Hot off the hook….a tribute afghan

A friend of mine recently lost her baby, which was due in September.  She had asked me to make her an afghan, and after she lost her little boy, she still wanted the afghan.  This was, by far, the hardest project I have ever done.  It had to be perfect, it had to be meaningful.  After some pondering on the “perfect” pattern, I decided to create a filet crochet pattern.  This pattern is made with Paton’s Grace.  I designed a set of baby footprints, with a heart, and the words, “always in my heart.”

Counting my blessings now – as she and her husband continue through the healing process.  I truly feel honored to have been asked to create this small afghan.  Normally, I create to bring  joy to someone – this time it was all about healing.  It is a very different feeling, and was difficult to do, knowing the meaning behind it.

American Girl Owl Hat Crochet Pattern

Directions for this adorable AG owl hat:

American Girl Owl Hat Materials:

4-ply worsted weight yarn – one ball of taupe, one ball of pink (or other colors of your choosing). I used Loops & Threads Impeccable ™ Soft Taupe and Red Heart ® Super Saver Perfect Pink.

Small amount of white yarn. I used Red Heart ® Super Saver White.

Small amount of tan/yellow yarn for beak. I used Lion Brand ® Vanna’s Choice Honey.

Crochet Hook – H/5.00 mm

2 black buttons – ½”

Abbreviations:ch – chain sc – single crochet dc – double crochet hdc – half double crochet sl st – slip stich

Directions: Row 1: With taupe, create a magic ring with 6 sc, join with sl st and ch 1 (Do not turn unless instructed)

Row 2: 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st and ch 1 (12 sc)

Row 3: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next st; *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st* Repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st and ch 1 (18 sc)

Row 4: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 st; *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 st* Repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st and ch 1 (24 sc)

Row 5: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 st; *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 st* Repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st and ch 1 (30 sc)

Row 6: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 4 st; *2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 st* Repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st and ch 1 (36 sc)

Row 7: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 st; *2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 st* Repeat from * to * around, join with a sl st and ch 1 (42 sc)

Row 8: sc in each stitch (42sc). Change to pink, join with sl st, ch 1.

Row 9-14: sc in each stitch around, joining with a sl st and ch 1.

Begin first earflap: Row 1-2: 6 sc, ch1, turn

Row 3-4: sc 2 tog, sc in next 2 st, sc 2 tog, ch 1, turn (4 sc)

Row 5: sc 2 tog twice, ch 1, turn (2 sc)

Row 6: sc 2 tog (1 sc), finish off.

For second earflap, count off next 15 sc. Join pink yarn to the 16th sc.

Row 1-2: 6 sc, ch1, turn

Row 3-4: sc 2 tog, sc in next 2 st, sc 2 tog, ch 1, turn (4 sc)

Row 5: sc 2 tog twice, ch 1, turn (2 sc)

Row 6: sc 2 tog (1 sc), finish off.

Edging: With either pink or taupe, crochet around the edge of the hat. Finish off all ends.

Eyes: Make 2, working in rounds With pink, do 6 hdc in a magic ring, and switch to white, join with sl st and ch 1

Row 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc), join with sl st, ch 1

Row 3: *2 sc in first st, sc in next st* around. Join with sl st, finish off Sew button on the center of each eye

Beak: Ch 5. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, then 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc. Finish off

Assembly: Sew eyes and beak to hat.

Ears: Cut 2 pieces (6 inches) each of pink, taupe, and white yarn. For first ear, take one strand of each color. Fold in half, and loop through the third row in the position you want the ears. Trim to approximately 1” or your desired length.

Braids: For each braid, cut 2 pieces (18”-24”) each of pink, taupe, and white yarn. Attach to the end of the earflap, and braid to desired length. Tie end and trim.

© 2014 Kathy Russell at Just Knitting Away. You are free to make and sell as many of these hats that you wish. Please mention where you found the pattern. Permission is not granted to sell or otherwise distribute this pattern. You may, however, post a link. Please send me a picture of your finished work – I love to see your creations!

Crochet Owl Hat

I have had several requests for the owl hat I made for my niece – it was created from a pattern designed by Sarah at Repeat Crafter Me and can be found here:http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/09/crochet-owl-hat-pattern-in-newborn.html  I will also be posting a pattern for the American Girl owl hat – which I created based on inspiration from Sarah!

Knitting for a reason!

I have been knitting since I was a teenager.  If you are like me, you like to look for challenging projects, and something “different.”  While searching the internet for a pattern for a bunny, I came across a picture of a giant bunny on a hillside in Italy – which got me thinking – I need to knit something epic!

After a conversation with a friend of mine, we decided that we are going to knit something epic – and for a cause!  She and I are working on a giant caterpillar to support cancer.  We need all the help we can get.  If you would like to help, we are in need of 12″ x 12″ squares (or close to it!).  Any pattern, any color, and any stitch – either knit or crochet.  Contact me if you are interested in being a part of this epic project!