Crochet Pattern: Plastic Bag Holder for the Car

So, my family spends a lot of time in the car. We go on lots of road trips and travel to visit family. My dad lives about 14 hours away, my mother-in-law is 3.5 hours, and my mom is 2.5 hours away. And with a 10-year-old boy in the backseat, sometimes my car is just messy! I have no idea how we accumulate so much trash. I did buy a little trash can from IKEA a while back and it has really worked well, but then the car gets messy again when I inevitably forget to bring a couple more grocery bags out to put in the trash can. Lots of people have a way to organize their old plastic grocery bags in their kitchen, but I didn't see anything for the car, so I made myself something! Let's get started.

Materials:
5mm hook
worsted weight yarn (I used grey and an ombre teal)
yarn needle

Stitches:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
dec = decrease
inc = increase
sk st = skip stitch

double crochet decrease = yarn over, insert hook into 1st stitch, yarn over, pull through, insert hook into 2nd stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 3 loops, yarn over, pull through last 2 loops

Pattern:
ch 24
Row 1: sl to first st without twisting, sc around (24)
Row 2: ch 2, (dc, dcinc) repeat around, sl st to close (36)
Row 3: ch 2, (dc x 2, dcinc) repeat around, sl st to close (48)
Row 4: ch 2, (dc x 3, dcinc) repeat around, sl st to close (60)
Row 5: ch 2, (2 dc in 1 st, sk st) repeat around, change to 2nd color to sl st to close (60)
Row 6: ch 2, (2 dc between paired posts, sk st) repeat around, change to primary color to sl st to close (60)
Row 7: ch 2, (2 dc between paired posts, sk st) repeat around, change to secondary color to sl st to close (60)
Row 8-Row 19: repeat rows 6 - 7
Row 20: ch 2, (dc x 3, dcdec) repeat around, sl st to close (48)
Row 21: ch 2, (dc x 2, dcdec) repeat around, sl st to close (36)
Row 22: ch 2, dc around, sl st to close (36)
Row 23: ch 4, (sk st, tc, ch 1) repeat around, sl st to close (36)
Row 24: ch 1, sc around, finish off and weave in ends (36)

Strap:
In main color, ch 60, weave chains through the tc row of the main item
Row 1: In secondary color, sl to first st without twisting, ch 1, sc around (60)
Row 2: In main color, sl st to close, ch 1, sc around, finish off and weave in ends (60)

Tip:
When crocheting the strap, you will need to continue turning the strap while it is in the loops. Alternatly, you could turn at the end of each row and then weave it through and sew the ends together.

Now, we have a pouch that can hold around 15 plastic grocery bags in the car, ready to be used for trash, or wet shoes, or anything really!

Crochet Pattern: 2-Tone Hot Pad

I started this pattern because I wanted to make a hot pad for our camping trip. And I really liked how it turned out, so I thought I would share it with all of you!

Materials:
4mm hook
100% cotton worsted weight yarn (in 2 colors)
yarn needle

Terms:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
inc = increase
blo = back loops only

Pattern:
In COLOR 1, ch 39
Round 1: sc inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc x 36, sc inc, sc inc on the other side of ch, sc x 36, sc inc (80)
Round 2 - Round 20: sc around (80)
Switch to COLOR 2
Round 21: sc around (80)
Switch to COLOR 1
Round 22 - Round 23: sc around (80)
Switch to COLOR 2
Round 24: sc around (80)
Switch to COLOR 1
Round 25 - Round 26: sc around (80)
Switch to COLOR 2
Round 27 - Round 40: sc around (80)
sc in blo x 4
To finish, sc across the top to crochet the ends together. (40)
Finish off and weave in ends.

Loop:
Attach yarn in the right most front loops of those 4 sts you did in blo.
Row 1: ch 1, sc x 4 (4)
Row 2 - Row 20: ch 1, sc x 4 (4)
Finish off and sew to the top where you sc'ed across the top.
Sew in ends.

Crochet Pattern: Valentine's Envelope

I wanted to make my 10-year-old son a cute little Valentine this year. We started homeschooling a couple years ago and he misses getting a Valentine from all of his classmates. Last year, I roped my husband into helping me make a couple Valentine’s for him, along with one I printed off from an email my Dad sent me. I think we did alright. So, this year, we’re going a step further and adding some little gifts in with the regular Valentine’s.

The first thing I made was this cute envelope that he can use over and over again.

Materials:
-worsted weight yarn (in 2 colors- a main color and an accent color; I used Big Twist Varsity Navy for my main color and a light grey/silver)
-4mm/G hook
-yarn needle
-small piece of velcro

Pattern:
Using your main color, ch 35.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across (34)
Row 2-30: ch 1, sc across (34)
Row 31: ch 1, sc in blo across (34)
Row 32-64: ch 1, sc across (34)
Row 65: ch 1, sc in blo across (34)
Row 66: ch 1, sc across (34)
Row 67: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 30, sc2tog (32)
Row 68: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 28, sc2tog (30)
Row 69: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 26, sc2tog (28)
Row 70: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 24, sc2tog (26)
Row 71: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 22, sc2tog (24)
Row 72: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 20, sc2tog (22)
Row 73: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 18, sc2tog (20)
Row 74: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 16, sc2tog (18)
Row 75: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 14, sc2tog (16)
Row 76: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 12, sc2tog (14)
Row 77: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 10, sc2tog (12)
Row 78: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 8, sc2tog (10)
Row 79: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 6, sc2tog (8)
Row 80: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 4, sc2tog (6)
Row 81: ch 1, sc2tog, sc x 2, sc2tog (4)
Row 82: ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog (2)
Row 83: ch 1, sc2tog (1)
Sc around the outside. Sc, ch, sc in each corner.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Assembly:
Fold the rectangle end of your piece at row 31. Since you worked into the back loops, your piece should naturally fold here. Using your yarn needle and main color, sew the sides together.

I used hot glue to attach my velcro, but feel free to attach it in any way that you want. I first glued one side of the velcro in place on the flap at the top. Then, while the two pieces of velcro were still attached to each other, I put hot glue on the side that wasn’t attached and folded it down in place, and glued that piece. This ensures that the velcro will be positioned exactly where you want it to be and everything will line up correctly.

To add extra details, I used my accent yarn to sew around the outside of the letter as shown below.

Then, I added a couple lines in the middle where you would write an address.

The last detail I added was a stamp in the corner. If you want to make this more “Valentine-y” you could make your stamp a heart, but I just wanted this to be a cute letter.
Stamp Pattern:
Ch 6
Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc across (5)
Row 2-7: ch 1, sc across (5)
Outside: (starting as though you’re doing Row 8) ch 1, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, ch, hdc (working along the side), sl st, ch, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, ch, hdc (working along the bottom), sl st, ch, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, ch, hdc (working along the other side), sl st, ch, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, sl st, ch, hdc, sl st to top of first hdc.
Finish off, leaving a long enough tail to sew onto envelope.

Sew stamp onto envelope in the top right corner.

Crochet Pattern: Half-Circle Earrings

I saw some earrings that were similar to these on a shopping website and just had to have them! And since I know how to crochet, I decided to make them myself, instead! And since I liked them so much, I just had to write up the pattern to share with all of you! So, here it is:

Materials:
-5mm hook
-worsted weight yarn (I used Big Twist yarn)
-yarn needle
-round clasp (I used these)
-jump ring
-fish hook earring
-pliers

Pattern:
Ch 2.
Round 1: sc 4 in the 2nd ch from the hook, ch 1, turn (4)
Round 2: sc 2 in each hook around, ch 1, turn (8)
Round 3: (sc, sc inc) x 4, turn (12)
Round 4: ch 1, (sl st, ch 3, sl st in same st, sl st in next st) x 6

Top: ch 1, sc x 7 across the top, sl st to beginning of round 4.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Attach earring hardware:
I used these clasps for the rounded, metal part. I thought they really added a cute detail to the earrings. Plus, you only have to squeeze them into place. The ‘teeth’ on the clasps hold nicely to the yarn.
Now, using a jump ring, attach a fish hook earring to the clasp, completing your earring.

Repeat the entire process so that you have 2 earrings!

It's Christmas! Day 17: DIY Gifts PLUS an easy DIY for your kids

It’s Christmas! is a 25 day blog and vlog segment that I’ll be doing this December to bring you crafts, reviews, and ideas to make your Christmas season even more fun this year (especially, with this pandemic thing we’re all trying to navigate).

Hopefully, my family can inspire yours to not let this crazy year ruin the holiday season for you.

One very necessary part of Christmas is gift giving. With online shopping (hello, Amazon!), picking out gifts for people is easier than ever. Most of my family have wishlists that I can shop from. However, sometimes, I like to add a little something extra. Today, we’re talking DIY gifts.

I have a lot of crafting hobbies, but my main one is crochet. Here are the gifts I made for people this year.
I made a pocket shawl for my mother-in-law.

A couple cherry pie pot holders for my parents.

An astronaut for my son.

A Mandolorean ornament for my husband.

A small Dobby (you know, from Harry Potter) for a Secret Santa gift.

And Ron Weasley (again, from Harry Potter) for another Secret Santa gift.

My husband and I have recently gotten into 3D printing in the past year, so we made a couple gifts with that this year, too.
For my Secret Santa gift, I made a Ravenclaw bookmark and a spinning deathly hallows pendant.

I also made a Gryffindor bookmark for my other Secret Santa gift.

I plan to make a couple more things before Christmas, but I'm almost out of time!

Now, for the reason you’re really here, my son and I are going to show you how to make an awesome DIY gift that he made for his grandma and grandpa.

We made candle art! First, you need to cut a piece of tissue paper that just fits on your candle.
Then, draw whatever you want on this piece of tissue paper with markers. I had my son think about things his grandparents like and things he likes to do with them.

When you're done coloring, cut a piece of wax paper that fits around your candle, but is about 6 inches longer.
Put your tissue paper in place on the candle, wrap the wax paper around it, and hold onto that extra bit of wax paper while you carefully use a hairdryer to melt the tissue paper into the candle.

Not all gifts need to be bought from a store. They mean so much more and I get so much more excited to give them when I've put time and effort into the gift. Seriously! Try it!

As always, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Free Crochet Pattern: Braided 5 Strand Headband/Ear Warmer

This pattern came about for the sole purpose of keeping my ears warm while we go on bike rides in the country. Seriously, the last time we went, I was fine everywhere except my ears. They were so cold, they hurt!

So, I looked online for some inspiration and saw an ear warmer that was braided. The one I saw was only 4 strands, but it was made with bulky yarn. I had a worsted weight yarn that I wanted to use so I decided to just make my own pattern. Without further ado, here it is!

Materials:
-worsted weight yarn (I used Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn! Metallic in Ivory)
-5.5mm hook
-yarn needle

Terms:
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
in front 3rd loop = when looking at your work, there is a loop in front of the 2 that you would normally put your hook through, so you'll put your hook in the extra loop in front in order to work in the 3rd loop
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Instructions:

Strands: Make 5
ch 87
Row 1: hdc in 3rd loop from hook and across (85)
Row 2: ch 2, hdc, hdc in front 3rd loop x 83, hdc (85)
Finish off and weave in ends (except on the 5th strand).

Face all strands the same way, working across all 5.

Row 1: ch 1, sc in each strand end twice (10)
Row 2: ch 2, hdc in each st across (10)
Fasten off and weave in ends.

With the textured sides of your strands facing up, braid them together, making sure to keep your braid somewhat tight.

When you're done with your braid, pull up yarn at the end of the strand at the far right and repeat rows 1-2 from before, just like the other end.

Join your ends together and sl st the ends to form your headband. Fasten off and make sure all ends are woven in.

And that's it! I was able to finish this in just a couple hours, using less than a skein of yarn. Now that's my favorite kind of project!

Striped Crochet Diaper and Wipes Travel Holder

My sister is having a little baby girl! Yay! So I decided to make her something that I've made for a couple of my friends who were having babies. I think this cute little diaper and wipes holder is perfect. It's big enough to hold a couple diapers and a small travel size wipes. But it's small enough to fit in a purse or small bag. Plus, I did my best to pick out some cute colors. I wrote down the pattern as I made it so here it is!

Striped Diaper and Wipes Holder

Materials:
5.5mm hook
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors (I chose a light grey-color A and white-color B)
Button
Yarn needle

Pattern:
Using Color A, ch 34
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across, turn (32)
Row 2: ch 2, hdc across, turn (32)
Row 3: ch 3, dc across, change to color B, turn (32)
Row 4: ch 2, hdc across, turn (32)
Row 5: ch 2, hdc across, turn (32)
Row 6: ch 3, dc across, change to color A, turn (32)
Rows 7-48: Repeat rows 1-6 (hdc across twice, then dc across, changing colors after each set of 3)
Row 49: ch 2, hdc across, turn (32)
Row 50: ch 2, hdc across (32)

Fold each end so that you have an overlap of 10 rows
Using color A, sc along each side, creating two pockets. Fasten off.

Attach color A to the bottom edge of one pocket, 12 sts from the corner.
Row 1: ch 3 to start the strap, dc in next 8 sts, turn (8)
Row 2: ch 3, dc x 8, turn (8)
Row 3: ch 3, dc x 8, turn (8)
Row 4: ch 2, sc x 8, turn (8)
Row 5: ch 2, sc x 2, ch 3, sk 3, sc x 3, turn (8)
Row 6: ch 2, sc x 8, turn (8)
Row 7: ch 2, hdc x 8, fasten off (8)

Sew button on the 4th rows of sts on the back of the other pocket (opposite to where you just created the strap)

Attach Color B and sc around the entire case, including the strap

Flower Applique

Use a color that will give your flower a nice pop against the stripes of your holder.

ch 4, ss in 1st chain to make a circle
1. sc in circle, ch 5, repeat around so you have 6 loops
on the last ch completion, join to 1st sc

2. work next sequence in ch spaces
sc, ch 1, 6dc, ch 1, tc, ch 1, 6dc, ch 1, sc
repeat in each ch space
join to 1st sc in 1st petal

Fasten off leaving a tail about 12 inches long.

With your needle, loop the tail in the first DC and last DC of each petal. This will make the flower into the 3D shape. Thread the yarn to the back of the flower so that you can sew it onto the holder. Sew to holder. I did mine on the front, bottom left.