Scally Moo Baby Booties Free Pattern - Easy and Quick!

These booties were inspired by my little scallywag Dorian...he loves wearing his Mama's handmade booties. And, why the name Moo? Well, the yarn is made with 30% milk. It's the first time I've seen or worked with yarn made with milk, and it's great. It's so silky smooth and is ideal for the littlies. The yarn is called Chantilly, and is made by Spotlight's house brand, Moda Vera.

Have you ever seen milk used in yarn before? If so, please let me know, I'd love to try some other milk yarn blends. So here it is, the Scally Moo Baby Booties. I hope you enjoy.

Materials
I used Chantilly yarn by Moda Vera. It's a 12 ply yarn. The gauge on the yarn packet reads 13.0 to 15.0 sts = 4 inches in stocking stitch (knitting).

5mm (H) hook
6mm (J) hook

Size
Approximately 3 month +

Gauge

After round 2 is completed the sole of the bootie measures approximately 8 - 8.5cm (just over 3 inches) length, and 5cm (2 inches) width through the middle.

This pattern is written with US terminology.

Begin: Using 5mm hook

Recommended method - 7 Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) - You will now begin to work on the bottom side of the dc stitches, working back towards the beginning fdc to form an oval -
3dc in the same base as last fdc worked, dc in each base of next 5 dc, 3dc in next base of dc (i.e. the 1st  fdc) join with ss to top of 1st fdc. Continue with Rnd 2. (18 dc)

Alternative method - If you don't know how to do FDC then follow this alternative method. Ch 10, working in the top chain loop only, dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. You will now begin to work into the other side of the chain loop working back towards the beginning dc to form an oval - 3dc in next ch, dc in next 5 ch, 3dc in next ch, join with ss to top of 1st dc. Continue with Rnd 2 (18 dc)


Pattern Notes: End each round with a ss, to top of beginning ch3

Rnd 2   ch3, dc in same dc and in next 4 dc, 2dc in next 5dc, dc in next 4dc, 2dc in next 4 dc (28)
Change to 6mm hook

Rnd 3   ch 3, (continue this rnd in blo), dc in next dc and each dc around  (28)

Rnd 4   ch 3, dc in next 7 dc, dc2tog 4 times, dc in next 9 dc, dc2tog, dc in last dc (23)
Rnd 5   ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, dc2tog 4 times, dc in next 9 dc (19)

Rnd 6   ch3, dc in next 3dc dc2tog 4 times, dc in next 7 dc (15)
Rnd 7   ch 3, dc in each st around dc (40)
Fasten off

Edging and tie-up laces -   Using CC and 5mm hook ch 30, with right side of bootie facing attach yarn with ss to the dc that is left of the front middle st. Change to 6mm hook. ch 1, sc in next dc,  and in each dc around. Change back to 5mm hook. ss in same dc where last sc was worked, ch 30.
Fasten off, Weave in ends.

Make 2 

I hope you enjoyed this pattern and please show your appreciation by leaving a comment below or by giving me a vote at Top Mommy Blogs. It only takes one click!

 

Free Crochet Pattern - Le Champignon Beret Hat

I wanted to design a hat that was not only stylish but would be functional as well; a hat that's dressy enough to wear to social occasions, but keeps you warm and is able to change with the seasons. The result is this French style beret. This hat is so soft and slouchy, allowing you to wear it in a number of ways...wear it at the back of your head for those crisp autumn days, or when it is freezing cold in the heart of winter, you can pull it down over your ears to keep your head snug and warm. This is a very easy pattern and is suitable for beginners. I hope you enjoy crocheting and please feel free to leave comments or ask me any questions below.





Slouchy French Beret Pattern

Materials
I used three strands of Dk yarn held together, one being mohair to give it a touch of fuzziness and warmth. I think a 12 ply or bulky yarn could work too, as long as you get correct gauge.
9mm hook.


Gauge
The diameter measures approximately 5 inches after the completing the first 3 rounds.

This pattern is written with US terminology. Work in continuous rounds. Join each round and replace the first dc of each round with 3 chain.

Rnd 1  Work 10 dc in Magic Circle

Rnd 2   2 dc in each dc around  (20)

Rnd 3   *dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch* around  (30)

Rnd 4   *dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in next stitch* around  (40)

Rnd 5   *dc in next 3 stitches, 2dc in next stitch * around  (50)

Rnd 6 - 9   dc around (50) [4 rounds]
Rnd 10   *dc in next 3 stitches, dc2tog* around (40)

Rnd 11   *dc in next 2 stitches, dc2tog* around (30) 

Rnd 12  dc around (30)

Fasten Off

View Out My Window

Oh how I remember the insanity! This photo was taken in October 2011. It was only a month after Dorian was born when these streetworks began. There was so much noise and dust and shaking...I'm amazed we managed to find any sleep at all. Though to be realistic, we did just have a newborn so I guess we wouldn't have slept much anyway.

Crochet Crafty Goodness - Fingerless Gloves

I'm so excited to share with you my latest items for sale on Etsy. I adore fingerless gloves. Along with coloured tights, they are my favourite winter accessory. Here is a little glimpse at some of the gloves I've created. You can see more at my Etsy shop Peachy Lane 

View Out My Window

Woke up really early this morning and as I passed the kitchen window, this balloon caught my eye...

...then a minute later many more appeared....

It was kind of calming watching the balloons gently float in the distance though I'm pretty certain that if I were on board, I wouldn't find it calming at all. I've always had a fear of heights and small spaces, so the idea of being confined in a little basket high up in the sky is like the double whammy of my fears. I actually went skydiving many, many years ago, when I was young and impressionable. I didn't want to do it. The only reason I did was because someone dared me, they said my friends would all do it, but pointed the finger at me and said, "You won't jump...Cause you're too chicken!" So I guess my skydiving was an act of defiance....I felt I had to prove myself to this person and everyone else, who now admitted they also thought I was chicken. I was terrified the whole time...sweating, shivering, talking non-stop (which I tend to do when I'm overly nervous). The only thing that made the whole experience slightly enjoyable was that one of the tandem jumping instructors was good looking. Anyway, after that crazy encounter, I have no desire whatsoever to prove myself to anyone anymore in the form of dare devil acts, and maybe I'm chicken, but I don't care.
What about you? Have you ever done anything daring? Would you?

Free Crochet Amigurumi Pattern - Santa's Sack & Christmas Gift Decorations

After making my Christmas Santa Amigurumi Pattern, I decided there was one important thing missing...Santa's Christmas Sack! So I came up with this pattern to crochet Santa's sack and minuature giftboxes to fill your sack too.

This is a really easy pattern and you should be able to finish it in one night. I made these as decorations to sit around our shop, but you could also add loops and hang these little decorations from your Christmas tree.

Materials
Dk 8 ply yarn in your chosen Christmas colours
4mm hook
Polyfill
Cardboard - to help maintain shape of gift boxes.

This pattern is written with US terminology. Work in continuous rounds. The weight of yarn and hook size are a guide only. Pattern gauge is not important. If you change the weight and hook size, just keep in mind your sack and gift boxes may be larger or smaller than mine. Using the above yarn and hook size, my sack measures approx. 7 cm high and the gift boxes just under 3cm height.

Christmas Gift Box Decorations
Before stuffing I added a small square piece of cardboard at bottom of box. I then added another small piece after stuffing, just before finishing last round. This isn't essential but it helps maintain the cube shape of your gift box.

Rnd 1  Work 6 sc in Magic Circle
Rnd 2   2 sc in each sc around  (12)
Rnd 3   *sc in next 2 stitches, 3sc in next stitch* around (20)

Rnd 4-11   sc around [7 rounds]

Rnd 12  * sc in next 2 stitches, 3sctog* Stuff (12)

Rnd 13   2sctog around (6)
Close up hole and Fasten Off   
 Wrap a ribbon or piece of yarn tie around the box and tie a pretty bow.  

Santa's Christmas  Sack
 

Rnd 1  Work 6 sc in Magic Circle

Rnd 2   2 sc in each sc around  (12)

Rnd 3   *sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch* around  (18)

Rnd 4   *sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* around  (24)

Rnd 5   *sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch * around  (30)

Rnd 6   sc around in back loop only (30)
Rnd 7   *sc in next 14 sts, 3sc in next st* repeat twice (34)

Rnd 8   sc in next 15 sts, 3sc in next st, sc in next 16 sts, 3sc in next st, sc in last st (38)

Rnd 9   sc in next 16 sts, 3sc in next st, sc in next 17 sts, 3sc in next st, sc in last 2 sts (42) 

Rnd 10   sc in next 17 sts, 3sc in next st, sc  in next 20 sts, 3sc in next st, sc in last 3 sts (46)

Rnd 11   sc in next  15 sts, put hook through the next st, skip 5 stitches and put hook through next st, (so you will have hook going through 2 stitches), sc the 2 sts tog,  sc in next 17 sts, put hook through next st, skip 5 sts and put hook through next st, sc the 2 sts tog, sc in last 2 sts (34)

Rnd 12   sc in next 6 sts, 2sctog, sc in next 7 sts, 2sctog, sc in next 6 sts, 2sctog, sc in next 7 sts, 2sctog [4 decreases] (30)

Rnd 13   sc around

Rnd 14   *sc in next 3 sts, 2sctog* around (24)

Rnd 15-21   sc around [7 rounds] (24)

Rnd 22   *sc in stitch, ch1, 2sc in next st, ch1* around (36) 

Fasten Off

Weave a piece of string or yarn in and out of the chains and tie. I used a ribbon meshed yarn to give it a bit of a rustic look, and I was pleased with how it turned out. I kind of cheated too and stuffed my sack with polyfill and added one giftbox on top, but no one can notice unless they decide to raid the sack. See...

I hope you enjoyed this pattern and please show your support by leaving comments and feedback. 

 

Christmas Amigurumi Pattern - Santa, Mrs Claus and Elf

The pattern for Santa, Mrs Claus and Elf is easy to understand, and is suitable for beginners or experienced amigurumi makers. The dolls are fast to make too, and I completed all my dolls over just one weekend! I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I made a set for our shop window and they have been receiving a lot of attention and wonderful comments. The pattern is only $4 for all three dolls, and includes detailed and easy-to-follow instructions, and photos to demonstrate various steps. I'm also willing to offer you assistance, should you need it. The pattern is available for instant digital download (pdf file) at my Ravelry store, or you can purchase it from my Etsy shop Peachy Lane.

The much-loved Santa

The delighful Mrs Claus

The cheerful Christmas Elf

Merry Christmas!

Make the whole set! The pattern for snowman and his girlfriend are available at my blog for free here.

Thanks for reading, and as always, I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.