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Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl

September 26, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 100 Comments

Celestial Strings sent me a most gorgeous and special skein of yarn - beautiful, subtly variegated purples in a superwash merino - and named Moogly Berry! How could I resist? Well, ok, so I didn't even try. What I did do was turn it into a super cozy one-skein mini shawlette- the Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl!

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Berry Inspired

The stitch pattern reminds me of ripe blackberries or strawberries, and the color just adds to the yum factor! The Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl can be draped lightly across the shoulders like a lacey shawl. But personally I like to add one button to hold it on for hands-free bandana cowl style! With a coat, sweater, or even a t-shirt, it is a great go-to piece for this autumn and winter!

Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl

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US - H, 5.0mm hook - Furls

220 yds Celestial Strings Yarn (DK weight; 100% superwash merino; 246 yds)

Optional: 1 3/16" / 30mm button (Belle Buttons by Dritz, Item #BB752)

Gauge: 14 sts x 8 rows = 4" in dc

Finished size: 39" across the top, 19" long, 27" along the sides
Need a bigger, full size shawl? Add any multiple of 16 sts to the starting ch.

CLICK HERE for the Berry Harvest Video Tutorial and Crochet Symbol Chart

Klicken Sie hier für die Musterkin Deutsch, Übersetzung von Monique Viohl

INSTRUCTIONS

Row 1: Ch 122, skip the ch closest to the hook, *[sc in the next ch, ch 3, skip 1 ch] 4 times, sc in the next ch, ch 5, skip 3 ch, sc in the next ch, ch 5, skip 3 ch; repeat from * until 9 ch remain, [sc in the next ch, ch 3, skip 1 ch] 3 times, sc in the next ch, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in the last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, dc in the next sc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 3 ch-3 loops remain, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 2 ch-3 loops remain, ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 1 ch-3 loop remains, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, [sc in the next dc, ch 3, skip the ch-1 sp] 4 times, sc in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp,** dc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * ending last repeat at **, sc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 6: Ch 5, sc in the next ch-3 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, dc in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 3 ch-3 loops remain, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 7: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 2 ch-3 loops remain, ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 1 ch-3 loop remains, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.

Row 9 - 28: Repeat Rows 5 - 8.

Row 29: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, [sc in the next dc, ch 3, skip the ch-1 sp] 4 times, sc in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the last ch-3 sp; turn.

Row 30: Ch 5, sc in the next ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp; turn.

Row 31: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp; turn.

Row 32: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, ch 3, sc in the last ch-3 sp, do NOT turn.

Even Up the Left Edge... Edging: (NOTE: As you can see, the sides of the shawlette are not even looking - the ch 5 in the second row of each section creates a smooth looking edge on the right, but that's not the case on the left. So this row is to even that up before we work the final edging. See the photo below, where I've started to work this edging.) Working along the left edge, *[ch 1, sl st in side of next row] 3 times, ch 5, sl st in side of next row; repeat from * until you reach the foundation chain, working a sl st and ch 1 along the side of the final triangle (Rows 1 - 4).

Final Edging: Ch 1, sc evenly along the foundation chain to opposite corner, working an extra stitch in the end to turn the corner to work along the next side of the triangle. Sc in the first ch -3 loop, *dc in the next ch-3 loop, ch 1, work 2 sc around post of previous dc st, sc in the same ch-3 loop (one edge point made); repeat from * until you reach the point of the triangle, make 3 edge points in the ch-3 loop at the point of the triangle; repeat from * along final side of triangle; break yarn and weave in ends.

Block using water or steam to open up lace pattern, pinning as needed. Sew button to one end as shown below.

I hope you've enjoyed making the Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl, and enjoy wearing it as well! Use the button to close the back of the cowl - just use the holes in the lace to make it completely adjustable! Or leave the button off and use a shawl pin. Or make the whole thing in fingering weight and make a bandana for your hair! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

The Fine Print

Written pattern and graphics copyright Tamara Kelly 2014. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Celestial Strings for sponsoring the yarn for this pattern.

Alpaca Your Wrap Tutorial

September 25, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 34 Comments

Alapaca Your Wrap is an intermediate level pattern - like most crochet lace patterns, there are lots of skipped stitches and decreases and increases and such. But really, it's mostly double crochets and chains - which means most crocheters have the skills, it's just the pattern reading that can trip you up. If you can work from charts, that's much easier, and there's one linked in the original pattern. But for the rest, here's a video tutorial for the Alpaca Your Wrap!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

How to Crochet the Alpaca Your Wrap Tutorial Video

Right Handed:

Left-Handed:

As seen in the video:

US - H, 5.0 mm hook - Furls

876 yds or 6 skeins LB Collection Baby Alpaca ("3" light weight; 100% baby alpaca; 146 yds/133 m; 1.75 oz/50 g; Fawn Heather)

Alpaca Your Wrap written pattern

The "Wrap Up"

The Alpaca Your Wrap can be made with any multiple of 8 sts, plus 4, and to any length desired. So while the written pattern starts with ch 76 (which is 8 x 9, plus 4), you can add or subtract 8 chs to adjust the width to your own preferences.

As for the rows, it's a repeat of rows 2-5, until you get to the last 4 rows of each side, which form a sort of border. Then you join to the other side of the foundation chain and repeat everything you've just done to make the other side. Finally, work a row of single crochet all the way around, and done!

So between the video and the chart (and of course the written pattern), I hope that you can make the Alpaca Your Wrap! As you've seen in video and above photo, it can look a bit scrunched while you're making it. Blocking your wrap when it's finished will really open up the lace and show off the stitches! You can get it wet and pin it out, steam it (don't touch the iron to the yarn!), or pin it and then spray it with water. It's a bit of work, but the end result is worth it!

The Fine Print

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"Amazing Crochet Textures" - a FREE Craftsy Class from The Crochet Dude!

September 24, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 10 Comments

When I started crocheting 13 years ago, I had only really just started spending time online - mostly connecting with other new stay at home moms, as that was what was on my mind at the time! Slowly and eventually I discovered just how much fun crochet stuff was to be found online. Well, we've come a long way since then, eh? But I still remember those early days - and I remember the "big names" in crochet that caught my attention right from the start. One of whom was the Crochet Dude! And now he's taught a FREE online Craftsy Class - "Amazing Crochet Textures!"

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Celestial Strings Giveaway on Moogly!

September 23, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 38 Comments

Congratulations to Stacie Lynn May, winner of the Celestial Strings Giveaway! Thank you to all who entered, and thank you to Celestial Strings for sponsoring this giveaway! Even though the giveaway is over, you don't have to miss out! Click HERE to go to the Celestial Strings Etsy Shop and use the code GOOGLYMOOGLY to take 20% off all orders of $50 or more!

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Quack Up with 10 Free Duck Crochet Patterns!

September 22, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 7 Comments

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

Rubber duckies, kid's books and TV shows... the little ducky has a place in our hearts! I know I had a favorite duck book as a kid too! Recently I got a reader request for duck patterns - and I do love to fill requests! So here are 10 free duck crochet patterns!

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Alpaca Your Wrap

September 19, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 220 Comments

Last fall I designed the Fallen Leaves Slouchy Hat - in gorgeous Baby Alpaca from the LB Collection! It was just one skein, and it was so fun to make. Well, I finally got my hands on some more of this lovely yarn, and have designed a luxurious wrap to match! However, "Fall Leaves Wrap" is the name of another gorgeous pattern by my friend Jessie At Home - which you should totally check out HERE, it's amazing! So to avoid confusion, the companion piece to the Fallen Leaves Slouchy Hat has a name all it's own - the Alpaca Your Wrap!

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Gorgeous in any Yarn

Long-time readers know I can hardly ever resist a pun - especially a yarny one! So you'll have to forgive me this one. The pattern is worth it! Whether you use the same delicious baby alpaca I did or the yummy yarn of your choice, the Alpaca Your Wrap is gorgeous!

Extra Long for Extra Options

The stitch pattern is reminiscent of falling leaves, and combined with the border detailing, it's both feminine and modern. It's extra long - perfect for those of us who aren't a size 2 - and both light and cozy warm at the same time. Wear it over your shoulders like a traditional wrap or stole, wind it around your torso like a clever sweater, or bunch it up around your neck as an oversized scarf. No matter how you wear it, it just screams luxury!

Alpaca Your Wrap

Click here to add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

US - H, 5.0 mm hook - Furls

876 yds or 6 skeins LB Collection Baby Alpaca ("3" light weight; 100% baby alpaca; 146 yds/133 m; 1.75 oz/50 g; Fawn Heather)

Gauge (unblocked): 18 sts x 8 rows = 4" in pattern

Finished Size (wet/steam blocked): 18" wide x 95" long

Custom Sizing Info:

To make a shorter/longer wrap, omit/add desired number of repeats within Rows 6-73 and the same number within Rows 79-150.

To make a wider/narrower wrap, add/subtract any multiple of 8 sts to the starting chain - but you may will need to adjust Row 75 to fit.

Helpful Links and Tutorial

Alpaca Your Wrap Tutorial

Matching Pattern: Fallen Leaves Slouch Hat

Crochet Abbreviations

Alpaca Your Wrap Written Instructions

Row 1(WS): Ch 76, dc in the 5th ch from the hook (counts as 1st st/dc2tog), ch 1, skip 2 ch, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch, then dc2tog working the first half in the next ch, then skip 3 ch and working the second half in the next ch, *ch 1, skip 1 ch, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch, ch 1**, skip next ch, then dc2tog working the first half in the next ch, then skip 3 ch and working the second half in the next ch repeat from * finishing last repeat at ** with 4 ch remaining, skip next 2 ch, dc2tog in last 2 ch, turn.

Begin Repeat

Row 2 [RS]: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2), skip ch sp, dc in the next st, 2 dc in the ch sp, dc in the next st, ch 2, *dc in the next st, ch 2, skip the ch sp, dc in the next st, 2 dc in the ch sp, dc in the next st, ch 2; repeat from * to end, skip last ch sp and dc in top of 1st st (the ch-3) of last row, turn.

Row 3: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), dc in the 1st st, ch 1, skip the ch sp, dc2tog, working the first half in the next st, then skip 2 sts, then working the second half in the next st, ch 1. *(Dc, ch 3, dc) in the next st, ch 1, dc2tog, working the first half in the next st, then skip 2 sts, then working the second half in the next st, ch 1; repeat from * to end, skip last 2 chs and (dc, ch 1, dc) in top of ch-3, turn.

Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip the ch sp, dc in the next st, ch 2, skip ch sp, dc in the next st, ch 2, skip the ch sp, *dc in the next st, 2 dc in the ch sp, dc in the next st, ch 2, skip the ch sp, dc in the next st, ch 2, skip the ch sp; repeat from * to end, skip next ch sp, dc in next st, skip last ch sp, dc in top of ch-3, turn.

Row 5: Ch 3, skip the 1st st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip ch sp (dc, ch 3, dc) in the next st, ch 1, *dc2tog, working the first half in the next st, then skip 2 sts, then working the second half in the next st, ch 1, (dc, ch 3, dc) in the next st, ch 1; repeat from * to end, skip ch sp, dc2tog in last 2 sts, turn.

End Repeat

Row 6 - 73: Repeat Rows 2-5.

Row 74: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st and each st across; turn. (73 sts)

Row 75: Ch 1, sc in the 1st st, *ch 3, skip the next 2 sts, sc in the next st; repeat from * to end working last sc in top of ch-3, turn. (24 ch-3 loops)

Row 76: Ch 1, hdc in the 1st st, ch 1, *sc in the next ch-3 loop, ch 3; repeat from * to last loop, sc in the last loop, ch 1, hdc in the last st, turn. (23 ch-3 loops and 2 ch-1 loops)

Row 77: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, *ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 loop; repeat from * finishing last repeat with sc in last st of previous round, break yarn and finish off.

Row 78: Join yarn to foundation chain on RS, repeat Row 1 working st pattern into opposite side of foundation chain of like sts, turn. (So do not Ch 76, but join with a sl st in the base of the first st, ch 3, dc in the base of the next st, and continue according to the pattern).

Row 79 - 150: Repeat Rows 2-5.

Row 151 - 154: Repeat Rows 74-77, do not break yarn, turn.

Edging: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, *2 sc in the next ch-3 loop, sc in the next st, repeat from * to end of row, sc evenly along side of wrap to opposite end**, sc in the first st of Row 77; repeat from * ending at **, break yarn and seamless join to first st of edging. Wet and/or steam block to open up lace.

Alpaca Your Wrap Charted Sample

Gorgeous, no? The Alpaca Your Wrap is a great traveling companion. It's light and lacy enough to fold up small. Cozy enough to battle changeable weather. And versatile enough to wear in a variety of ways! Whether you take it on the road or wrap up around the house, I hope you enjoy this free crochet wrap pattern!

The Fine Print

Written pattern and graphics copyright Tamara Kelly 2014. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern. Please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for sponsoring the yarn for this pattern.

The 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long: Block #19!

September 18, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 5 Comments

We're pulling into the final stretch with Block #19! There will be LOTS of posts for the Crochet-a-long over the next couple of months - the last few blocks, lots of joining ideas and techniques, and we'll have to figure out what to do for 2015! And I'll trying to come up with the best way for everyone to show off their finished afghans too! But if this is the first you've heard of the 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long, then start HERE to read how it works - if you crochet fast, there's still time to join in!

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Happy Autumn Leaves Edging Tutorial

September 17, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 9 Comments

The Happy Autumn Leaves crochet pattern is a great way to perk up your home for Fall! You can use any yarn and the hook to match, felt it, hang it, clean with it, you name it! And it's made with pretty simple stitches... except for the first round of edging, which puts our tall stitches skills to work! So here's a video tutorial to show how it's done!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

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Hookin On Hump Day #79: Link Party for the Fiber Arts!

September 16, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 4 Comments

We are so excited by the way Hookin on Hump Day has grown! Sara at My Merry Messy Life started this fantastic link party, and I'm happy to have been her co-hostess for quite some time now. And we're getting more and more amazing links every time! But there are changes in store - next week look for a new look and some other fun changes! But for now, let's do this thing! One thing that won't change is that Hookin On Hump Day is a party hosted on both our sites - an entry on one site shows up on both - and we both promote the featured projects all over social media! Now here are the featured projects from the latest round of HOHD!

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10 Free Cowl and Infinity Scarf Crochet Patterns on Moogly!

September 16, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 6 Comments

It's that time of year again - there's a chill in the air, and crochet and knitwear is reappearing all over! The cowl and infinity scarf trend persisted through an unusually mild summer here, and now their numbers will only increase! Cowls and infinity scarves are one of my very favorite items to design - they're easy to make, fun to wear, and can change up an outfit for a whole new look every day! So when I realized I how have 10 free crochet cowl and infinity scarf patterns to share, I thought I'd celebrate by showing them all off at once! And maybe inspire a few Christmas and Holiday Crafting to-do lists in the process!

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Domo Arigato, for 10 Free Crochet Robot Patterns!

September 15, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 5 Comments

I love robots! Growing up on The Jetsons, I'm still a little disappointed that it's 2014 and I don't have my own Rosie to clean up and cook for us (and give me more time for crochet!). I even have a little project bag I picked up at a local craft fair that features a robot working with "steel wool." And until they go all Terminator or Matrix on us, my love affair will continue. And I'm not the only one - check out these 10 cute and cuddle free crochet robot patterns!

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Happy Autumn Leaves

September 12, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 46 Comments

The Happy Autumn Leaves are many things! Dishcloths! Wall decor! Centerpieces! Table settings! Use the right yarn and they can be anything you wish. The one thing they always are? A fun free crochet pattern to celebrate the return of autumn!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

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Prefer the free blog version? Keep scrolling!

Multipurpose Pieces

I made my Happy Autumn Leaves in cotton, thinking they'd be dishcloths... but after finishing one, I had to make two more, to use as decor! I love the way these look all grouped together, so very fall-ish.

If I had some feltable yarn on hand, I definitely would've tried it with this pattern - I think it'd be gorgeous! This is a fun pattern to play with in different yarns and weights - just match the yarn to the hook and see what effects and sizes you come up with!

Happy Autumn Leaves

Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

US - H, 5.0 mm hook - Furls

40 yds Red Heart Scrubby Smoothie (4 - worsted weight yarn; 100% cotton)
This yarn is discontinued. Recommended substitute: Lily Sugar'n Cream

8 stitch markers - Clover Lock Ring Markers

Finished size: 9" long x 5.75" wide excluding loop

Click here for the video tutorial for Edging Round 1

Click on the linked stitches to go to their video tutorials!

Note that the instructions for Edging Round 1 are long, so I have broken them up a bit to try to make them easier to read. The long stitches (dtr, quadtr, quintr) have an "fp" in front of them - this indicates that they are to be worked as post stitches, going around the post of the stitch indicated rather than into the top of it.

Instructions

Row 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc 5 in 2nd ch from hook; turn. (5 sts)

Row 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in the 1st st, dc in the next st, fpdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in the last st; turn. (7 sts)

Row 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in the 1st st, dc in the next 2 sts, bpdc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts, 2 dc in the last st; turn. (9 sts)

Row 4: Ch 2, 2 dc in the 1st st, dc in the next 3 sts, fpdc in the next st, dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the last st; turn. (11 sts)

Row 5: Ch 2, 2 dc in the 1st st, dc in the next 4 sts, bpdc in the next st, dc in the next 4 sts, 2 dc in the last st; turn. (13 sts)

Row 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in the 1st st, dc in the next 5 sts, fpdc in the next st, dc in the next 5 sts, 2 dc in the last st; turn. (15 sts)

Row 7: Ch 2, 2 dc in the 1st st, dc in the next 6 sts, bpdc in the next st, dc in the next 6 sts, 2 dc in the last st; turn. (17 sts)

Row 8: Ch 2, dc in the 1st 8 sts, fpdc in the next st, dc in the last 8 sts; turn. (17 sts)

Row 9: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 6 sts, bpdc in the next st, dc in the next 6 sts, dc2tog; turn. (15 sts)

Row 10: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 5 sts, fpdc in the next st, dc in the next 5 sts, dc2tog; turn. (13 sts)

Row 11: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 4 sts, bpdc in the next st, dc in the next 4 sts, dc2tog; turn. (11 sts)

Row 12: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 3 sts, fpdc in the next st, dc in the next 3 sts, dc2tog; turn. (9 sts)

Row 13: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 2 sts, bpdc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts, dc2tog; turn. (7 sts)

Row 14: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in the next 1 sts, fpdc in the next st, dc in the next 1 sts, dc2tog; turn. (5 sts)

Row 15: Ch 2, dc2tog, bpdc in the next st, dc2tog; turn. (3 sts) Place markers on each end (both sides) of Rows 2, 5, 8, and 11.

Make the Border:

Edging Round 1: (see graphic below, and see the Edging Tutorial Video HERE)
Ch 1, sc in each st of previous row, sc evenly along side to 1st marker, fpQuadTr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 14;
sc evenly to 2nd marker, fpQuinTr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 11;
sc evenly to 3rd marker, fpQuadTr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 8;
sc evenly to 4th marker, fpDtr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 5;
sc evenly to the top of the leaf (the ch the first 5 sts were worked into), picot;
sc evenly to the 5th marker, fpDtr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 5;
sc evenly to 6th marker, fpQuadTr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 8;
sc evenly to 7th marker, fpQuinTr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 11;
sc evenly to 8th marker, fpQuadTr around the fpdc in the middle of Row 14;
sc even to end of round; join with a sl st in 1st sc of the round, do not turn.

Edging Round 2: Ch 1, sc evenly along the side to the picot, work 3 sc in the picot, sc evenly along the other side; join with a sl st in 1st sc of the round, ch 12 for loop "stem"; break yarn and seamless join to same st. Weave in ends.

And that's that! I know that the first edging round is a bear, but the effect is totally worth it, and really it's only 8 long stitches and a picot, with a bunch of sc in between. If you're making it as a dishcloth or washcloth, you can use those long stitches to slip your fingers in while you use it! Or put some silverware in there for your Autumn table. Or just enjoy the fun 3D effect while they decorate your home! I hope you enjoy making the Happy Autumn Leaves free crochet pattern as much as I do!

Written pattern and graphics copyright Tamara Kelly 2014. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details.

A Little More Laurinda on My Blog: A Chat with the Author!

September 11, 2014 by Tamara Kelly Leave a Comment

And... now we all have an overly catchy pop tune from last decade stuck in our heads. My apologies. Really. But it's for a good cause - because I managed to snag a quick interview with Laurinda Reddig!

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Braiding Crochet Loops

September 10, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 20 Comments

There are three patterns (so far!) on Moogly that call for you to "braid" loops or chains of crochet, in two different ways. It's a simple technique with a big effect, but it can be hard to describe - after all, "pull a loop through a loop" could be said to be 90% of crochet itself! So here's a video tutorial on making and braiding crochet loops - two ways!

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"Reversible Color Crochet" by Laurinda Reddig: Review and Giveaway!

September 9, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 25 Comments

Congratulations to Jody L. Kintigh, winner of the Reversible Color Crochet Giveaway on Moogly! Thank you to everyone who entered, and thank you to Interweave Crochet for providing a copy of the book to giveaway! To purchase your own, please visit the following affiliate links!

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1up7b3a

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/WqF9s2

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On my trip to this year's Knit and Crochet Show in Manchester New Hampshire, I got the chance to meet Laurinda Reddig - and she quickly went from acquaintance to friend... And then I realized that she was the author of the book that was next on my crochet wishlist! Reversible Color Crochet promises to teach a new technique to create completely reversible color work - and it delivers!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

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Preppy and Perfect: 10 Free Crochet Penguin Patterns!

September 8, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 2 Comments

It's too hot for a penguin to be just walkin' around here! But it's cool enough to crochet one! The winter holidays will be upon us fast, and these 10 free crochet penguin patterns are ready and waiting!

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Scarfati

September 5, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 37 Comments

I love playing with new yarns! One of the yarns I got to play with recently was Adriafil's Cortina, which came all the way from Italy (you may have spotted it in the recent Hit Hat Giveaway). Well of course me playing with yarn means a new free pattern for all of you - introducing Scarfati!

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The 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long: Block #18!

September 4, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 6 Comments

The last couple of weeks I've asked for thoughts and ideas on what to go for next year's Crochet-a-long - and I've gotten so many great ones! It's going to be super hard to choose - maybe I'll make a poll! But back to this year's CAL, I know a lot of you are getting eager to start joining your squares - I'll be sharing some thoughts and ideas on that process within the next month or two. Ultimately it will be up to each individual though - so if you know what you want to do and have your layout sorted, then feel free to get joining. Now on to Block #18! And if this is the first you've heard of the 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long, then start HERE to read how it works!

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Dropped Doubles Stitch Pattern

September 3, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 10 Comments

The Luscious One Skein Cowl, Hat, and Fingerless Mitts, as well as the Sunset Shawlette, all have one thing in common. They use the Dropped Doubles Stitch Pattern! The Luscious set uses it in rounds, while the Sunset Shawlette uses it in rows (with some decreases worked in too). But no matter how you work it, it's one of my favorite stitch patterns. Here's how to crochet the Dropped Doubles Stitch Pattern!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

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Hookin On Hump Day #78: Link Party for the Fiber Arts!

September 2, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 9 Comments

It's back to school for many, and time once again for Hookin on Hump Day! Sara at My Merry Messy Life started this fantastic link party, and I'm happy to be her co-hostess! Hookin On Hump Day is a party hosted on both our sites - an entry on one site shows up on both - and we both promote the featured projects all over social media! Here are the featured projects from the latest round of HOHD!

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Amamani Puzzle Balls by Dedri Uys: a Review, Interview, and Worldwide Giveaway on Moogly!

September 2, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 47 Comments

Congratulations to Toni "Wool Hoarder" Bing - winner of the "Amamani Puzzle Balls" giveaway! Thank you to Dedri Uys for sponsoring this giveaway, and thank you to all who entered! Purchase your own copy at these affiliate links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/Z4WyrF

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1pBoAWS

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Ups and Downs Crochet Fingerless Gloves

August 29, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 110 Comments

The Ups and Downs Slouchy Beanie has done pretty well for itself (thanks to all of you!) and I had a little yarn leftover... so of course I designed a matching pair of mitts! Introducing the Ups and Downs Crochet Fingerless Gloves!

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Planning your Crochet-a-Long Layout with PicMonkey!

August 28, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 31 Comments

If you've been keeping up with the Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long, you have a great big stack of squares sitting somewhere right now! There are only 7 more patterns to go - we'll finish up in November, then spend December putting them together. Now whether you've started planning your layout or are waiting til you have all the blocks in hand, PicMonkey is a great tool to use - I'll show you how!

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Half Double Crochet in the Third Loop

August 27, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 53 Comments

The Ups and Downs Slouchy Beanie uses a variety of stitches, and one of them is the half double crochet, worked into the "third loop." Where is this mysterious loop? Well, let me show you! Here's how to crochet in the third loop of the half double crochet!

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Elephants on Parade: 10 Free Crochet Elephant Patterns!

August 26, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 14 Comments

After I debuted the Elephants Bookends crochet pattern, I started seeing elephants everywhere! They might not be owls, but they definitely have their fanbase. And it's a big one! So for all the elephant aficionados out there, here are 10 free crochet elephant patterns!

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The Impressive Salena Baca of Design Wars: Designer Showcase!

August 25, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 4 Comments

It’s time for August''s Designer Showcase! Once a month I have one of my favorite designers share a bit about themselves, and then I follow it up by sharing my 5 favorite free patterns that they’ve designed! This month I’m super excited to have Salena Baca, the impressive, talented designer at BacaCreations and brilliant mind behind Design Wars!

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Ups and Downs Crochet Slouchy Beanie

August 22, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 240 Comments

Don't worry - the Ups and Downs Crochet Slouchy Beanie won't mess with your emotions! But it will put a big smile on your face when big tall stitches twist down into fabulousness and bring this slouchy beanie to a whole 'nother level!

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A Very Unique Stitch Pattern!

The Ups and Downs Crochet Slouchy Beanie uses 4 different crochet stitches and 2 cute buttons to create a unique free crochet pattern. And it's easy to customize too - add more (or subtract a few) rows to make it slouchier or beanier- it's up to you. Undo a braid to change up the length and look on the fly - this hat goes wherever you want to take it!

It includes 3 sizes, but is shown here in the largest - a nice easy fit for an adult. A bit tighter on my noggin, soft and loose on my 12 year old. I'd share pictures of it on me, but I'm still working on those 10 foot long arms. And odds are she'll be stealing it anyway!

Ups and Downs Crochet Slouchy Beanie

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MATERIALS

US - I, 5.5mm hook - Furls

150-200 yds Purl Soho Worsted Twist (4/Medium; 100% Merino Wool; 164 yds/100g)

2 buttons - 1.25"

Stitch Markers

tapestry or yarn needle (Susan Bates Finishing Needle used)

Gauge: 12 sts x 7 rows = 4" in dc

Sizes: S (18-20"); M (20-22"); L (22-24") (Need more adjustments? Work any even number of stitches for Round 1!)

Helpful Links and Tutorials

Matching Patterns: Ups and Downs Crochet Cowl

Ups and Downs Crochet Fingerless Mitts

Ups and Downs Boot Cuffs

Cliquez ICI pour la traduction Française!

Crochet Abbreviations

FDC - Foundation Double Crochet

FDC joined to work in the round

Fpdc - Front Post Double Crochet

Bpdc - Back Post Double Crochet

QuadTr - Quad Treble

Hdc in the 3rd Loop

Dc2tog - Double Crochet 2 Together

Ups and Downs Crochet Slouchy Beanie Instructions

Round 1: FDC 54(60,66), join with sl st to first FDC to work in the round.

Round 2 - 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), fpdc in the first st, bpdc in the next st, *fpdc in the next st, bpdc in the next st; repeat from * around, join with a sl st in the first fpdc. (54(60,66) sts)

Round 4: Ch 6 (counts as first st), QuadTr in each st around; join with a sl st in the top of the ch 6. (54(60,66) sts)

Round 5: Ch 1, hdc in each st around; join with a sl st in the top of the first hdc. (54(60,66) sts)

Round 6 - 7: Ch 1, hdc in the 3rd loop (in back, behind the top two loops) of each st around; join with a sl st in the top of the first hdc. (54(60,66) sts)

Round 8 - 11: Repeat Rounds 4 - 7.

Round 12 - 14: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc in each st around; join with a sl st in the top of the first dc. (54(60,66) sts) NOTE: This is where you add or subtract rows to make more/less slouchiness.

GO TO DIRECTIONS FOR THE SIZE YOU ARE MAKING BELOW:

SMALL (18-20"):

Round 15: Ch 2, *dc in 7 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (48 sts)

Round 16: Ch 2, *dc in 2 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (36 sts)

Round 17: Ch 2, *dc in 1 st, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (24 sts)

Round 18: Ch 2, dc2tog around; join with a sl st in top of first dc2tog. (12 sts)

Round 19: Repeat Round 18. (6 sts) Break yarn, gather top if needed, and weave in ends. Go to assembly instructions below.

MEDIUM (20-22"):

Round 15: Repeat Round 14. (60 sts)

Round 16: Ch 2, *dc in 3 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (48 sts)

Round 17: Ch 2, *dc in 2 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (36 sts)

Round 18: Ch 2, *dc in 1 st, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (24 sts)

Round 19: Ch 2, dc2tog around; join with a sl st in top of first dc2tog. (12 sts)

Round 20: Repeat Round 19. (6 sts) Break yarn, gather top if needed, and weave in ends. Go to assembly instructions below.

LARGE (22-24"):

Round 15: Repeat Round 14. (66 sts)

Round 16: Ch 2, *dc in 9 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (60 sts)

Round 17: Ch 2, *dc in 3 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (48 sts)

Round 18: Ch 2, *dc in 2 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (36 sts)

Round 19: Ch 2, *dc in 1 st, dc2tog; repeat from * to end, join with a sl st in top of first dc. (24 sts)

Round 20: Ch 2, dc2tog around; join with a sl st in top of first dc2tog. (12 sts)

Round 21: Repeat Round 20. (6 sts) Break yarn, gather top if needed, and weave in ends. Go to assembly instructions below.

ASSEMBLY (all sizes):

The QuadTr sts from Rounds 4 and 8 will be used to make "braids." Use the stitch markers to mark where you want the braids to end as they go around the hat - the buttons go right above the marked stitches. Placement here is a personal choice!
Sew the buttons to the hdc rows above the marked stitches.
With your fingers, twist the QuadTr just to the left of the marked stitch one time, so that it forms a loop as shown:

Pull the next QuadTr through this loop, without twisting this second stitch.

Continue pulling each Quad Tr through the previous loop, not twisting them. Use your fingers to close the center of the braid so that the "ladder" doesn't show in the center.
When you get to the marked stitch, remove marker and pull through loop to finish braid. Loop this last loop over the button above, to hold the braid in place.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 with next row of QuadTr.

And voila! The Ups and Downs Crochet Slouchy Beanie has shrunk several inches, and those crazy tall QuadTr stitches have turned into fun braids that go all the way around the hat. You could add another repeat of Round 4-7 for a third row of braids, or go right to plain dc sts for Rounds 8-11 if you want just one braid and button! The details are all up to you. I can't wait to see all the fun projects you make using this pattern!

The Fine Print

The 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long: Block #17!

August 21, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 16 Comments

I'm so glad so many of you have enjoyed this crochet-a-long - and have given me lots to ponder about what to do in 2015! I'll definitely do another CAL of some sort - it's just a matter of deciding what to do! If you haven't yet, be sure to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments. Now on to Block #17! And if this is the first you've heard of the 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long, then start HERE to read how it works!

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Adriafil Hita Hat Crochet Kit Giveaway on Moogly!

August 20, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 54 Comments

Congratulations to Molly Xeng Chang, winner of the Adriafil Hita Hat Kit Giveaway on Moogly! 😀 Thank you to all who entered. and thank you to Adriafil for sponsoring this giveaway! Get links below to purchase your own kits!

~~~~

I've got an exciting new giveaway for you this week, sponsored by the Italian yarn company Adriafil! It's their make your own hat kit, the Hita Hat - and it's a lot of fun!

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Hookin On Hump Day #77: Link Party for the Fiber Arts!

August 19, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 2 Comments

Welcome back once again to Hookin on Hump Day! Sara at My Merry Messy Life started this fantastic link party, and I'm happy to be her co-hostess! Hookin On Hump Day is a party hosted on both our sites - an entry on one site shows up on both - and we both promote the featured projects all over social media! Here are the featured projects from the latest round of HOHD!

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Introducing "I Like Crochet" eMagazine!

August 19, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 7 Comments

If you're a fan of AllFreeCrochet, you may have heard about a new emagazine that their parent company Prime Publishing has launched this month - I Like Crochet! And that definitely a statement I can get behind. I've been eagerly awaiting the debut issue for some time now, and I finally got a chance to check out the premier issue - read on to see what I think!

I Like Crochet: a review of their premier issue! On Moogly!

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What Was That Hooky Sound? It's Free Crochet Ninja Patterns!

August 18, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 4 Comments

Ninjas are everywhere lately, thanks to four particularly popular pizza eating amphibian youths! A bit less sneaky than your traditional ninjas, but it takes all sorts of course. And you'll find crochet ninjas as well - those who wield the hook in mysterious and yarn bomby ways... those who can always get gauge no matter who designed the pattern! So this roundup is all about ninjas - the ones we can make with our hooks! And a couple of their finer accessories - because we all love crocheted accessories!

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Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow

August 15, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 60 Comments

The Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow is a fun free crochet tooth pillow pattern that celebrates those special milestones in every child's life - and can create its own family tradition!

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Toothy Inspiration

Did you know that August 22nd is National Tooth Fairy Day here in the USA? And did you also know that my youngest, now 7 and a half years old, has still not lost a single tooth?

Our tooth fairy window may close before it opens with this one... so I made the Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow in the hopes we'll get to use it sooner rather than later! And of course, I'm sharing the fun free crochet pattern with all of you!

Tooth Pillow Traditions

The Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow is perfectly unisex, while still being cute and fun! You can leave it as a pillow to tuck in next to their own, or add a strap to hang it from a doorknob or bedpost - whatever the tooth fairy at your house prefers.

And it works up quick - in less time than it takes for a little wiggle to go to "MOM! My tooth!!"

Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow

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US - H, 5.0mm hook (Furls Crochet)

100 yds total of Worsted or Aran weight yarn (Bernat Handicrafter and Lily Sugar 'n Cream used; white: 40 yds, red: 10 yds, blue: 50 yds)

tapestry or yarn needle (Susan Bates Finishing Needle used)

small amount of fiber filling

2 small buttons (optional)

Finished size: Approximately 5.5" wide when stuffed and finished.

Note: This pattern is made in several pieces and then assembled at the end.

Instructions

TOOTH INSTRUCTIONS: (worked from the bottom up)

Row 1: Ch 8, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the next 3 ch, sl st in the next ch, sc in the last 3 ch; turn. (7 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in the 1st st, sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the last st; turn. (9 sts)

Row 3 - 7: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (9 sts)

ROOT A:

Row 8a: Ch 1, sc in the first 3 sts, turn. (3 sts, leave remaining sts unworked)

Row 9a - 10a: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (3 sts)

Row 11a: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in the last st; turn. (2 sts)

Row 12a: Ch 1, sc2tog. (1 st) Break yarn.

ROOT B:

Row 8b: Skip the 3 sts after the last worked st in Row 8a, and join to the next st. Ch 1, sc in the last 3 sts, turn. (3 sts)

Row 9b - 10b: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn. (3 sts)

Row 11b: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in the last st; turn. (2 sts)

Row 12b: Ch 1, sc2tog. (1 st)

EDGE: Ch 1 and sc all around the tooth. Break yarn.

WING INSTRUCTIONS:

WING #1:

Row 1: Ch 8, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the last 7 chs; turn. (7 sts)

Row 2: Ch 2, dc in the 1st st, 3 tr in the next st, (2 dc, hdc) in the next st, sl st in the next st, (hdc, dc) in the next st, 3 dc in the next st, hdc in the last st. Break yarn.

WING #2:

Row 1: Ch 8, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the last 7 chs; turn. (7 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, hdc in the 1st st, 3 dc in the next st, (dc, hdc) in the next st, sl st in the next st, (hdc, 2 dc) in the next st, 3 tr in the next st, dc in the last st, ch 2 and sl st in base of last st. Break yarn.

PILLOW INSTRUCTIONS: (make 2)

Round 1: Starting with a magic circle, ch 1 and sc 6 in the ring; join to 1st sc with a sl st. (6 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around; join. (12 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, *sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (18 sts)

Round 4: Ch 1, *sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (24 sts)

Round 5: Ch 1, *sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (30 sts)

Round 6: Ch 1, *sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (36 sts)

Round 7: Ch 1, *sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (42 sts)

Round 8: Ch 1, *sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (48 sts)

Round 9: Ch 1, *sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts; repeat from * around, join. (54 sts)

Round 10: Ch 1, *sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (60 sts)

Round 11: Ch 1, *sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (66 sts)

Round 12: Ch 1, sc in each st around; break yarn and seamless join to 2nd st of round. (66 sts)

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

Make all the pieces listed above.
Sew the eyes to the tooth; add the smile with scrap yarn.
Sew the wings to the sides of the tooth as shown.
Sew the tooth to one of the pillow pieces, leaving the top of the tooth open to form a pocket. NOTE: You can sew it so that either end is "up" - just leave an opening for the cash!
Sc along edge, through both pillow pieces, wrong sides together. When there's a bit of room left, stuff it with fiber filling before finishing seam.
Add hanging cord if desired.

A NOTE ABOUT BUTTONS AND CORDS:

Before anyone gets upset that I am recommending cords and buttons on a children's item - the Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow pattern is intended for children 4 years of age and older - which is when most kids start losing teeth.

At this age, they shouldn't be chewing buttons off things (especially with gap-toothed smiles!), and if they are, these buttons are small enough that swallowing them won't hurt anyone.

Options!

But if you're really worried, please embroider on eyes using scrap yarn instead. And make the cord short enough they can't get it over their head, or just leave it off! It's all optional!

I hope both you and the toothless littles enjoy this free Tooth Fairy's Tooth Pillow crochet pattern!

The Fine Print

"Baby Hats" by Annastasia Cruz: Review and Giveaway!

August 14, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 17 Comments

Congratulations to Jennifer Buckler! And thank you to all who entered! You can purchase the paperback book HERE or purchase the ebook HERE!

~~~

Recently I received a new ebook - Baby Hats by Annastasia Cruz! It's full of fantastic and wearable hat patterns for babies in sizes 3 to 12 months. And today I get to give away a free copy to one lucky reader!

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Double, Triple, Quadruple, and Beyond: Tall Crochet Stitches!

August 13, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 50 Comments

Most crocheters learn early on how to create single and double crochet stitches. And eventually, you might have tackled a treble crochet stitch! But did you know it doesn't end there? You can keep adding yarn overs as long as you can fit them on the hook! Here's the how to and names for the *really* tall crochet stitches!

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My Trip to STITCHES Midwest in Shaumburg, Illinois!

August 12, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 6 Comments

Hot on the heels of the Knit and Crochet Show, I hadn't planned to go to on any crochet trips for a little while. But then I realized that STITCHES Midwest was happening this past weekend, just a few hours from home! Well, it was too late to register for classes, but I had to make a quick trip anyway!

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Fiber Football! 10 Free Crochet Football Patterns

August 11, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 2 Comments

Autumn is on the horizon, and for towns all across the USA, that means one thing - Football season! Get a jump on your team pride with these 10 free crochet football patterns! I've got everything from football hats to team pride accessories - and a few things to make watching more cozy!

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Crochet Elephant Bookends

August 8, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 58 Comments

Growing up, one of my little brothers was obsessed with a VHS copy of the Disney movie Dumbo. And though we didn't quite get the "Pink Elephants on Parade" sequence, that didn't stop us from singing along! Well, instead of Pink Elephants on Parade... I've got Blue Elephants on Crochet! Elephant Bookends that is... and it's a free crochet pattern!

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To be more specific, these would be considered bookend covers. Bookend cozies? They slip over the plain metal bookends you can buy in any office supply store or discount retailer. The set I purchased was well under $10, and were simply labeled "9 inch metal bookends." I've linked to a pair on Amazon below!

If yours are a different size, you'll need to adjust the Covers portion of the pattern to fit. But it's all single crochet, and I have full confidence you can pull it off. And you can pose your elephant however you like! It's all in the assembly - and a pipe cleaner up the trunk! I can't wait to see how you all make this pattern your own!

Crochet Elephants Bookends

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US - H, 5.0mm hook - Furls Crochet

2 colors Red Heart Super Saver (Aran /10 ply; 364 yards (333 meters); 198 grams (6.98 ounces))
- 250 yds in Black
- 200 yds in Turqua

Set of 2 9" metal bookends

Tapestry or Yarn Needle (Susan Bates Finishing Needles used)

Stitch Markers (Clover Locking Stitch Markers used)

Fiber Filling (small amount)

Pipe Cleaner (optional)

Gauge: 13 sts x 16 rows = 4" in sc

Note:

This pattern is made in several parts that are then sewn together. Please refer to the photos for placement - or go your own way! I've included an assembly overview up front so you an get an overall idea of how the bookends come together.

ASSEMBLY OVERVIEW: (Instructions for each piece is below)

Make the Cover pieces - the black pieces that will act as the actual bookend covers, and that will hold up the elephant pieces. In the photos, these are in black.
Make the Elephant Ears (make 2) and set aside.
Make the Elephant Front Half - attach the ears and stuff with fiber fill when noted. Leave the trunk empty.
Make the Elephant Front Legs, and sew them to the body.
Make the Elephant Back End.
Make the Elephant Tail and Legs, and sew them to the back end.
Lightly stuff the legs, and sew them to the smaller bottom "flap" of each Cover Part A, so that the body opening is facing the taller upright part of the Cover Part A.
Lightly stuff the bodies, and sew them to the larger upright portion of each Cover Part A. You can mold them a bit as you go!
Single crochet or whip stitch each Cover Part A to a Cover Part B, leaving the bottom open so that it can slip over the metal bookends.
Insert a pipe cleaner up the trunk if you want to make it pose-able.
Slip the covers over your bookends and enjoy!

Crochet Elephant Bookends INSTRUCTIONS:

Make 2 of each part, do not sew together until elephant parts are attached You may need to adjust these to fit your own bookends.

Part A (Will face out and have elephant parts attached):

Row 1: Ch 20, skip the ch closest to hook, sc in next 19 ch; turn. (19 sts)

Row 2 - 36: Ch 1, sc across; turn. (19 sts)

Row 37: Ch 1, sc across in BLO (back loop only tutorial here); turn. (19 sts)

Row 38 - 44: Repeat Row 2. Break yarn and finish off. Note that the BLO row has created a "crease" or bend that pushes the last few rows forward - this forward flap is where the feet will be attached, while the body will be attached to the upright, larger portion before Row 37.

Part B (Will face inward against the books):

Row 1: Ch 20, skip the ch closest to hook, sc in next 19 ch; turn. (19 sts)

Row 2 - 36: Ch 1, sc across; turn. Break yarn and finish off. (19 sts)

ELEPHANT EARS INSTRUCTIONS:

Make 2 - these will be sewn on after Round 28 of the Front Half Instructions.

Row 1: Ch 3, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the last 2 ch; turn. (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in the first st, sc in the last st; turn. (3 sts)

Row 3: Ch 2, sc in the first 2 sts, 2 sc in the last st; turn. (4 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, work 2 sc in the first st, sc in remaining sts; turn. (5 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st until 1 st remains, 2 sc in last st; turn. (6 sts)

Row 6 - 11: Repeat Rows 4 - 5 until thre are 12 sts total. Break yarn leaving long tail for sewing on.

ELEPHANT FRONT HALF HEAD AND BODY INSTRUCTIONS:

The front half is made in one piece except for the ears and legs - those are sewn on as shown or as desired. This main piece is worked in a spiral - do not join with a slip stitch, but use a stitch marker to mark the first st of each round to keep your place. The first "Round" is worked as a Row, but don't turn at the end - just start Round 2 in the of of the first stitch made in Round 1. This creates the circle shape.

Round 1: Ch 9, skip the ch closest to the hook, sc in the next 8 sts. ( 8 sts) (Do NOT join, will be working in a spiral, see note above)

Round 2 - 13: Sc in each st around (continuing to work in a spiral). (8 sts) (Note: trunk made)

Round 14: *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Round 15: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 16: Work 2 sc in each st around (24 sts)

Round 17: *Sc in the next 11 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * once. (26 sts)

Round 18: *Sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * once, then sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the last st. (29 sts)

Round 19: Sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next st, *sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * once. (32 sts)

Round 20: Sc in the next 15 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the last 16 sts. (33 sts)

Round 21: *Sc in the next 10 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * to end. (36 sts)

Round 22: Work 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 35 sts. (37 sts)

Round 23: Sc in each st around. (37 sts)

Round 24: Sc in the next 18 sts, sc2tog invisible decrease, sc in the next 17 sts. (36 sts)

Round 25: *Sc in the next 16 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * to end. (34 sts)

Round 26: *Sc2tog, sc in the next 9 sts; repeat from * once, then sc2tog, sc in the next 10 sts. (31 sts)

Round 27: Sc in the next 5 sts, sc2tog, *sc in the next 6 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * to end.(27 sts)

Round 28: Sc in the next 2 sts, sc2tog, *sc in the next 5 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * until 2 sts remain, sc in the last 2 sts. (23 sts) (Note: STOP HERE and sew on ears before proceeding. Sew to head and front as shown, and add a couple stitches at the back tips if desired)

Round 29: Sc2tog, sc in the next st, *sc2tog, sc in the next 2 sts; repeat from * to end. ( 17 sts) (Note: head made. Stuff lightly with fiber filling at this point before moving on to the body.)

Round 30: Sc in the next 5 sts, [2 sc in the next st] 6x, sc in the last 6 sts. (23 sts)

Round 31: Sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next st, [sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st] 5x, sc in the last 6 sts. (29 sts)

Round 32: Sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next st, [sc in the next 2 sts , 2 sc in the next st] 5x, sc in the last 6 sts. (35 sts)

Round 33: Sc in each st around. (35 sts)

Round 34: Sc in the next 11 sts, [2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st] 7x, sc in the last 10 sts. (42 sts)

Round 35 - 42: Sc in each st around. (42 sts) Break yarn, leaving long tail or sewing on.

ELEPHANT FRONT LEGS INSTRUCTIONS:

Make 2 - sew to front of body as desired, leaving bottom of each leg open. Worked in spirals, as in the body.

Round 1: Ch 13, skip the ch closest to the hook and sc in the remaining 12 ch. (12 sts)

Round 2 - 14: Sc in each st around. (12 sts) Break yarn and leave long tails to sew to body.

ELEPHANT BACK END INSTRUCTIONS:

This portion will also be worked in spirals, without joining at the end of the rounds.

Round 1: Starting with a magic circle, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc into each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * to end. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * to end. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 2 sts; repeat from * to end. (30 sts)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * to end. (36 sts)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * to end. ( 42 sts)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next st; repeat from * to end. (48 sts)

Round 9: *Sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts; repeat from * to end. (54 sts)

Round 10 - 15: Sc in each st around. (54 sts) Break yarn and leave long tail for sewing.

ELEPHANT TAIL INSTRUCTIONS:

Row 1: Ch 15, skip ch closest to the hook, sl st in the next 9 ch, sc in the last 5 ch. Break yarn, leaving long tail, and sew to Elephant Back End as shown.

ELEPHANT BACK LEGS INSTRUCTIONS:

Make 2 - sew to back end as desired, leaving bottom of each leg open. Worked in spirals, as in the body.

Round 1: Ch 12, sc in the first ch made (next to the slip knot), sc in each rem ch around. (12 sts)

Round 2 - 7 (or to height desired): Sc in each st around. (12 sts) Break yarn and leave long tails to sew to body.

ASSEMBLY: Refer to ASSEMBLY OVERVIEW above!

Whew! That's it! Your very own set of crochet elephant bookends! You could go with pink, blue, stripes... add eyes or tusks.... get creative! I kept these a little more "grown up" so they can go in my craft room, but in the right colors these would be super cute in a nursery or child's bedroom. I can't wait to see what you all make!

And if you're wondering about the books in the photos, they're some of my favorite crochet and crafty books - I have a lot more, but then they wouldn't fit in the photo! Pictured books include I Like You by Amy Sedaris, Crochet Saved My Life by Kathryn Vercillo, The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs by Linda P. Schapper, Learn to do Tunisian Lace Stitches by Kim Guzman, and Crochet Tips and Tricks by Lily Chin. The Japanese Stitch Dictionary I can neither translate the title of or find online - if you see one in person, be sure to check it out!

The Fine Print

The 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long: Block #16!

August 7, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 41 Comments

Ok, ok, no more snazzy! I'm so glad so many of you read the entire posts! That was too funny. Ironically... I don't have much to say, but thank you all for following along and joining in this crochet-a-long! Now that we're in the home stretch, does anyone have thoughts for next year? Would you want to do this again? Let me know what you think in the comments! Now on to Block #16! And if this is the first you've heard of the 2014 Moogly Afghan Crochet-a-Long, then start HERE to read how it works!

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How to Skip Stitches

August 6, 2014 by Tamara Kelly 12 Comments

Experienced crocheters have this down... so this video is for all the newbies! Skipping stitches is super easy - but if you've never done it before, reading it in your crochet pattern instructions might give you pause. So here's a quick video tutorial to fill you in on how to skip stitches in crochet!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

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