Pattern Review: Circle Jacket (with modifications for child size)

disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.

By now, we've all seen stunning circle vests and jackets. I fell in love with this particular pattern and made myself a vest. The vest gets me compliments all the time and is now one of my favorite wardrobe items. Like most of my projects, the jacket seen above (modeled by my beautiful daughter, Zelda) began with a simple request: Zelda wanted a vest like mine. Not only was I flattered, I was worried that I would never find a pattern in her size. After searching patterns for days I gave in to the idea of modifying an adult pattern.  

So let's get started!  You can obtain the original pattern here.  The pattern is available in adult sizes S-XL.  It calls for alpaca yarn double stranded but as you can see I used a worsted yarn single stranded that worked up great.  I recommend using the yarn specified as it drapes much better but on a budget worsted will get the job done.

Now for my modifications.  My daughter wears a size 6 so I literally cut the pattern down by 33%.

I worked the pattern with no changes through round 8.  Then it was time to bind off for armholes.

Round 9: crochet 1 tr, 17 ch, skip over 17 tr, *1 tr, 3 ch, skip over 2 tr*, repeat from *-* 8 MORE times, 1 tr, 17 ch, skip 17 tr, *1 tr, 3 ch, skip 2 tr*, repeat from *-* to end of round.

After round 9 I completed 5 more rounds according to the pattern and fastened off. 

Sleeves: I worked 36 tr around the armhole opening for the 1st round.  I then followed the pattern for 15 MORE rounds.

I also added a seashell border to each sleeve in black.  To do this ch 3 (counts as dc), (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same st as beginning ch, skip 2 tr, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts*.  Repeat from *-* to end.  Join with sl st to beginning chain and FO.

I hope you guys enjoy this pattern as much as I have and that these modifications help others like myself.  If anyone has modified this pattern for other sizes and would like to share, feel free to send me an e-mail from my contact page.

If you decide to make this jacket yourself, please consider buying indie!  Help support other artists like yourself by using this amazing alpaca yarn for your jacket.  It is available in eight beautiful colors and your purchase helps artists like you and me.  It's a win win!

Blue Sky Alpacas - Alpaca Silk Yarn - $15.18 Add a touch of grace and glamour to your next knitted work of art with this luxurious Alpaca-Silk blend. With a fine gauge, glossy sheen, and beautiful drape this yarn is both soft and elegant. It's the perfect pick for a stunning shawl, light shrug, or lovely little cardigan.

Until next time, happy hooking!

Free Pattern Hunger Games Inspired Cowl

I want to look like Katniss! Free Pattern

I love The Hunger Games Trilogy and, upon seeing Catching Fire in the theater, I waited patiently for a pattern for the cowl that Katniss wears in the beginning of the movie.  I knew it would happen, that this item would become huge in the fashion world and judging the number of patterns out there now, I would say my prediction was right--everyone wants one!  This free pattern from happyberry is so perfect.  I admit it isn't a replica from the movie but it looks stunning and literally works up in a day.  I spent two days making this one (I frogged it once and ran out of yarn and had to buy more!).  I also commend the designer for teaching me something!  I had never used a Solomon Knot before and I picked it up easily with her video and the pattern is beautiful.  I glammed it up by using Hobby Lobby Chunky Yarn in a shimmer silver.  I'm also happy to say I'm making a variant of this for Spring that does not have the collar and it's made using lighter cotton yarn for a lacy look.  I suggest you try this pattern (even if you are unfamiliar with the stitch, the videos are helpful!).  I love it love it love it and I know you will too.  Let me know what you think in the comments below and be sure to hit that share button so everyone can see this amazing pattern!


I apologize for my absence the last week.  I am back and better than ever and I have TONS of great things to show off to you guys.  To make it up to you guys here's a link to get 50% of Craftsy classes!  This offer ends at midnight tonight so don't miss out!  I can't wait to catch up with you all.  See you tomorrow!

 **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

West Lynn Headwrap

West Lynn Headwrap

I found this cute pattern on Ravelry and thought "that's so simple, it'll be done quick!".  The problem is that the headband came out way too big!  I used a size G hook and medium weight yarn (the pattern calls for worsted) and I did the size S/M.  It was huge.  So I frogged it and restarted with a few things in mind: the band needed to be smaller and I wanted the bottom of the band to be narrower so I could wear it under my hair.  I'll try to walk you through what I changed.  I first decided 78 dc was too much and shortened it to 68.  Because I wanted the band narrower on one end, I did the foundation as follows: 16 sc, 4 hdc, 28 dc, 4 hdc, 16 sc.  I did rounds 3 and 5 the same way.  Rounds 2 and 4 I did differently: 12 sl st, 4 sc, 4 hdc, 28 dc, 4 hdc, 4 sc, 12 sl st.  To me, this made the band easier to wear and more comfortable.  The only other change I made was that I only did 6 rounds on the wrap and 4 rows on the band.  It didn't make a huge difference in size to me.  I am overall very pleased with this pattern (the way I did it).  In fact, I've made two of these today!  The pattern is free and you can find it on Ravelry here.  I hope you guys try it out.  I can get three of these from one ball of cotton yarn so it makes a great stashbuster.  Enjoy.  Let me know what you think in the comments below and share your photos on my Facebook page.  Also, as always be sure to hit the share button below.  Thanks for reading!

Free Pattern--Granny Stripe Boutique Bag

Granny Stripe Boutique Bag

     I love making purses!  I found this pattern while browsing Ravelry's database.  I just love how these little bags can be worked up in a few hours and they really look stunning when finished.  This boutique bag was made with 100% cotton yarn in the color Spring Ombre.  Here in Memphis we are covered with ice and I needed a little touch of Spring.  This bag did it!  The color is beautiful and I think the flower just adds to it's appeal.  To use this as an everyday bag you would want to line it to prevent little bits from falling through the fabric but it is the perfect size for a gameboy or iPod or kindle.  You can find the pattern here (very easy pattern, great for beginners) if you want to make one or the bag pictured is for sale in my creations shop (link in sidebar).  Let me know what you think of my new boutique bag below in the comments and hit that share button while you are down there.  Every share helps! :)  If you have suggestions for this site feel free to contact me and let me know!  I hope you enjoy the bag as much as I do.  If you would like to learn crochet, I have plans to make some tutorials in the near future!  Until then, you can check out Craftsy's Crochet Classes.  Craftsy is always running sales on these classes and, having purchased one myself, I can tell you they are great classes.  The platform is great: you can ask questions and share your thoughts (and projects) with other people in the class.  You also get access to the class forever.  Buy once and you can access it whenever you want with no expiration.  I'll be back tomorrow, see ya then!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.  I receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a link in my post.

A Paopu Fruit For My Son Free Pattern

Paopu Fruit (Kingdom Hearts)

Everybody in my family has been sick lately so last night I really wanted to do something special for my oldest son.  He's been playing Kingdom Hearts on the PS2 constantly and, while I wanted to find a pattern for an amigurumi shadow (if you find one, let me know!), I found a pattern for a paopu fruit.  This pattern is super easy (I mean, it's a simple star and a leaf) but it looks really nice when it's finished and it's a really quick and easy gift for any fan of the series.  You can get the pattern free at Crafty Hanako.  So go on, check it out and try it!  It's fun and fast--I promise!  If you try this pattern or are just a fan of Kingdom Hearts, let me know what you think in the comments below.  While you're down there, be sure to click share to let all of your friends know about this free pattern.  If you don't crochet, or if you do, I also sell my crocheted items in my online shop (link in the sidebar).  Thanks for reading!

Free Pattern--Really Easy Slouchy Beanie

 Really Easy Slouchy Beanie

The more I crochet, the more people ask me to crochet.  Does anyone else experience the same thing?  Well, my friend kept asking me to make a "hipster hat".  Once I figured out that she was asking for a slouchy beanie, I knew where to turn.  A short search on Google led me to this pattern.  I like that it is a simple beanie because that means it can be accessorized with flowers or decorative buttons or bows.  I used 100% cotton medium worsted yarn for this and was very happy with the results.  I did shorten the length of mine by a few rows (I stopped the pattern of dc at round 24) and then I did 3 rounds of sc with the smaller hook.

If you want to make this hat, just click the link above.  The pattern is simple and it took me no more than a day or so to complete it (and I have kids lol).  As always, tell me what you think in the comments below and be sure to like and share!  If you want this hat, you can purchase it in my shop for $20 (link in the sidebar).  Check back tomorrow for another awesome post from me.

Free Pattern Roundup: Geek Amigurumi

Free Pattern Roundup: Geek Amigurumi

     I love pretty much everything geek.  The geekier the better.  So today, I was considering making my son a Kirby amigurumi and decided to do a pattern roundup of geeky amigurumi that I found.  I hope you guys enjoy these patterns.  They are all free!

1. Toon Link Play Set by Nerdigurumi 

      Nerdigurumi did an amazing job with this pattern.  It's actually a pattern for a complete play set with sword, shield, pig and chuchu.  This is great for any Legend of Zelda fan (so, pretty much everyone).  This one is on my to-do list as my family loves Link.  The only problem?  He needs a Princess Zelda amigurumi to complete the set.

2. MegaMan (from Battle Network) by BunnieBard 

     My brother and I played MegaMan back in the NES days and I am happy to see that he still has a following today.  This MegaMan is from MegaMan Battle Network so his appearance is different from his 8-bit days but this amigurumi is impressive none the less.

3. Black Angry Bird by Esther Leavitt

    I tried Angry Birds when it came out...and rage quit.  I have to admit that is a compelling game and I did go back and try again (and again and again).  Also, the birds are really cute!  The site also has links for the red bird, blue bird, pig and king pig if you want the set.  I'm thinking an all-out Angry Birds re-creation in the living room sounds fun (hehe).

4. Ms. Pac-Man by Crafty is Cool

    This pattern is spot-on!  I always preferred Ms. Pac-Man over Pac-Man simply because she was a woman and back then, not many games featured a female lead.  Here she is in all her glory.  I have to make this one.

5. D20 by This Crafting Life

    For all the D&Ders, your very own plushie D-20!  Not much more to say about this, it is what it is.  Kudos for coming up with this pattern, though--it's a cool idea.

6. Sonic Plushie by WolfDreamer

    Sega may have stepped down from the production of consoles but Sonic still has a huge fanbase.  Our favorite hedgehog has survived time and is still starring in new and upcoming games.  Although it has been a while since we've seen Sonic in his glory, this plushie reminds us of the good ole days of the Sega Genesis.

7. Happy by Manda Lynn's Crochet Treasures

    This amigurumi is a character from Fairy Tail for those that don't know.  I had to include this pattern as a good friend of mine is obsessed with this series, she just loves it.  In fact, her family cosplayed as characters from this series--including Happy!  So knowing nothing about this, I give you this cute Exceed (according to the wiki).

8. Yoshi by RoboTrish

    When I told my husband that I was doing geek amigurumi today, he said I had to find a Yoshi.  Well, here he is--and looking good too!  The biggest problem I have when searching for patterns that replicate something else is the details.  I often overlook patterns because of things like eye placement or wrong color choice--I have high standards.  This is pretty accurate...except those hands.  Don't know how I would change it but all in all this Yoshi is the best free pattern out there that I've found and be sure to check the comments for pics of other Yoshis made from this pattern!

9. Kirby by Nerdigurumi

    While I tried really hard to get patterns from different designers, I also needed this pattern to be included.  It's a necessary sacrifice.  My oldest son is a HUGE fan of Kirby.  We own just about every Kirby game and we've had Kirby themed birthday parties (complete with a Kirby cake!).  So when I think geek amigurumi, Kirby is at the top of my list, preceeded by only one other franchise below.  This Kirby pattern is so adorable and even includes patterns for Super Smash Bros ability hats.

10. Umbreon by WolfDreamer

    This is my favorite pattern on this list.  WolfDreamer did an amazing job and the pattern can easily be modified to make a shiny umbreon.  I love the size of this plushie and the fact that it stands on it's own.  I have eyeballed this pattern many times but I think it's officially been added to my list.  This designer has a ton of free pokemon patterns in the sidebar and they are really impressive so check it out.

That's it for this roundup!  Let me know what your favorite amigurumi was in the comments below.  While you are down there be sure to hit the share buttons to let everyone know about these free patterns.  Want to make your own designs?  Craftsy offers a course on amigurumi design!  Click here to sign up, I joined the class yesterday!  It provides directions for designing your own monster but the skills taught in this class is transferable to any amigurumi project.  Definitely check that out.  You can also subscribe to my newsletter in the sidebar and follow this page as well.  See you next time, guys!

Disclaimer:  I am a Craftsy affiliate.  I receive compensation when you sign up through the link in my post.

Free Afghan Pattern--Do As You Dream

DROPS Design: Do As You Dream

     Last week, I picked up a 1 lb skein of white yarn intending to use it for some mario mushroom hats (yes, that's going to happen soon).  I didn't read the yarn info as it was on sale and I knew I would use it.  Well, long story short this yarn is not the same weight as my red and green so I decided not to use it for the hats.  Instead, I am making this beautiful afghan.  With spring just around the corner, the blanket will be a perfect accent for any home.  The pattern is available free from DROPS and is really easy to work up.  I'm using Bernat Pound of Love in white (feels like medium weight 3 or 4) and each motif measures 4.75" for me (using a G/4.25mm hook).  I think mine will need some additional motifs added to make the afghan as large as I want it to be but it will be super easy to do.  The squares are joined as you go which I also really like.  It gives the blanket a lacy feel to it.  As you can see below, I have completed 5 squares since starting last night so at only 4 rounds per motif it works up super quick.  I'm extremely excited about this pattern and I hope you guys click the link above and try it out for yourselves.  It's beautiful, light, easy, and quick.  What more could you ask for?

That's it for me today, guys.  If you try this pattern out, be sure to share your photos on my Facebook page.  As always, be sure to like, comment and share!  Also check out my shop where you can order awesome items made custom for you by me.  Thanks for reading!

Free Pattern Roundup--Beanies!

One of the first wearable items I learned to hook was a simple beanie.  These hats are great for those new to crochet as the patterns are usually very simple--including a small group of stitches and techniques.  For this reason, I decided that my first free pattern roundup will showcase beanies.  Most of these can be completed by beginners but I did add a few to challenge you.  Hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

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1. 2 Hour Slouchy Beanie by Bits and Bobbles
   

This pattern is great for beginners, utilizing only chain, slip stitch and single crochet.  It can also be worked up in no time.  I love patterns like this that can be completed in under a day.

2. Lazy Cable Hat by The Laughing Willow
   

This hat uses post stitches to create a wonderful textured beanie--great for men or women.  You need to know front post and back post stitches for this but the effort is worth it.

3. Leaping Stripes and Blocks Beanies by Moogly
   

This beanie is on my to-do list.  I love Moogly's blog and follow it daily.  This pattern is ingenious.  I love the color work.  This pattern shows how to make this for anyone--baby to adult!  Expect this pattern to be more challenging, maybe too challenging for those just starting out but if you're a beginner and willing to work at it, you could do this with a little effort.

4. Suzie's Lotsa Beads Beanie by Suzie's Stuff
   

This pattern is different from the others, using beads to embellish the brim.  I personally haven't used beads in my crochet yet but this pattern makes me want to try it out!  I love the use of contrasting colored beads!  Pattern is for 22" and 24" circumference but with a little work the pattern could be scaled down to make beautiful hats for kids.

5.  Alaska Beret by DROPS Design
    

While this beret is technically not a beanie, I couldn't help but to add it as well.  I love DROPS Design patterns.  They are so classically beautiful and generally easy to follow.  Any woman would feel gorgeous wearing this beret!

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That's it for this pattern roundup.  I hope you found something you like. 
If you are new to crochet, try some of these patterns.  Most of them are pretty easy to follow and can be completed rather quickly.  If you complete any of these patterns, let me know what you thought in the comments below and share your photos on my Facebook page.  I'd love to see and hear from you!

Not a crocheter?  Don't fret!  I have beanies available for sell in my shop.  Check it out!