I tied a length of yarn onto the stick to hang it with.

This pattern is my own and is protected by copyright laws.  It is intended for your personal use only.  All other uses are strictly prohibited.  Do not reprint this pattern without my express written permission. This pattern and items made from it may not be sold or used for monetary gains.

This pattern and all photographs are copyrighted.

All Rights Reserved.

© 2008 to the end of time – Planet M Files

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/12/04/crochet-christmas-tree-wall-hangingdish-cloth-pattern/feed/ 8 Free Crochet Tulip Wall Hanging/Dishcloth Pattern http://planetmfiles.com/2011/04/14/free-crochet-tulip-wall-hangingdishcloth-pattern/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-crochet-tulip-wall-hangingdishcloth-pattern http://planetmfiles.com/2011/04/14/free-crochet-tulip-wall-hangingdishcloth-pattern/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:06:14 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8489 If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments or email me: gayle at planetmfiles dot com

Don’t miss a pattern!  Subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter!

I have a large selection of  patterns in my Free Pattern Archives.  Browse through them!

In my part of the world spring is just starting to show itself.  I love tulips and wanted to created something to hang on my front door to welcome spring!  You can also create this with cotton yarn and use it as a dishcloth!  I hope you enjoy it!

Tulip Wall Hanging/Dishcloth

Pattern created by Gayle www.planetmfiles.com

Size: Approximately  9 inches wide and 12 inches long (Length doesn’t include the hanger or the fringe.)

Materials:

  • I used Red Heart Super Saver in color Medium Purple.  If you want to make this a dishcloth, you can use cotton yarn.
  • Crochet Hook – Size H-8 (5mm)

Gauge: Not important

Abbreviations: ch = chain,  sc = single crochet, st = stitch,  spec st = three double crochets that are joined at both the top and bottom.  See my instructions on how to make this special stitch in the Notes section of this pattern.

Notes:

  • How to make the special stitch used in this pattern: My special stitch is 3 double crochets that are joined at both the top and bottom.  To make the special stitch:  yarn over hook, insert hook in next sc, pull up loop, yarn over hook, pull through 1st two loops on hook, yarn over, insert hook in same sc, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over hook, pull through 1st two loops on hook, insert in same sc again, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over hook, pull through all loops on hook. Special stitch made!
  • This pattern is worked from the bottom up.

Tulip Wall Hanging/Dishcloth:

  1. chain 28.
  2. Turn. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across – 27
  3. Turn. ch 1, sc across – 27
  4. Repeat row 3 – 4 times
  5. Turn. ch 1, 10 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 10 sc – 27
  6. Turn. ch 1, sc across – 27
  7. Turn. ch1, 9 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 9 sc -27
  8. Repeat row 6
  9. Turn. ch1, 8 sc, spec st, 3 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 3 sc, spec st, 8 sc – 27
  10. Repeat row 6
  11. Turn. ch 1, 7 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 7 sc – 27
  12. Repeat row 6
  13. Turn. ch 1, 6 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 6 sc – 27
  14. Repeat row 6
  15. Turn. ch 1, 5 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 3 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 5 sc – 27
  16. Repeat row 6
  17. Turn. ch 1, 5 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 5 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 5 sc – 27
  18. Repeat row 6
  19. Turn. ch 1, 6 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 7 sc, spec st, 2 sc, spec st, 6 sc – 27
  20. Repeat row 6
  21. Turn. ch 1, 8 sc, spec st, 9 sc, spec st, 8 sc – 27
  22. Repeat row 6
  23. Repeat row 21
  24. Repeat row 6
  25. Repeat row 21
  26. Repeat row 6
  27. Turn. ch 1, 8 sc, spec st, 4 sc, spec st, 4 sc, spec st, 8 sc – 27
  28. Repeat row 6
  29. Turn. ch 1, 8 sc, spec st, 3 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 3 sc, spec st, 8 sc – 27
  30. Repeat row 6
  31. Turn. ch 1, 8 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 5 sc, spec st, sc, spec st, 8 sc
  32. Repeat row 6 – 5 times
  33. This row makes the hanger for the wall hanging. Turn. *ch 8, sk 2 sc, sc in next sc* 9 times
  34. Finish off
  35. Weave in yarn ends
  36. If you are making the wall hanging, add fringe to the bottom!
  37. Push all of the bobbles to the front.
  38. I collected a stick from my yard and wove it through the hanger loops, then I tied a length of yarn onto the stick to hang it with.

This pattern is my own and is protected by copyright laws.  It is intended for your personal use only.  All other uses are strictly prohibited.  This pattern and items made from it may not be sold or used for monetary gains.

This pattern and all photographs are copyrighted.

All Rights Reserved.

© 2008 to the end of time – Planet M Files

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/04/14/free-crochet-tulip-wall-hangingdishcloth-pattern/feed/ 7 Free Crochet Basketweave Basket Pattern http://planetmfiles.com/2011/03/20/free-crochet-basketweave-basket-pattern/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-crochet-basketweave-basket-pattern http://planetmfiles.com/2011/03/20/free-crochet-basketweave-basket-pattern/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:41:44 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8451

If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments or email me: gayle at planetmfiles dot com

Don’t miss a pattern!  Subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter!

I have a large selection of  patterns in my Free Pattern Archives.  Browse through them!

It’s been a while since I created a new pattern, so I got to work on creating a basket for Easter!  This basket is a pretty quick project and I love the look of basketweave crochet!  I hope you enjoy it!

Basketweave Basket

Pattern created by Gayle www.planetmfiles.com

Size: Approximately 4 inches tall and 5 1/2 inches in diameter.

Materials:

  • I used a medium weight yarn that I got from a bargain bin, in an off-white color.  Make sure the yarn you pick is stiff enough that the basket will stand up by itself.
  • Crochet Hook – Size G-6 (4mm)
  • Stitch markers.  I use pieces of contrasting color yarn to use as markers.

Gauge: Not important

Abbreviations: ch = chain,  sc = single crochet, sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch, dc = double crochet, fpdc = front post double crochet, bpdc = back post double crochet

Notes:

  • I found it helpful to use my stitch markers to mark the top of my turning chains as I made them and I moved the marker up as I went.  I also used my stitch markers when making the bottom of the basket to mark the beginning of each round, moving the marker up to the beginning of each round as I progressed.
  • The basket bottom is worked in rounds.  Rounds are worked in continuous spirals, do not join.  Do not turn at the end of each round.

Basket Wall:

  1. chain 14.
  2. Turn. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across – 13 each row.
  3. Turn. ch 2 (mark the top of your turning chain), dc across:  12 dcs + turning ch = 13
  4. Turn. ch 2 (mark the top of your turning chain), 1 fpdc, 3 bpdc’s, 3 fpdc’s, 3 bpdc’s, 1 fpdc, 1 dc in top of turning ch.
  5. Turn. ch2,  (mark the top of your turning chain), 1 bpdc, 3 fpdc’s, 3 bpdc’s, 3 fpdc’s, 1 bpdc, 1 dc in top of turning ch.
  6. Repeat basket wall *row #5, row#4* 14 times
  7. Repeat basket wall row #5 one more time.
  8. Finish off leaving a yarn tail long enough to sew the basket wall into a circle.

Basket Bottom:

  1. ch 2
  2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook – 6
  3. 2 sc in each sc around – 12
  4. *2 sc, 1 sc* around – 18
  5. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sc* around – 24
  6. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 3 sc* around – 30
  7. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 4 sc* around – 36
  8. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 5 sc* around – 40
  9. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 6 sc* around – 46
  10. *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 7 sc* around – 52
  11. sl st
  12. Finish off  leaving a long tail for sewing bottom onto basket wall.

Assembly:

  • Sew basket wall piece into a circle.
  • Sew bottom on.
  • Weave in all yarn ends.

This pattern is my own and is protected by copyright laws.  It is intended for your personal use only.  All other uses are strictly prohibited.  This pattern and items made from it may not be sold or used for monetary gains.

This pattern and all photographs are copyrighted.

All Rights Reserved.

© 2008 to the end of time – Planet M Files

 

 

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/03/20/free-crochet-basketweave-basket-pattern/feed/ 12 Thank You and Crocheted Stuff http://planetmfiles.com/2011/03/11/thank-you-and-crocheted-stuff/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thank-you-and-crocheted-stuff http://planetmfiles.com/2011/03/11/thank-you-and-crocheted-stuff/#comments Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:13 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8441

Thank you all so much for your words of support on my last post.  Your kind words mean so much to me.  Last night’s doctor appointment held no magic, quick solutions.  We are discontinuing one of my daughter’s current medications because it seemed to offer no positive effects, but several bad side effects.  We will continue to search.  I’ve added another category to my blog called, “Bipolar”.  I have a feeling I’ll need it.

If you are curious about this little crocheted motif, it is called Spiral Hexagon.  It’s from a book called The Crochet Stitch Bible.  The book is great, with all kinds of stitches.  The yarn I used is Creme de la Creme in Popsicle Brights color.  My daughter called them “happy colors” and they sure are!

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/03/11/thank-you-and-crocheted-stuff/feed/ 6 I Made This! http://planetmfiles.com/2011/02/07/i-made-this/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=i-made-this http://planetmfiles.com/2011/02/07/i-made-this/#comments Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:50:59 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8415

It is the Criss Cross Cowl crochet pattern by Caron.  I used Soft Mint as my main color and Spring Brook as my accent color.  This was super easy and very quick to make.  It took me a weekend of on and off working on it to complete.  I didn’t make it as large as the pattern called for.  I thought the size called for would be too much for myself or my daughter.  The yarn is really soft and was great to work with.

Here’s my sweet daughter modeling it!

Thank you all for the sweet emails and comments offering us support and a shoulder these past couple of months.  Things are looking more stable here now and I’m hoping for better and better days ahead.  Hugs to you!

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/02/07/i-made-this/feed/ 14 A Little Crocheting http://planetmfiles.com/2011/01/14/a-little-crocheting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-little-crocheting http://planetmfiles.com/2011/01/14/a-little-crocheting/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:26:20 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8401 So.  Not much has been going on here except for worrying, hand wringing, etc. However a couple of days ago I did fit in a little time to crochet a small test swatch of a pattern that I really liked the look of.  It is for a crochet blanket called the Bricks and Mortar Blanket, by Bernat.  I want to make a blanket for my soon-to-be eighteen year old son that he can bring to college with him in September.  Just a little bit of crocheted love from home.

I like this, but I think that I will look for yarns that are less contrasty to make the blanket with.  I don’t want it to have such a bold look.  Also, I need to work on how to join different color yarns and how to carry them up the side without it getting messy looking like it is on the left side of this swatch.

We have piles and piles of snow all over!  We had to make paths for Timmy and Polly to go outside!  We’re due for a small bit of snow again on Saturday and then a rain/snow event for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  I think I’ve had enough!

I hope you are all well and warm and cozy.  If you are able, please take a moment and stop by my friend Se’Lah’s Necessary Room.  You can sign up and send someone in need a store bought or handmade card.  I know that it will mean so much to them.

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2011/01/14/a-little-crocheting/feed/ 15 Crochet Christmas Dove Ornament http://planetmfiles.com/2010/12/14/crochet-christmas-dove-ornament/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=crochet-christmas-dove-ornament http://planetmfiles.com/2010/12/14/crochet-christmas-dove-ornament/#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:00:43 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8374

This dove says, "I need some eyes, Gayle."

I’m making some of these little doves for Christmas to give to family members.  The problem is, I’ve lost the eyes!  I had the packet out about a week ago and since then they have gone missing.  I’ve looked everywhere I can think of, but no luck!  How can something disappear when it never left my house?!?  Grrrrr!

Anyway, if you are a crocheter and want to make some of these cute little doves, they are really easy and quick to whip up!  I used the Lion Brand pattern called Holiday Dove Ornament.  I think you need to be logged into Lion Brand to be able to see the pattern.  I made a lot of changes to the pattern, as I love to do!  Here are my changes:

  • The pattern calls for using two strands of yarn throughout, but I only used one.
  • The pattern calls for Vanna’s Glamour yarn, but I used Caron Simply Soft Seasons yarn in Lace color (which has a pretty little sparkly gold bit running through it.)
  • At the end of their body pattern, they leave you with a big hole in the bottom of the dove.  I did some more single crochet decreases and then weaved the yarn in and out around the smaller hole and pulled it tight to close.
  • I didn’t used their pattern wings at all.  I thought they looked kind of funny, so I used my wing pattern from my Crochet Duck.
  • I didn’t like their beak pattern either!  I chained two, did four single crochets in the 2nd chain from the hook, and that is my beak!
  • I don’t like their french knot eyes so…since my 6mm half round Darice plastic eyes are missing I will need to brave the craft store this coming weekend and buy some more.  I glue them on with a low temperature glue gun.  (Remember, this isn’t for children, especially with the plastic eyes that little ones can pull off.)
  • Oh, and I will add a yarn hanger to my doves as they did in the Lion Brand pattern.

In your spare time before Christmas (hahahaha, we all have spare time before Christmas, right?!) try making one of these cute little doves!

Are you still working on any must be done before Christmas crafting?

]]> http://planetmfiles.com/2010/12/14/crochet-christmas-dove-ornament/feed/ 11 World Kindness Day http://planetmfiles.com/2010/11/13/world-kindness-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=world-kindness-day http://planetmfiles.com/2010/11/13/world-kindness-day/#comments Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:17:38 +0000 Gayle http://planetmfiles.com/?p=8329 I’m sending a warm, loving, hug-filled thank you to Se’Lah of Necessary Room and Anyes of Far away in the Sunshine for co-sponsoring Random Acts of Kindness!

I am in the process of creating my crocheted kindness!  This year, in addition to the food that my family usually donates to the Thanksgiving collection at our local Community Center, I am making crocheted pine cones to add.  I have a bunch made already and every evening I work on making more.  Here is what the pine cones look like:

I chose pine cones because they are not something that is specific to any religion and they are a symbol of love to me because of the fond childhood memories I have of collecting them and creating with them.  I’m going to add a ribbon with a little note that says, “You are cared about” to each one.  I’ll be delivering my pine cones and food to the center this Wednesday!

Also, today, my daughter and I will be shopping for the annual toy collection that takes place in our school district!  I’m thinking craft project kits will be perfect!

This post wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention that I have been on the receiving end of so much kindness in the past few months!  It has been a difficult few months and the love and support that has been given to me and my daughter has been beautiful.  Love in the form of blessing coins, and cookies and handwritten notes and blog comments and emails.  I feel the hugs!  Thank you!  Your kindness has made a huge difference!  I’ve also received so many small kindnesses during my many visits to our high school in the form of teenagers holding doors for me and letting me fit into traffic and thank you’s when I hold doors for them.  All this kindness fills me with hope!

Now, go visit Se’Lah and Anyes for links to a lot more kindness!

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