Annoying Knots

Don't you hate when you are sitting there relaxing crocheting along and all of the sudden you come along a huge knot in your skein of yarn? UGH!! Well this is the kind of day I am having today. It's a good thing I was close to the end of this granny square when I found it. I managed to pull enough yarn from the knot to finish the square before having to cut it. I will have to work on untangling it later.

Welcome May! :)

Here's to an awesome month!!

Looking forward to a few changes this month... keep checking back for what's new! :)

Here are my 4 handsome little boys! From left to right: Rylan(5), Landon(6m), Logan(6m), and Elijah(3 1/2).  They give my life so much meaning and joy! :) 

Work In Progress

I'm swimming in granny squares! My current WIP is a shaped character granny square blanket. Can you guess who it is? :)

Happy Monday!

Hope you have a wonderful week! Happy Monday and Happy Crocheting!

Crochet Bunny Lovey Blankies for the Twins

Here are a couple of crocheted bunny loveys or blankies. I made these for the twins for Easter. I used Redheart Super Saver for mine. They are so cute and easy to make. I followed the tutorial by Yolandasotolopez on YouTube to make these. Her tutorial is so easy to follow and she explains every step very well. Took me a while to make them only because I had to find time during my busy schedule each day to crochet. Find the tutorial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_8UagKXc8 . 

Getting back into my groove... and what you've missed

Hello again my fellow crochet fans. I can not believe how much time I have let pass by since my last post. So much has happened since that time. My last post was in October 2012. For those of you who are not on my FB page that is the last you heard of me. It has been much easier to post quick updates on FB than to post them here.

So here's an update...

On October 26, 2012 my twin boys were born 5 weeks premature. I was in the hospital for 3 full days prior to delivery because of frequent painful contractions and the fact that I was dilating. It was a rough couple of days. All of the sudden my labor progressed very quickly out of nowhere. I was at 7cm dilated and asked for an epidural. By the time the epidural was placed I was 10cm fully dilated. It only took minutes. I was supposed to have delivered in the OR because it was twins but because I had suddenly progressed so quickly the Dr. had no choice but to deliver in the labor room. I was so scared at this point. There were so many people crammed into such a small room. It all the sudden hit me just how dangerous giving birth could be especially premature. Twin A, Landon, was delivered pretty quickly and my tiny baby was placed on my chest. For a few seconds I held his tiny fingers in my hands before they whisked him away. The Dr. checked the position of Twin B, and then before I knew it the Drs. and nurses were running me down the halls to the OR. I knew something was wrong. I have never been more scared in my life than when I thought that I was about to lose a child. No one told me anything. I was on the operating table before I could blink , they threw a blue sheet over my face and I heard the Dr. say he was going to begin cutting me. Twin B, Logan, was delivered by emergency C section just 12 minutes after the delivery of his brother. I never heard him cry. I remember asking them over and over if he was ok. Finally I was assured he was fine. They brought this tiny bundle up to my face and I was barely able to see him and then they took him away. Both of the twins were put in the NICU because of thier weight. Twin A weighed 5lbs 7oz and Twin B weighed 4lbs 5oz. They were so tiny. I was very lucky that they didn't really have any other health problems. Twin B had not yet developed the ability to suck so it was harder to get him to eat at first. Twin A came home with me and a few days later we were able to take his brother home. The boys are now 5 1/2months old and are getting so big already.

Between October and now I haven't really had a whole lot of time to commit towards crochet. Taking care of twins and 2 toddlers takes up the most of my day. It's so much fun though! :) Lately I have been getting back into the groove and working on a couple of smaller projects that I will share with you and I have a couple more WIPs I will share soon. 

I want to thank all of my supporters and fans for sticking by me through everything. It means so much. Well, someone is getting fussy so I have to get going. ;). I will be back again soon... until then, Happy Crocheting!

Crochet Pink Ribbon Pattern

Crochet Pink Ribbon

Written by Adrena Donnelly 2012

a.k.a. Crochet Crazy Mama

Size: One Size (Approximately 2 3/4 inches long)

What You'll Need:

*Size H Crochet Hook

*Small amounts of 4-Ply worsted weight yarn in Light pink and Dark pink.

*Small Pink Button (I used heart shaped buttons)

*Saftey Pin (If you are making a pin)

*Key Ring (If you are making a Key Chain)

*Yarn Darner/Needle

*Scissors

Skill Level: Beginner/Easy

Abbreviations:

Ch=Chain

HDC=Half Double Crochet

SC=Single Crochet

St(s)=Stitch(es)

SlSt=Slip Stitch

Foundation: With Light Pink, Ch 22.

Round 1: HDC into the second Ch from the hook, and in each remaining Ch across.

Round 2: With Dark Pink, attach new color by pulling one strand of new color through the last HDC on the previous row. Ch up 1 and turn. SC in the next 20 Sts. 3 SC in the next St. Working on the opposite side of the Ch, SC in the next 20 Sts. 3 SC in the last St. Join with a SlSt to the first SC. End off and weave in yarn tail. 

Fold the yarn so that the lighter pink is to the front and the darker pink to the back. Then take one side and cross it over the front of the other. Using a yarn darner/needle sew the center of the ribbon securely at it's crossing point. Then sew on a small pink button at the crossing point on the front side of the ribbon. The ribbon is complete.

To use the ribbon as a pin simply place a safety pin on the back side of the ribbon and pin onto clothing, hats, or other accessories. To use the ribbon as a key chain, slide a key ring through the top loops of the ribbon.

Lastly, wear or show off your ribbon for breast cancer awareness to show your support for the cause! :)

***Terms of use: You may do whatever you wish with the finished product made from this pattern. If you do plan to sell the item, I ask that you give credit to where you got the pattern from. You can NOT claim the pattern as your own. You may NOT sell the pattern itself.

Sleepy Bunny Lovey Pattern

Sleepy Bunny Lovey
Written by Adrena Donnelly 2012
a.k.a. Crochet Crazy Mama

Size: One Size (Star measures 20 inches across)

What You Need:
*Size H Crochet Hook
*Soft 4-ply yarn in 3 main colors of your choice(1 skein each), labeled A, B, and C. You will also need White for bunny head, small amount of pink for ears and nose/mouth, and a very small amount of Black for the eyes. (I used Caron Simply Soft Yarn)
*Poly-fil for stuffing
*Ribbon (For optional embellishment)
*Yarn Darner/Needle
*Scissors

Skill Level: Easy

Abbreviations:
Ch=Chain
DC=Double Crochet
SC=Single Crochet
HDC=Half Double Crochet
HDC Dec=Half Double Crochet Decrease
SlSt=Slip Stitch
Skp=Skip
St(s)=Stitch(es)
*=Repeat from * as directed in pattern


Blanket:

Foundation: With color A, Ch 4, SlSt in the beginning Ch to form a circle.

Round 1: Ch 3, DC into the center of the circle 11 times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join. (12 Sts)

Round 2: Ch 3, Dc into bottom of the same Ch space. 2 DC in each DC around. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join. (24 Sts)

Round 3: Ch 3, Sc in next St, skip next St, 3 Dc in next, Ch 3, 3 more DC in same space. This creates your first point. *Skip next St, Sc in the next. Skip next, 3 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc in next St. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt into top of first Sc to join.

Round 4: S1St in the next 2 Sts. Ch 3. DC in next St. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in next point space. DC in next 2 Sts. Skp next 3 Sts. DC in next 2 Sts. *(3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in next point space. 2 DC in next 2 Sts, Skip next 3 Sts, DC in next 2 Sts. Repeat from * 3 more times. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in next point space. DC in the next 2 Sts. SlSt in top of first Ch 3 to join. End off.

Round 5: Start color B by pulling a loop through the top of the Ch 3 on previous round where SlSt was made. SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 4 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 4 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 4 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join.

Round 6: SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 6 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 6 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 6 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join. End off.

Round 7: Start color C by pulling a loop through the top of the Ch 3 on previous round where SlSt was made. SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 8 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 8 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 8 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join.

Round 8: SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 10 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 10 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 10 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join. End off.

Round 9: Start color A by pulling a loop through the top of the Ch 3 on previous round where SlSt was made. SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 12 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 12 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 12 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join.

Round 10: SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 14 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 14 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 14 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join. End off.

Round 11: Start color B by pulling a loop through the top of the Ch 3 on previous round where SlSt was made. SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 16 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 16 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 16 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join.

Round 12: SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 18 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 18 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 18 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join. End off.

Round 13: Start color C by pulling a loop through the top of the Ch 3 on previous round where SlSt was made. SlSt in the next DC. Ch 3, DC across until the next point space. (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in the next 20 Sts. *Skp next 2 Sts. DC in next 20 Sts, (3 DC, Ch 3, 3 DC) in point space. DC in next 20 Sts. Repeat from * 4 more times. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 3 to join.

Round 14: Ch 1, Reverse single crochet around, putting 3 reverse Sc in each point space. SlSt in beginning Ch 1 to join. End off. Weave in all ends.


Bunny:
(Head)

Foundation: With white, Ch 4, SlSt in beginning Ch to form a circle.

Round 1: Ch 2, 11 HDC in the center of the circle. SlSt in the top of beginning Ch 2 to join.

Round 2: Ch 2, 2 HDC in each St around. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 2 to join.

Round 3: Ch 2. *HDC in the next St, 2 HDC in the next. Repeat from * around. SlSt in the top of beginning Ch 2 to join.

Rounds 4-9: Ch 2, HDC in each St around. SlSt in the top of beginning Ch 2 to join.

Round 10: Ch 2. *HDC Dec over next 2 Sts, 1 HDC in the next. Repeat from * around. SlSt in the top of beginning Ch 2 to join.

Round 11: Ch 2, HDC Dec in each St around. SlSt in the top of beginning Ch 2 to join.

*Before working Round 12, you'll need to embroider the eyes, nose and mouth onto the face of your bunny head using small amounts of black and pink. Once face is complete, begin to lightly stuff bunny head (not full).

Round 12: Ch 2, HDC in each St around. SlSt in top of beginning Ch 2 to join. End off leaving a long tail for sewing.  Finish stuffing head.


(Ears)

Inner(Make 2): With Pink, Ch 13, HDC in second Ch from the hook, and in each remaining Ch across. End off and weave in ends.

Outer(Make 2):
Foundation: With White, Ch 13, HDC in second Ch from the hook, and in each remaining Ch across. Ch 3, turn.

Round 1: DC in the next 10 Sts. 3 DC in the next. Working on opposite side of the foundation Ch, 2 DC in the next St. DC in the last 11 Sts. End off leaving a tail for sewing.


Completing The Lovey

To complete the lovey blanket you will need to sew all of your parts together. Begin by sewing the inner part of the ears to the center front of the outer part of the ears. Then you will have to sew the ears to the top of the bunny head, making sure that the front pink side of the ears is facing the same direction as the face of your bunny. Then you will have to attach the bunny head to the center of the star blanket. Sew it securely so that it won't come apart later. Lastly make sure to weave in and hide any remaining yarn ends.

*Optional: Cut a small amount of ribbon to match your blanket and make a bow around the bottom of the bunny head where it meets the blanket.

***Terms of use: You may do whatever you wish with the finished product made from this pattern. If you do plan to sell the item, I ask that you give credit to where you got the pattern from. You can NOT claim the pattern as your own. You may NOT sell the pattern itself.

Crochet Pink Ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I came up with these crocheted pink ribbons in honor of those who have lost, won, or are still currently fighting in the battle against cancer. I personally know many of those who have fought the battle.

The pattern for this ribbon will be posted for FREE here on my blog. I will be posting that either tonight or sometime tomorrow. The pattern is very simple, uses up a small scrap amount of yarn, and takes only a few minutes to make. I came up with 2 different ways to display your support for the cause. The first ribbon in the picture above is displayed as a key ring. Proudly display your support right from your key chain. The second ribbon in the picture is being displayed as a pin. Pin the ribbon to your shirt, jacket, scarf, hat or wherever you would like to show your support wherever you go! What do you all think?

Keep a look out for the pattern. It will be up soon! :)

Crochet Pink Ribbon Pin (Front)

Crochet Pink Ribbon Pin (Back)

Crochet Pink Ribbon Key Ring

Seasonal Projects

Anyone working on projects for the coming seasons? I have a few ideas for things to make for Autumn/Fall, Halloween and even Christmas/Winter. I would love to work on some gifts for friends and family to give for Christmas. I'm just not sure how much time I will really have to work on my crochet things when the new babies come. I'm sure I will make time. I will be up several times a night to feed, i'm sure I can BF and crochet at the same time! :) I have a few short updates to post here soon. A little about crochet and a little about my family and the coming new additions.
In the meantime I would love to hear about what you are all working on. Feel free to share pics! Anyone have any patterns they would like for me to try out and review for you? I haven't done any reviews in a while. I love to try new patterns and stitches so I am up for anything! :)

Covered Travel Baby Wipes Cases

Ok, so this is not crochet related, but it is family related lol. I like to be creative, and anything DIY excites me. I have decided to make a couple of covered baby wipes travel cases for my twins. They come in handy for the older boys too, sometimes. I was amazed at how easy they were to make. It definitely looks a lot harder than it is. So many people that I have shown thought I bought them, or sewed them. I think it's funny and take it as a compliment. I have only made 2 of these so far, but I am thinking of making a 3rd and making a video to show how I do it. 

I used the Huggies brand travel baby wipes containers that I purchased from Walmart for just over a $1 a piece. I also used cotton fat quarters for the fabric, and have plenty left over. Purchased them from Walmart as well for $ .97 a piece. I used a soft flannel under the cotton as batting because it was cheaper and worked  just as well. I got it at Walmart on clearance for $ .32. Lastly I purchased some ribbon to match with my fabrics and nursery theme. They cost just over a dollar each. So for about $5 a piece you can make these cases. 

We are doing a baby animal/jungle theme for our twins so I made one with jungle leaves print, and one with giraffe print. They came out so cute! I am thinking of covering a couple of the larger wipes cases as well. These are much more fun than the boring white ones! :)