Crochet along pillow covers.

I recently did a Crochet-along from the favecraftsblog, and it was pillow covers.  These turn out SO nice, I think I'm gonna make a matching blanket!  It would be so warm and squishy.   Here's how mine turned out:

Here's the details, also available in the link above.

Materials

Size M/9 mm or N/10mm size Crochet Hook
3 Balls of Red Heart Light & Lofty Wine, 127 g or 4.5 oz size
1 Pillow Form measuring 16″ x 16″

I used a M hook, and I could NOT find Red Heart Light and Lofty around here ANYWHERE so I used the Michaels generic brand, Loops and Threads, Country Loom.  The color is called "Landscape"  and it still takes 3 skeins.  I also just used some throw pillows I already had that needed a facelift.

Abbreviations:

BEG = Beginning, CH = Chain, HDC = Half Double Crochet, ST – Stitch, SL ST = Slip Stitch, SC = Single Crochet, DC = Double Crochet, TR = Triple Crochet, FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet, BPDC = Back Post Double Crochet

Chain 37

Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc in every ch across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch2. *FPDC in the next 4 dc, BPDC in the next 4 dc. Repeat from * all the way across and finish with 1 hdc into the top of the stitch below. Turn.

Row 3: Ch2. *BPDC in the next 4 dc, FPDC in the next 4 dc. Repeat from * all the way across and finish with 1 hdc into the top of the stitch below. Turn.

Row 4: Ch2. *FPDC in the next 4 dc, BPDC in the next 4 dc. Repeat from * all the way across and finish with 1 hdc into the top of the stitch below. Turn.

Rows 4-25: Repeat rows 2-4 seven times.

Row 26: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off.

Do a second panel by repeating the above instructions.  Two Panels should be constructed. You can mix them up so the pillow has different colors on either side (if you prefer).  Attach the two panels together by placing the panels on top of each other.  Create a slip knot and slide onto hook. Slip hook through both panels. I have chosen to slip it between the posts to be consistent. Single crochet the two panels together all the way around (2 SC in the same whole in the corners).  Fasten off and weave in ends, now your pillow is done!  All these instructions PLUS great videos can be found at : www.favecraftsblog.com 

It's quick and easy and a very satisfying project AND it made my old pillows look great and new again!

Spring AG clothes swap

I just LOVE doing these sewing swaps, they challenge me to try things I wouldn't normally do.  This one turned out SO good I was immensely glad that I made two because I didn't want to give it up when I was finished.  SO adorable!  My swap partner wanted something w/ bright colors and modern, so this is what I decided on:

I know the shoes don't match, I was just trying to get a quick pic LOL

Two pics are always better than one :D

Close up of the fabric, it's adorable!

The back, I broke down and used velcro, but it turned out nice.

I made the little coats too, because you can't have a pretty Easter dress without a spring jacket!

One with the flash.

While the dress was SUPER easy to sew and turned out AMAZING, the coat was a NIGHTMARE and I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.  I used the 1930's Ruffled play dress pattern for the dress.  Great pattern highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed.  I used the Bubble Hem Trench Coat pattern for the coat.  I hate this pattern and I will probably never sew it again.  The bodice of the coat is not lined as it should be, the skirt part is, but only to give it the "bubble" effect.  The pattern guide book assumes that you have a serger as it tells you to serge the edge of everything.  Well I don't have a serger, so I finish edges and seams the old fashioned way.  It leaves the side edges of the skirt lining just bare, they are not attached to anything just hanging there.  The fit is rather big, but I guess you could have the doll wear just about anything under it and it would still fit.  I fixed all the issues but if you wear a total beginner, it would probably frustrate you to tears.  I was highly frustrated, and I'm not a beginner.  This pattern is SO not worth the $3.99 I paid for it, it turned out looking nice in the end but it took a lot of extra figuring on my part to get it that way.  

I love how the dress turned out, my daughter and my swap partner are also very pleased.  Off to make some more of those, great pattern!

Sweater I made for me!

I've not every crocheted myself anything wearable so I saw this pattern and it was free, and adorable, so I decided to try it.  Here's my result and I LOVE IT!

Front

back

It was a lot of fun and quick to make, I don't think I would use the variegated yarn again, but for the first attempt it's ok.  I think I'll make myself at least one more in a different color, just waiting for the yarn to go on sale.  The pattern is pretty good except the assembly instructions, they were a bit vague, took a bit of figuring to get it right.  Thank God there were reference pics.  Great project!