Been busy crocheting pumpkins for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and here is what I have created!! Check out my cute leaf pattern and curly Q design 🙂
Have thoroughly enjoyed making these little squashes and crocheting my own pumpkin patch.
HAPPY CREATING!!
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I found this fantastic free pattern on Knit Picks by Hannah Maier, I believe it can be found also on Ravelry. It is actually two patterns – one for knitting and one for crocheting.
I created the crochet version, which was called the Clove Pumpkin. The yarn that I chose was Lily, The Original Sugar ‘n Cream cotton. I crocheted one using a Size H hook and the other one I used a Size E. I didn’t vary from the directions given but wanted to add a leaf to my pumpkin as well as that little curly Q feature you sometimes see on a real pumpkin. So I spent an evening designing this little leaf that I really like.
Here are the directions for the leaf: I used the same yarn type as I did for the pumpkin and made my leaf with a Size H crochet hook. In the smaller version, I used a Size E hook for my leaf.
Chain 22, skip first two chains then SL (slip stitch) in next 9 chains. In next chain complete 1 HDC, 1 DC, 1 TRB, in next chain – 2 TRB, next chain – 2 TRB, next chain – 2 HTRB, next chain – 2 HTRB, next chain – 2 DC, next chain – 2 DC, next chain – 1 HDC, next chain – 1 HDC, next chain – 1 HDC, last chain – 3 SC.
Now you want to basically reverse that stitch pattern on the back side of the chain stitches. 1 HDC, 1 HDC, 1 HDC, 2 DC, 2 DC, 2 HTRB, 2 HTRB, 2 TRB, 2 TRB, last chain 1TRB, 1DC, and 1 HDC. Viola, you end up with this really cute leaf. I just stitched it to the center of the pumpkin along with the stem. 
Also, in my smaller version, I created 8 pumpkin ridges just for some variations. I have been placing them around my house and will use some for a table centerpiece for Thanksgiving!!
Thank you Hannah Maier so much for sharing such a cute pumpkin pattern. Love it 🙂
HAPPY CREATING!!
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I really “love” making these little crochet bowls or as I like to refer to them as my crochet pottery!! You have lots of creativity to give your finished bowl its own personality.
My yarn of choice is Lily Sugar ‘n Cream but any 100% cotton yarn will work. To give some added durability, I crochet with two strands of cotton yarn. Either two different colors or two strands of the same color depending on the look I want. And sometimes when using two different colors, I end up with a combo totally unexpected!! I like to crochet with a size H or I hook when making these little gems.
Because of the thickness of the yarn, I begin by crocheting 2 chains and in the 2nd chain from the hook, I will make 6 SC stitches. Then I continue with the circle pattern (2 SC in each stitch, next row – 1 SC in next stitch, 2 SC in next stitch; next row – 1 SC, 1 SC, 2 SC continue increasing in this format) until my circle is to the finished diameter that I want for my bowl.
Once I have my diameter, I no longer make any increases, just SC around the diameter until I reach my desired height, your work will begin to curl up. If you want a little separation between the bottom and the bowl sides, then the first crochet row of no increases, make your stitches in the back loop only. This will give you a slight ridge that you can use to shape the bottom of your bowl. Then continue making your stitches in both loops for the rest of your bowl.
After you have reached the desired height of your bowl, on the last row use a one size larger hook and do SL stitches all around the edge and then fasten off. Weave in your ends. You might need to turn your bowl right side out. You want the thread ends from your beginning 2 chains to be on the inside of your bowl. Anyways, that is the look I like so that my outside bottom is smooth.
Now the fun begins!! You can decorate your bowl with buttons, ribbons, lace, crochet leaves and flower appliques, etc. Also, you can be creative in using different stitches within your bowl itself.
These are super little gift items too. Great for keys, cell phones, coasters, potpourri, paper clips, cotton balls, hair barrettes, yarn ball holder, etc. 
It is really a super easy pattern and perfect for a beginner. Hope you will share some pictures as I would love to see some of your “crochet pottery”!!
HAPPY CREATING!!
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Autumn has arrived and the leaves will soon be falling which stirred my creative juices for crocheting leaves as appliques for my various projects. I will let the “real” leaves turn to compost!!
Using a size F hook and size 3 crochet thread, a simple leaf can be yours in minutes. Crochet 16 chains, complete 1 SC in 2nd CH from hook, in next three chains make 1 HDC, next 2 chains make 1 DC, next 3 chains make 1 TRB, next 2 chains make 1 DC, next three chains make 1 HDC, ending in last chain with 1 SC. Chain 1, crochet 1 SC in same stitch. 
Now crochet along back edge of beginning chains and complete the same pattern exactly opposite of what you just completed: 3 HDC, 2 DC, 3 TRB, 2 DC, 3 HDC, 1 SC. Chain 1 and join with a SL into beginning SC. Complete a SL stitch into every stitch around the entire leaf and fasten off. Be sure to leave yourself about a 12″ tail of yarn when you go to fasten off. 
Now thread a darning needle onto your tail and begin making back stitches down the center of your leaf going from one end of leaf to the other end. The size of your back-stitch is totally up to you. I probably make about 1/4″ long back-stitch.
I only crochet right-handed and do everything else left-handed so my example pictures for the back-stitch are for a left-handed person. If you are right-handed, your stitches and needle will be facing the opposite direction of what I am showing.
Once you have completed your back stitches, your leaf is ready to be appliqued to your project. If your tail is long enough, you can use that thread to attach your leaf.
What I like about this pattern is that you have lots of variations for making smaller and/or larger leaves. In my other example, I used a size C hook and variegated sock yarn. I only crochet 11 chains with my pattern sequence of 1 SC in 2nd chain from hook, 3 HDC, 2 DC, 3 HDC, 1 SC, chain 1, 1 SC in same stitch, then along back edge directly opposite of each other 3 HDC, 2 DC, 3 HDC, 1 SC, chain 1, SL into beginning chain and then continue around entire leaf making a SL into each stitch. Fasten off leaving about 12″ tail and make your back stitches down the center of your leaf.
Just remember whatever stitches you create on your beginning chain, just repeat that pattern on the return side of the chain. Have fun creating different leaves for your projects and remember, no raking is involved!!
HAPPY CREATING!!
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Well I know it has been awhile since I posted anything but I have been away for about two months and am just now getting back to my routine??!!??
Anyways, I haven’t had the opportunity to do much sewing but have some super ideas on the back burner which I hope to be sharing soon. I did have the opportunity to do some crocheting while I was gone and just wanted to share with you some of my projects.
I have designed and crochet a new baby girl beanie and baby boy beanie, which I think are adorable and have them available in various sizes (0-3 mos. 3-6 mo. 6-9 mo. 9-12 mo.).
Also, worked up a really CUTE ruffled flower for the little girl beanie but it is something you could be very creative with and attach it to any of your specific projects. 
Crochet a few more simple baby beanies that I will be donating to our local hospital but will also work on some larger sizes to donate to community shelters as the weather gets colder.
Created a fun can cozy too, just couldn’t help myself!! Perfect to keep your tables from getting water spots (no coaster needed) plus keeps hands dry. 
Will be sharing some of these items on Ravelry too.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer or are looking forward to summer and keep those creative juices flowing!!
HAPPY CREATING!!
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