WIP Wednesday: 18 inch Doll Clothes

I've recently become obsessed with knitting doll clothes for my Daughters 18 inch dolls. She has couple. I bought one about 5 years ago for myself at Target called the Our Generation Line, as I'd intended to design some dolly and me hats but I went another direction with my business designs and gave her the doll.  Now that my Daughter is older she was given and American Girl Doll for her B-day last year from her Oma. She plays with it all the time so I started making her some new outfits per her request! 
This is really when I started to enjoy knitting. I just prefer the look of the knit clothes on the doll.  Here is what I've made so far! 
Good news too is these are all free Knit patterns! 

Newsboy Cap for American Girl/Boy Dolls pattern by Debonair Designs

I love this hat! it's only the 2nd knit hat I'd ever made and it turned out great! It's well written and I like that it used Caron Simply Soft. I have a lot of it to use up! 

 Next up is my 1st ever knit garment! I fell in love with this dress in Raverly. 

It's called Sunshine Lollipops Pattern by Kristen Rettig 

I love the construction of the dress. It's worked top down in the round and I just love all the picot edging! It's a great starter dress if you are just learning to knit like me. 

I just love this! Maybe because purple is my favorite color! 

This was a fun set to make. 

Around December of course I had to make something Christmassy. I'm trying to only use the yarn I have on hand in my stash right now which is plenty. haha! I found a skein of I Love This Yarn Holiday Sparkle. 

I made Kit's Christmas Cape by Cathy Bird and 

the Skirt is a great basic skirt from a fun set on my to do list called 

Huckleberry Friend by Kristen Rettig

My Daughter had been asking for a doll purse! I'd found graph with the heart design which I can't remember where I found it. (sorry) but I basically made up the square into a purse for the doll. I made  one square, pickup of stitches on the bottom to make the opposite side and then I added ribbing around the top and added a handle. It turned out super cute and was fun just to make it up. 

It's been so fun making all these! I have a few more sets on my needles too! I'll share those next week!  

Oh and be sure to check out my two designs I have for dolls! 

Crochet- Bitty Baby Hat

Knit - Rainbow Eyelet Slouchy (dolly and me set) 

Teacher Gifts - Fingerless Gloves

I always have a hard time coming up with gifts in general. It's hard when you don't know the person  really well. I need to do a better job at not waiting to the last minute on making Teacher Gifts! Things were tight but I really felt like making something special for my Kids teachers. They are really great this year and I'm super thankful for that. 

 I just happened to get an order for my Key Tab Fingerless Gloves and I though that would make a great gift and whips up quick.  

So I went with fingerless gloves and a bottle of Nail polish. 

I have a Subscription to Julep for over a year now.  I love their Nail Polish and some of their beauty products too. I swear by their facial oil. My skin has never been clearer sounds strange but don't knock it till you try it. Okay back on track. I buy mystery boxes some times and I have lots of doubles. I give them out as gifts all the time.  I picked a polish I though that cordinated with the Gloves and that I thought they would like. 

If you'd like to make these fingerless gloves here is the link to the free pattern 

Key Tab Fingerless Gloves

Be sure to check out the rest of the Key Tab Set too because It's my favorite Slouchy Hat ever! 

And if you don't crochet and would love me to make you some. Here is a link to purchase In Etsy

Fingerless Gloves

The can be made in 15 different colors! 

What kinds of teacher gifts did you make this year? 

Crochet Christmas Presents Revealed

I love making crochet Christmas gifts and it's even more fun when they are special requested.

 I've been looking forward to sharing with you what I made this year. 

I have lots of hubby's side of the family around so I usually crochet something for all the 

Kids each Christmas.

Here are all the projects I did with links to the patterns (if there is one) 

Some are freestyle or patterns to come... yay! 

First up was a request of a Spiderman hat! I wanted something unique so I was naturally drawn to a pattern I'd been wanting anyway. This is the Along Came a Spider Beanie by Playin' Hooky Designs

I followed this pattern directly just curved the spider legs as I sewed them to look like the logo. 

I also changed the brim to FPDC and BPDC for a stretchy band. 

The next hat design I made is also from Playing Hooky Designs. I've made many graph beanies before and knew my niece loved My Little Pony's Rainbow Dash. I actually made two of these. I totally goofed and made the 1st one to small. So my daughter was excited to get a matching hat with her cousin. 

Rainbow Dash Graph

Base Beanie Pattern

This next design was for my son. He loves Legos and I was drawn to a stitch pattern of bobbles. This is a design in the works from me. I want to perfect it a little more but hopefully now that the holidays are past I have more time to do it and in more sizes. 

I didn't follow a pattern for this next design. There are alot of Ninja Turtle patterns out there but I just used basic beanie method and added some simple eyes.  

A fun touch was using reflective yarn for the mask portion. 

The last hat I made, I worked up a Basic Beanie and added a batman Logo. 

I used this Free Pattern for the logo.

The Cousins and my kids all loved their hats. Of course I wasn't fast enough to get any pics of them in use but they all fit great and were well loved! That made my heart very happy! 

Did you make crochet gifts this past Christmas? 

Meet Lucy and New Decorative Christmas Headpiece

So my hubby texts me a picture of a dog yesterday - "found this adorable little dog running around in the street by the gas station across town" No tags or collar. The gas station said she'd been around for days.  (I'm thinking oh no we can't have a dog, we aren't supposed to in the rent house we have.) 

My hubby is a sucker for rescuing dogs. 

We had tried the whole dog thing before but mainly larger dogs and I just didn't have time to properly train puppies or they didn't work out with the kids and such. We've re-homed two dogs when we had to move suddenly about a year and half ago. I said I would never do a dog again and thought sorry dear this isn't happening. Meanwhile he called our landlord and he said "well if she's small I think it will be okay!" and thus we have a new puppy! 

I wasn't too excited about it but then I met her and I've fallen in love already! Got her all cleaned up and spent the rest of the evening with her. She is so quiet and sweet. I've yet to hear her bark. She loves the kids. Is going potty likes she's supposed to and she snuggled with us all night long. We still need to get her to the vet for a check up and see if she might be chipped.

We didn't want to go with a Christmas type name for her and it took us a long time to decide but we went with Lucy. My son loves Legos and the latest Lego movie with Emmet and Wildstyle. Wildstyles' real name was Lucy so that's where it came from LOL. 

Now if you know anything about me you know my mom is a crochet designer for dogs-

Posh Pooch Design. 

She is super jealous because she secretly wanting a little Black Chihuahua. I'm pretty sure that's what this little darling is. 

I told her she can't steal my new doggie and she would love her because Lucy didn't mind modeling a little hat I made her. 

I hope you enjoy this pattern. It's basically the same as my 

Decorative Pumpkin Headpiece base with color changes and a little ball on top! 

Decorative Christmas Headpiece  

Don't for get to save this in Raverly or Pin it for later! 

Sized for 2-3 inches between the ears and about 10-12 inches around the head

F - Hook 3.75

Worsted Weight Yarn of choice - Red and White

Notes:

*Chain stitch does not count in stitch count!

*The number at the end of each row is the stitch count for the row (#).

Terms and Stitches: 

*R - row or round

*ch - chain

*sc - single crochet

*sl st - slip stitch

*st - stitch

Starting with Red

R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from the hook, join with sl st to 1st sc (6) 

R2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc (12)

R3: Ch 1, *(2 sc, sc) repeat from * around, join with sl st to 1st sc (18)

R4: Ch 1, *(2 sc, sc 2) repeat from * around, join with sl st to 1st sc (24)

R5: Ch 1, *(2 sc, sc 3) repeat from * around, join with sl st to 1st sc (30)

Switch to White, Fasten off Red

R6: Ch 1, *(2 sc, sc 4) repeat from * around, join with sl st to 1st sc (36) 

Notes: 

Piece should measure approx 2 1/2 inches across.

R 7&8 will form the ear holes and ties

R7: Ch 24, sk 6 sts, sl st in next st, sc in next 11 sts, sl st in next st, ch 24, 

sk 6 sts, sl st in next st, sc in remaining st to beginning ch-24, DO NOT JOIN

R8: sc in next 12 chs, ch 46, sl st in 2nd ch from the hook and next 45 chs, sc in next 12 chs, 

sl st in next 12 sts, sc in next 12 chs, ch 46, sl st in 2nd ch from the hook and next 45 chs, 

sl st in remaining sts to 1st sc, Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Pom Pon Ball

With White

R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from the hook, join with sl st to 1st sc (6) 

R2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc (12)
R3: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st to 1st sc (12) 
R4: Ch 1, sc dec in next 2 sts ( 4 times) join with a sl st to 1sc sc (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew to hat.

Stuff slightly with some extra white yarn. Sew Ball to middle of headpiece
Fasten off and weave in ends.

A Christmas Gift For You!

Merry Christmas! Here is our December Limited Time Gift! I hope you enjoy this fun pattern. 

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTION CAREFULLY!

This pattern is a limited time freebie. It will only be free 

Tues. Dec 16, 2014 - Wed Dec 17, 2014 ending at Noon Central time.

You can only access this freebie by use of coupon code via my blog link. 

Do not purchase this pattern by accident then ask for a refund. Refunds will not be processed. 

If you miss the time frame I'm sorry but after it is over you will need to purchase the pattern which will remain on sale through Midnight central Wed for 60% off.

We are currently running Pre-Christmas Sale in Ravelry- 60% off all patterns. No coupon needed discount applied at checkout. Freebie and Discounts must be done separately!!! 
See here for full details. 

Click the link below and it will auto add the coupon code to the cart.
All you need to do it click checkout. (make sure it says free in the total please!)

****CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE****

****Precious Gift Hat Pattern****

**pattern info**

The Precious Gift is a perfect hat for the Holiday season. I’ve designed this pattern with several options so you can wrap you gift however you like.

Includes bow instructions (picture tutorial), Jester hat instructions and several other options that make this a very versatile hat outside just the gift. It’s the perfect square hat : )

This hat works up very fast and pattern is written in all-sizes.

This pattern is in American English. 

Skill : Easy

Thank you and Enjoy! 

Pre-Christmas Sale and Freebie

I've been trying to have sales once a month for you guys! They have been going really great and I can't even begin to tell you what It means to me when you purchase a pattern. THANK YOU!! 

Things have been very tight this year and you've made it possible for me to pay most those extra unexpected dr. bills we had and still have. I have a long ways to go before they are paid down but with each sale we get a little bit closer!
So here is another discount  for you to enjoy to get any last minute patterns for Christmas
along with a limited time freebie too (details below)! 

Thank you, Thank you and Merry Christmas !

60% off all patterns in Raverly 

Coupon Code is : CHRISTMAS 

Just click here to auto apply the coupon code to your cart!  

60% off gets you about 4-5 patterns for under $10.00 depending on the price.

Please don't forget we are retiring 11 patterns at the end of 2014. 

So you might want to pick those up if you haven't! You can see those here 

(ps. They will remain in Ravelry and no they will not 

disappear from your library you just won't be able to purchase them. )

Now for that freebie! I know that's why you came here! 

I've decide this months the free paid pattern will be my Precious Gift hat! 

 It will only be Free TUES Dec 16th and will run for 24 hrs from the time posted! 

I'll have full details tomorrow with the coupon code!!

You can now access the link to download it for free here

Enjoy!

Festive Fur Boot Cuffs

I was wanting to design a quick, cozy, and Christmasy free pattern for you. You cannot go wrong with red and fuzzy white trim this time of year. I hope you enjoy this pattern for Festive Fur Boot Cuffs. Don't get stuck on Red. These would be fun in lots of other colors too! Try Green, Blue or maybe even stripes! Enjoy!! 

Festive Fur Boot Cuffs

Be sure to pin this for later!

or

Add it to you Raverly Library here! 

One Skien of Loops & Threads Charisma in Red (Bulky 5)
One Skein of Bernat Pipsqueak (Bulky 5)

K-Hook (6.5mm)

Gauge: 2x2 inches = 6 sc in 3 rows (patterns rows 1-3)
Measurements: approx 7 in wide by 4 1/2 in long, fits approx 14-16 in Calves

Terms:
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
BL - back loop

Make 2

Starting with Red
Row 1: Ch 11, hdc in the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn (10)
Row 2: hdc in the BL of each st across, ch 1, turn (10)
Row 3-19: repeat Row 2

Match right sides together and sl st in the back loops to join Row 1 to Row 19.
(DO NOT FASTEN OFF)

Row 20: Now working on the tops of the rows, sc evenly around. join with a sl st to 1st sc.
Fasten off Red and switch to Pipsqueak

Row 21: ch 1, hdc in each hdc around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Want more fur? add more rows :)

Lace up with Liz - Calories and Crochet

 If you've followed with me some this year you'll know I started a journey to get fit! I took up running and eating healthier! I'm so excited that I've lost 65 pounds and that even with the holiday season upon us I'm managing to maintain. It can be a hard time of year! 

This month I'm determined to get 10K steps a day with my Fitbit! They've added Challenge groups so now I have competition with other friends! I want to win but I got work to do!!  

So, I've heard it said you can burn 100 calories in an hr while crocheting - (Crochet Spot.) I don't know how accurate that is but today I thought I'd try something new! I was walking with a running buddy the other day and she mentioned seeing a guy once crocheting/knitting while running a marathon. I thought that would be so cool but I need a friend to run with that would hold my yarn LOL!  

My good friend recently gave me her old treadmill so today I thought that spot for my water would hold a crochet skien nicely. Why not crochet while I walk? It was a run rest day but I still wanted to get in those steps! 

(don't worry I stopped the treadmill to take the picture!) 

I walked for 60 minutes, not super fast but did increase my pace as I got comfortable. I would say you need to work on something you don't have to look at closely. I've been wanting to make my favorite hat (Key Tab Slouch -free pattern) in a new color. 

In that hr. I waked 2.6 miles and got the brim of the hat done. It flew by really fast actually! I was doing two things I really enjoy doing!! 

If you do it just be careful that your yarn is secure and not hanging down! I did pull the safety key out once when I wasn't paying attention to the walking lol! 

So maybe I burned an extra 100 calories since I was multitasking! Who knows! 

Here is my new Before and After pic too! 

They have these huge ornament decorations downtown and we like to do family pics down there! 

I just like to joke that the hanger looks like a giant crochet hook! 

So what ways do you like to exercise? 

Do you do anything special while you crochet to keep moving? 

Merry Christmas Tree Cuddle Cape Set

Introducing my latest design in my cuddle capes! Will they ever end....no! I still have tons of ideas and I can't wait to bring more to life! I love these sets for Newborn Photography! 

This whimsical design has a long name 

Merry Christmas Tree Cuddle Cape Set!

Say that 3 times fast! It will make you smile! 

As usual this design works up fast with double stranded worsted weight yarn and a big hook! 

It features two simple sew on appliqués for stars and circles. 

The Tinsel goes on quickly with surface crochet method. 

Don't worry if you don't know what surface crochet it is there is a video link to show you how from the amazing Moogly! 

What I love about this design is the possibilities are endless on how you can decorate it! I went more traditional but you could make the tree base and ornaments any color. 

I want to have a Design a Tree contest! 

This will run through the month of November. Make up your Tree and then email me a pick or post on Facebook. I'll make an album and some fun categories like, most creative, best in show, my favorite....and you can win free patterns, yarn or other prizes. 

I'm going to see what I can come up with and I'll post more specific details in the coming week! 

So grab your pattern and put your thinking capes or caps on !!! 

You can purchase the pattern in any of my shops for 40% off Nov 7-10th Ending Midnight Central

Reg $5.95 - no coupons needed, Discount applied at check out in Ravelry and Priced as marked in the other shops! 

Merry Christmas Tree Cuddle Cape Set

Raverly

Etsy

Craftsy

Be sure to check out all our other fun Holiday designs too for Thanksgiving and Christmas! 

HOLIDAY Bundles

***This post does contain affiliate links***

Christmas Santa Beard Free Crochet Pattern

I got a fun Christmas package for the kids a few days ago! My mom made my little man and adorable Santa Hat, Beard and Santa Shirt. He's been wearing his little costume out Christmas shopping! People just loved it!  Made for some fun and Holiday Cheer everywhere we went! 

I asked my mom about the patterns and silly me she used my"Fear the Beard" pattern that I wrote last year. You can use the same pattern as before just with simple yarn changes to make a Santa Beard! 

Follow the "Fear the Beard" pattern using one strand each of White, worsted weight yarn and a novelty yarn like Fun fur or Boa. You'll crochet with both at the same time. 

If you like the hat here is the link to the one she was inspired by. 

Santa Hat

She adjusted the size and the brim though so you'd have to work that out on your own. 

This makes a fun last minute Holiday gift your kids will enjoy! 

Merry Christmas

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Pony and Hero Hat Creations

It's a busy time of year for crocheters. Lots of presents to make for our friends and loved ones on top of regular orders. I've managed to find a few spare minutes to whip up gifts for my nephews and a special hat for my Calleigh. I rarely make things for my kids so that's especially been fun! 

My Calleigh looooves My Little Pony! She requested a pony hat but, she couldn't decide which one, so I just decided for her. I went with the most colorful one, Rainbow Dash! I decided I was just going to wing it. There is no pattern for this hat. I do not plan on writing one either. I will walk you through how I made it though. 

I amazingly had every color I needed in my stash. I use Vanna's Choice for the whole hat! I just love the colors from Vanna's as they all go together perfectly! 

I started with a sc base because I knew there would be a lot of details. Sewing on the sc base is easier and holds shape better. The eyes are super detailed. I was afraid I wouldn't have two eyes the same. They aren't but they work LOL! 

They are a mix of crochet and embroidery to get in every sparkle in her eyes! 

Here she is before hair! I made her snout several times before I liked it. 

I wasn't going to put one but she didn't seem finished without one. 

On to the last step! That Pesky Main.  Now I know Rainbow Dash doesn't have curly hair but I thought this would be the easiest method and not be super heavy. I'll even give you a simple pattern to follow for these spirals! 

I used Vanna's Choice and H-Hook (5.00mm) 

I made two of each color 

Red, Yellow & Orange = ch 20 

Green, Blue = ch 30

Purple = ch 40

*make sure to leave about 4" tail  at the begining to sew on to hat. 

To work the spirals, In the 2nd ch from the hook repeat this pattern along the length of the chain. 

(hdc3 in next ch, hdc2 in next ch) 

At the end of the row fasten off and use the tail ends to tie them on to the hat as desired. 

I did use the ends to tie in a knot two times, then weaved the end back up through the spirals. You don't have to knot as I know it's a crochet no, no but I wanted these very secure! 

These didn't take to long and you can always add more but I thought this was just enough coverage with out to much extra weight. Calleigh loves flipping her pony hair around :) 

******

I made these other two hats a few weeks ago actually! These will be gifts for my nephews! My son kindly agreed to smile If I make him a Batman one next :) Of course I will! These are graph beanies. I've used the pattern many times. You can find hat base pattern from Playin' Hooky Designs here. She sells several graphs that I know you'll like. I used her Spiderman Graph.  

(She even has My Little Pony graphs for the main six Cutie marks!) 

For Superman I found this graph pinned here. It worked out okay but I think I may just appliqué it next time. Just needs to be worked out a bit. Not all graphs work out great and need some tweaking. That is one thing I love about Playin Hooky's graphs is that she takes time to work through them and make sure they look great! 

If you've never worked with graphs this a a fabulous pattern that will work you through it and she is also very helpful if you need assistance! 

Well I have more gifts, patterns and projects in the works! Excited about this Holiday Season and New Year to come! 

Photo-a-day Challenge Dec 2012 - Week 2

Photo a day challenge : Still time to join in. You can find the list here

Want to see week 1? 

  Click Here

Week 2 

8. Ornaments

We have a small home with large furniture and two small kids, a large and mediums size dogs so we don't have room for a big tree. So I have a few small trees instead that are up high away from little fingers. All the special ornaments are packed away for the future possibilities of having a big tree again someday. So Here is a close up the the kids ornaments. My Sons is a John Deer tree - see that Sweet Tea Ornament from Macalisters ( yeah hubby brought that one home the other day) He loves his sweet tea! My Daughters tree has candy and puppy ornaments :) 

9. Something your reading

I was given a large tub full of crafting supplies a few years ago. There was a lot of knitting supplies in there but I don't knit, well not until recently. I am determined to learn more about it. I have some of the basics down. This little book was in there but it's really old and I'm pretty sure and English/UK book. 

10. Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper this year is candy themed. Calleigh was pretty excited but wants to know where I'm hiding the presents? :) 

11. Green

My little tree! Hubby bought this shimmering greenery that was for the porch but it kept falling over. I need a planter for it. I just like the sparkles :) It's now taking up space on my kitchen table. 

12. A Beautiful Sight

Okay this one is a little corny but I thought it was funny. I was browsing new stuff on Netflixs and came across the fake fireplace. There is even one with some festive Christmas music that I left on while we made krispy treats on Wed. The Kids loved it! 

13. Family 

Love my babies! They got new jammies for cousin Christmas Pictures. 

We got this great shot of my kiddos! 

14. Christmas Tree 

The kids trees! 

I hope you enjoy a peek into our December! We'll be back with more next week!