TTC's Kufi Cap

HERE IS THE FREE PATTERN I PROMISED! ENJOY!

Kufi Cap

Copyright 2011 Carmen Statham, all rights reserved. You may print a copy of this pattern for your own personal use. Absolutely no part of this pattern may be copied or redistributed; this includes, but is not limited to text, images, and diagrams.

You have permission to sell finished items. Please include a mention of Thistles and Tulips Crochet as well as a link to my Etsy shop, www.thistlesandtulips.etsy.com, with any listings on Facebook, Etsy, or elsewhere.

Materials

50 g of Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK

G/6 hook

Tapestry needle

Toddler

10 sc in a magic circle, sl st to join (10)

Round 1: *1 sc in the next st, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (15)

Rnd 2: *1 sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (20)

Rnd 3: *1 sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (25)

Rnd 4: *1 sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (30)

Rnd 5: *1 sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (35)

Rnd 6: *1 sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (40)

Row 7: *1 sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (45)

Rnd 8: *1 sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (50)

Rnd 9: *1 sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (55)

Rnd 10: *1 sc in the next 10 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (60)

Rnd 11: *1 sc in the next 11 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (65)

Rnd 12: *1 sc in the next 12 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (70)

Rnd 13-17: 1 sc in each sc around (70)

Rnd 18: Ch 3, 4 dc in same space (counts as 5 dc), *skip 4 ch, 5 dc in ch 5*, repeat from * to *, sl st in the top of ch-3 from previous row (70)

Rnd 19-20: Sl st in next dc, 5 dc in next dc, 5 dc in the middle of the next dc group, repeat 5 dc group until end, sl st to join.

Rnd 21-25: 1 sc in each of the dc sts across, sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Preteens

10 sc in a magic circle, sl st to join (10)

Round 1: *1 sc in the next st, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (15)

Rnd 2: *1 sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (20)

Rnd 3: *1 sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (25)

Rnd 4: *1 sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (30)

Rnd 5: *1 sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (35)

Rnd 6: *1 sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (40)

Row 7: *1 sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (45)

Rnd 8: *1 sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (50)

Rnd 9: *1 sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (55)

Rnd 10: *1 sc in the next 10 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (60)

Rnd 11: *1 sc in the next 11 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (65)

Rnd 12: *1 sc in the next 12 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (70)

Rnd 13: *1 sc in the next 13 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (75)

Rnd 14: *1 sc in the next 14 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (80)

Rnd 15-20: 1 sc in each st around (80)

Rnd 21: Ch 3, 4 dc in same space (counts as 5 dc), *skip 4 ch, 5 dc in ch 5*, repeat from * to *, sl st in the top of ch-3 from previous row (80)

Rnd 22-23: Sl st in next dc, 5 dc in next dc, 5 dc in the middle of the next dc group, repeat 5 dc group until end, sl st to join. (80)

Rnd 24-28: 1 sc in each of the dc sts across, sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Teen to Adults

10 sc in a magic circle, sl st to join (10)

Round 1: *1 sc in the next st, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (15)

Rnd 2: *1 sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (20)

Rnd 3: *1 sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (25)

Rnd 4: *1 sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (30)

Rnd 5: *1 sc in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (35)

Rnd 6: *1 sc in the next 6 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (40)

Row 7: *1 sc in the next 7 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (45)

Rnd 8: *1 sc in the next 8 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (50)

Rnd 9: *1 sc in the next 9 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (55)

Rnd 10: *1 sc in the next 10 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (60)

Rnd 11: *1 sc in the next 11 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (65)

Rnd 12: *1 sc in the next 12 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (70)

Rnd 13: *1 sc in the next 13 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (75)

Rnd 14: *1 sc in the next 14 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (80)

Rnd 15: *1 sc in the next 15 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (85)

Rnd 16: *1 sc in the next 16 sts, 2 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (90)

Rnd 17-21: 1 sc in each st around (90)

Rnd 22: Ch 3, 4 dc in same space (counts as 5 dc), *skip 4 ch, 5 dc in ch 5*, repeat from * to *, sl st in the top of ch-3 from previous row (90)

Rnd 23-24: Sl st in next dc, 5 dc in next dc, 5 dc in the middle of the next dc group, repeat 5 dc group until end, sl st to join. (90)

Rnd 25-30: 1 sc in each of the dc sts across, sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Lil' Elf Slippers

I've been crocheting like crazy in preparation for our newest addition to the family, and I had to make these adorable elf/gnome slippers for my 2 year old since I've been meaning to make her something special for ages (I don't want her to feel left out). She loves them and really and truly would not take them off. These sweet slippers would be absolutely fabulous with poms or bells or even flowers adorning the front of each.
I highly recommend you use Wendy Mode Chunky if you are going to make these because the yarn is so snuggly warm.

These adorable Lil' Elf Slippers are available for purchase in sizes 3-6 months up to 12 years. You can purchase the pattern here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82501912/pdf-pattern-lil-elf-slippers-sizes-3-6?ref=pr_shop
You will receive the pattern as a PDF within 24 hours of purchase. Please make sure you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer before buying. You can find it for free by searching on Google.


Up next is a free kufi cap pattern!

Pretty Petite Fingerless Mittens

I am now offering this lovely mittens pattern for free! but only for a limited time! You can make these fingerless mittens with or without the ribbon or dress it up with beads and crochet flowers. The possibilities are endless. They are so elegant and fashionable in sizes medium and large. This pattern is so easy to customize, I can't tell you the ideas running through my head right now!

Head on over to my Facebook fanpage: Thistles and Tulips Crochet with this link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thistles-and-Tulips-Crochet/174706939233292#!/pages/Thistles-and-Tulips-Crochet/174706939233292?sk=app_4949752878 and you should head straight for the available pattern. Please, if you sell the finished item, give credit where credit is due. I look forward to seeing your pair of fingerless mittens if you are willing to share. :)

Shout Out!

I'm so proud of myself! I received a beautiful skein of yarn from Matney of YoSpun on Etsy.com and whipped up this gorgeous pair of fingerless mittens in an evening. I have to recommend YoSpun to anyone who has never tried handspun yarn simply because it was everything she said it was and more. I will certainly be heading back to her shop for more deliciously whorled yarns. Come back soon because I will be offering this wonderful pattern for free!

I'm Back

I'm back to give you a new pattern! I'm introducing the new Daisy Beret for girls in sizes 18-24 months with a lazy daisy flower stitched on the side.

I hope you enjoy making this gorgeous beret for your little daisy girl. :)

Materials:

H/5.50 mm hook

Sugar ‘n Cream or worsted weight yarn

Tapestry needle

14 hdc in a magic circle, sl st to join (14)

Round 1: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next st*, repeat from * to * (21)

Rnd 2: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts*, repeat from * to * (28)

Rnd 3: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts*, repeat from * to * (35)

Rnd 4: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 4 sts*, repeat from * to * (42)

Rnd 5: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 5 sts*, repeat from * to * (49)

Rnd 6: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 6 sts*, repeat from * to * 56)

Rnd 7: *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 7 sts*, repeat from * to * (63)

Rnd 8-11: 1 hdc in each st around (63) For more slouch, add a few more rounds.

Rnd 12: *2 hdctog, 1 hdc in next 6 sts*, repeat from * to *, 2 hdctog and 1 hdc in next 5 sts (55)

Rnd 13: 1 hdc in each st around (55)

Rnd 14-17: 1 sc in each st around (55)

Rnd 18: 1 sc in each st around. Sl st to finish round. (55)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Toddler Bella Slippers

I whipped up this pair of toddler slippers for my daughter after she expressed a desire to wear the adult Bella Slippers I had previously listed as a free pattern. I finished this adorable pair of slippers in 45 minutes, and my daughter has fallen in love with them. So much so I couldn't get her to sit still long enough to get a decent picture of her wearing them. Hopefully, your little one will sit quietly and let you snap some pictures in these adorable slippers because they are so cute on a pair of little feet.

TODDLER BELLA SLIPPERS
COPYRIGHT 2011

Do not reproduce or sale pattern. Selling the finished slippers are OK as long as you give credit where credit is due.

**Note: Due to different tensions of each individual and materials used some rows may need to be added or subtracted to make slippers fit.**

MATERIALS:
Carons Country or worsted weight yarn
H/5.00 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Decorative button or flower (optional)

Slippers were made to fit toddlers size 7 or smaller.

Make 2

Ch 3,
Row 1: 6 hdc in 3rd ch from hook (6)
Row 2: 2 hdc in each of the next 6 sts (12)
Row 3: *1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in following st*, repeat from * to *, end with 2 hdc in last st (18)
Row 4-8: 1 hdc in each of the following 18 sts (18)
Row 9-12: 1 sc in each of the following 18 sts (18)
Row 13-20: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the following 12 sts, turn. Sl st in last st to join. (12)
Turn piece inside out. Sc through each st while holding heel together to close.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Turn slipper right side out.

TODDLER BELLA SLIPPERS
Toddlers size 7 and up

Make 2

Ch 3,
Row 1: 6 hdc in 3rd ch from hook (6)
Row 2: 2 hdc in each of the next 6 sts (12)
Row 3: *1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in following st*, repeat from * to *, end with 2 hdc in last st (18)
Row 4: *1 hdc in each of the following 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 hdc in the last 2 sts (22)
Row 5-10: 1 hdc in each of the following 22 sts (22)
Row 11-15: 1 sc in each of the following 22 sts (22)
Row 16-22: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the following 18 sts, turn. Sl st in last st to join. (18).
Turn piece inside out. Sc through each st while holding heel together to close.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Turn slipper right side out.

Baby Bella Slippers

Introducing the Baby Bella Slippers perfect for a newborn to wear to keep little toes warm. I hope you enjoy making these extremely quick pair of slippers for your little ones.

BABY BELLA SLIPPERS
COPYRIGHT 2011

Do not reproduce or sale pattern. Selling the finished slippers are OK as long as you give credit where credit is due.

Newborn size only.

**Note: Due to different tensions of each individual and materials used some rows may need to be added or subtracted to make slippers fit.**

MATERIALS:
Carons Country or worsted weight yarn
H/5.00 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Decorative button or flower (optional)

Baby Bella Slippers
Make 2
Ch 3,
Row 1: 6 hdc in 3rd ch from hook (6)
Row 2: 2 hdc in each of the next 6 sts (12)
Row 3-7: 1 hdc in each of the next 12 sts (12)
Row 8-12: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, turn. Sl st in last st of row 12 to join. (8)
Turn piece inside out. Sc through each st while holding heel together to close.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Turn slipper right side out.

Bella Slippers

Introducing the new adult Bella Slippers! These slippers are adorable and work up quickly. I made both slippers in under an hour, so I know you can do the same or better. I used Caron Country for this pattern, but it will look great in cotton or acyrlic. I suggest adding a button or flower if you want them a little more cutsie. For the daring, I suggest fun fur along the top of the finished slippers. I love these slippers because they are quick, seamless, and great to wear around the house.

BELLA SLIPPERS

COPYRIGHT 2011

Do not reproduce or sale pattern. Selling the finished slippers are OK as long as you give credit where credit is due.

**Note: Due to different tensions of each individual and materials used some rows may need to be added or subtracted to make slippers fit.**

MATERIALS:
Carons Country or worsted weight yarn
H/5.00 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Decorative button or flower (optional)

One size fits all.
Make 2
Ch 3,
Row 1: 6 hdc in 3rd ch from hook (6)
Row 2: 2 hdc in each of the next 6 sts, sl st to join (12)
Row 3: *1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in following st*, repeat from * to *, end with 2 hdc in last st (18)
Row 4: *1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in following st*, repeat from * to *, end with 2 hdc in last st (27)
Row 5-14: 1 hdc in each of the following 27 sts (27)
Row 15-18 : 1 sc in each of the following 27 sts (27)
Row 19-24: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the following 18 sts, turn (18)
Row 25-32: Ch1, 1 hdc in each of the following 18 sts, turn (18)
Turn piece inside out. Sc through each st while holding heel together to close.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Turn slipper right side out.

Main Street Sun Hat

After three attempts to come up with a sun hat, it's finally here. I'm calling it the Main Street Hat because it reminds me of a jazz hat. It's very easy to modify if you are looking for a longer brim or something more feminine. Add a flower to give it some class.

MAIN STREET SUN HAT
THISTLES AND TULIPS CROCHET
Level: Intermediate

Copyright 2011
Please do not reproduce or sale pattern in any way. However, finished hats can be sold as long as you include a link to the pattern and mention Thistles and Tulips Crochet.

MATERIALS:
Worsted weight yarn in main color
Contrasting yarn for second half of hat/band
H/5.00 mm hook
Stitch marker

NOTE: Hat is worked in continuous rounds. Do not sl st unless pattern states otherwise.
**Use a stitch marker whenever a row begins or ends with a skip stitch.**

Ch 3

Row 1: 6 sc in 3 ch from hook

Row 2: Skip 1 sc, *3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 3 sc in last st (9)

Row 3: *skip 1 sc, 3 sc in following st*, repeat from * to * (12)

Row 4: Skip 1 sc, *3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 3 sc in last st (18)

Row 5: Skip 1 sc, *3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 3 sc in last st (27)

Row 6: Skip 1 sc, *2 sc in following st, skip 1 sc, 3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 skip st (35)

Row 7: *2 sc in following st, skip 1 sc, 3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 skip st (45)

Row 8: * 2 sc in following st, skip 1 sc, 3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 skip st (55)

Row 9: * 2 sc in next st, skip 1 sc, 3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 skip st (65)

Row 10: * 2 sc in following st, skip 1 sc, 3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 skip st (75)

Row 11-20: *2 sc in next st, skip 1 st*, repeat from * to *, end with 1 skip st (86)

Row 21: Sl st to change to contrasting color and repeat row 11 (86)

Row 22-26: Repeat row 11 (86)

Row 27: Skip 1 sc, *2 sc in following st, skip 1 sc, 3 sc in next st, skip 1 sc*, repeat from * to *, end with 2 sc in last st (107)

Optional: Change to main color with a sl st at Row 28. Continue in the same color for 29-32.

Row 28-32: 1 sc in every st around. (107)

Row 33: Change to contrasting color with sl st. Reverse single crochet in every st around. Sl st to join. (108)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Stella Top Hat

I recently designed an oh-so-adorable Stella Top Hat which I had orginially intended to be a sun hat. However, the sun hat didn't work out and as you can see I created an even better crochet hat which little girls can wear at a barbeque or on the beach. It's also appropriate for a little boy in neutral colors minus the ribbon. I LOVE the ribbon on the hot pink hat my daughter is modeling for me. Doesn't the hat look absolutely gorgeous on her? And the white flower she is holding really makes this photo special to me.

I will be offering the pattern for sale in 9, 12, and 24 months sizes as soon as I hear back from my testers.

Sewing a lining to a crochet purse

As promised, I am posting a photo tutorial on sewing a lining inside of a crochet purse. I will make it as easy as possible to accomplish with step by step photos. This tutorial can be used on other projects which may require a lining.

A young child in the house prevents me from sewing during the day when there is better lighting so forgive the bad lighting. I selected a cotton fabric about 1 yard and cut around the purse while leaving about an inch on the sides. Make sure to trim the fabric a little closer on the top where the single crochet stitches begin so that there isn't any extra fabric. OK, for the top, cut the fabric about half an inch shorter than the actual height of the bag so you can easily fold the fabric back later.

When you are finished cutting the fabric, turn it inside out and carefully match the edges. Now, grab several pins and pin the right and left edges of the bag together. Once you are done pinning the edges, you can hand sew or use a machine to sew.

Here is a close up of a pinned side for better viewing.

Turn the piece right side out and this is what your seam should look like. After this it's time to turn your crochet purse inside out and slide the purse inside the fabric like sliding a pillow in a pillow case.

The photos above show the purse inside the lining. I hope this doesn't confuse anyone. :) Now is the time to fold the top of the lining and pin it in place before sewing again. As you can see, I had too much fabric at the top and had to trim it back so that I didn't have too much to fold. Don't worry if you make the same mistake. It's better to have too much than not enough.

I pinned the lining right under the first row of single crochet so that it covers the shell stitch. Making sure to keep the lining as straight as possible without stretching the crochet, pin all the way around the top of the bag

.
I sewed the lining very closely and pulled a little on the fabric to keep it as straight as possible. I find it easier to pull pins out before the needle approaches so I don't accidently hit a pin. After you have sewed completely around the bag, the lining should look like the photo below. Turn the crochet purse right side out and your lining should go inside the bag.

Finally, it's done. If anyone is confused or I've done something wrong please let me know. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you might have. I hope you enjoyed my photo tutorial as much as I do. Take care and have fun making your next project.

Another red purse

Here is another red purse I completed today. I was asked to make the flower and trim pink with a floral lining. I found the perfect cotton rose fabric to use as a lining for the purse.

Now here is the rose pattern lining, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Free Rose Pattern

I designed this very cute rose pattern in under 5 minutes, so I know you can make it up just as quickly. I like patterns without a lot of fuss and this one is certainly fuss-free. Grab a small bit of leftover Loops & Threads Charisma in your stash somewhere or for a smaller rose use Vanna's Choice.

Chain 21

Crochet 3 hdc in first chain, 2 hdc in next 19 chains, 3 hdc in last chain, slip stitch in chain on other side.  Tie leftover yarn and fasten off.

Coil petals so that it resembles a rose, and sew in the center. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew the rose on a scarf, hat, or headband and voila! You have a gorgeous embellishment to decorate your accessories.

Photo Tutorial for Thistles Evening Clutch

After much anticipation, here is my newest creation! I love this purse and how easy it is to make. I would say this purse is easy since it's all in single crochet. And now, a photo tutorial:

Using Vanna's Choice and a 5.00 mm hook crochet a chain of 43.
Single crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across. This will make a total of 41 single crochet stitches on the chain. Turn and chain 2. Now single crochet in each stitch across again. Repeat the last row until piece measures 12 inches.

This is the 12 inch piece with single crochet in every stitch. The rows are very tight, but you can see how neat they look. DO NOT FASTEN OFF
Row 1: ch 2, *sk 1 sc, 2 sc in next sc; rep from * to end, 1 sc in last sc.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn. *2 sc in first sc, sk 1 sc, 2 sc in next st; rep from * to end, 1 sc in last sc.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 4 inches. Fasten off.

This is the flap of the clutch close up so you can see the thistle stitch.

After the last row of the thistle stitch is complete and you have a flap, fold the bottom half of the purse so that purse measures 6 inches and has a 4 inch flap.
Now, to finish make a row of sc along edges of flap and sides of purse. Join with yarn, *ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sc in next st* to end. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Here is a close up of the single crochet edge used to finish purse.

Crochet a rose or sew a button to bottom half of flap to finish.

Thistles Evening Clutch Pattern

THISTLE EVENING CLUTCH

Orignial design by Thistles and Tulips Crochet
Copyright 2011

This pattern must not be reproduced or sold in any way. However, you can sell the finished item as long as you include the link to the free pattern here.

Materials
Vanna's Choice in burgundy
small amount of contrast yarn for rose (see below for link)
I used Red Heart Shimmer in white for rose
18" x 19" square of decorative fabric for lining (see bottom of page for more details)
H/5.00 mm hook for clutch
F/3.75 mm hook for rose
large-eyed blunt needle
scissors
Optional: Magnetic tote bag closure
Optional: Button instead of rose

ch 43
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 in every st, turn (41)
Row 2: ch 2, 1 sc in every st to end, turn (41)

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 12 inches

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Row 1: ch 2, *sk 1 sc, 2 sc in next sc; rep from * to end, 1 sc in last sc.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn. *2 sc in first sc, sk 1 sc, 2 sc in next st; rep from * to end, 1 sc in last sc.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 4 inches.

Finishing

Make a row of sc along edges of flap and sides of purse: Join with yarn, *ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, sc in next st* to end. Fasten off and weave in ends.

FOLD EDGES OF FABRIC FOR LINING ABOUT AN 1/8 OF AN INCH AND PIN TO WRONG SIDE OF PURSE.
USING A SEWING MACHINE, SEW ALONG EDGES MAKING SURE LINING IS STRAIGHT ON ALL SIDES.

Sew Laura Eccleston's rose to middle of lower flap. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=192028210829228

Sweet Blossoms Pom

I made this absolutely adorable double pom pom hat in a day, and I'm amazed with how gorgeous it is! I had no idea what I was going to do with it until I asked my great friend, Laura, to help me decide between one pom on top of hat or a pom on the end of earflaps, and obviously she wanted to see it with the double poms. I used her gorgeous and easy to follow drop blossoms pattern for the sweet flowers on the side of hat. Now, all I need to do is find a newborn little girl and a photographer, and I'm set. Here is Laura's blossom pattern: http://www.facebook.com/twinbird68#!/notes/the-mad-hatter/free-pattern-blossom-drop/190282271003822

Softee Newborn Cocoon Pattern

I hope you enjoy making this cocoon as much as I did. Happy crocheting!

newborn cocoon
materials:
8.00 mm hook
markers
yarning needle
scissors
2 skeins of wool-ease thick & quick
I used sky blue
1 inch wide contrast ribbon about 2 feet long (optional)


ch 5, sl st to make loop
CONTINUOUS ROUNDS, DO NOT JOIN  UNTIL LAST ROW
2 sc in every st (10)
2 tr in every st (20)
1 tr in next st, 2 tr in following st, repeat until end (30)
1 tr in every st around (30)
repeat last row until cocoon measures about 17 inches, SL ST TO JOIN TO END ROUND (30)
fasten off, weave in ends
optional ribbon: carefully weave ribbon between tr sts and ties into a bow

Softee Newborn Cocoon

This incredibly soft newborn cocoon is easy and quick to make. I used Lions Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in a beautiful sky blue. I didn't add a ribbon because I didn't have any on-hand, so next time I head to Michael's I'll pick up white or pastel blue ribbon to carefully weave through the triple stitches. If only I had a newborn to snuggle up in my cocoon and a camera to take a few quick pictures with. Makes me want another newborn in the house!

Striped elf hat

I am in love with this striped elf hat my daughter, Ariana, is modeling. The colors are perfect and the pom pom is adorable! I encouraged my daughter to walk outside with me and quickly slid the hat on and snapped a few quick pictures. The lighting is perfect and she had the perfect distraction (a guy walking down the steps) which allowed me to get this adorable picture of her.

Tutorial coming soon

Several fans have asked for a tutorial on the red purse I made a few weeks ago. And to please those fans, I am working on a thistle stitch purse which will include a tutorial for sewing a lining. I'm taking pictures galore and including a written pattern to make crocheting the purse easy to read and follow. I hope you can wait for me to finish the tutorial because I know it will be great!

finally completed

BEAUTIFUL PURSE!

Fabulous purse

I am currently working on this fabulous red purse. I would like to thank DROPS Designs for making this pattern available for free. I will sew this polka dot fabric to the inside of the purse and add a strap and a flower for embellishment. I'm quite in love with this purse!

Tiny Tote

I promised an original handmade purse, and I made this one for toddlers and little girls. This purse is so adorable; please send me a comment if you want one. I am selling this one and others like it for $15 plus any shipping.

NEW CREATIONS!

 

Ariana in a dark purple beanie with a tiny yellow rose for embellishment. Love it!

Cute little Mason in a dusty blue and charcoal grey beanie. He is so adorable and photogenic, too.

I love making this cream beret and you can wear it forward, backward, and to the side like Sarah is doing here. So versatile!

 

Ambrosia Beanie

This amazing ambrosia beanie trimmed in purple is very quick and easy to make. I am surprised how wonderfully it turned out! I used Lions Brand Homespun and Impeccable to make an incredibly warm and soft beanie. Tomorrow, I plan to start on a matching purse!

Photo Shoot Completed!

I finished my first photo session with models wearing my creations and I feel it was successful. Mason, the little boy I especially made a blue and charcoal grey beanie for, was absolutely adorable and had the prettiest blue eyes. Ariana was also in the photo shoot and she modeled a beanie and a little tiny tote...gorgeous little girl. :) Sarah, Mason's mom, modeled a cream beret and a snow white purse with sparkles. I plan to edit the photos this weekend and get them up and running here and on my Facebook fan page: Thistles and Tulips Crochet, before Monday. I hope ya'll enjoy them as much as I do. :)

Cutest Little Girl in a Beanie

Ariana looks so adorable in this new beanie I created. I couldn't resist posting it. Unfortunately, I didn't write the pattern down as I crocheted, so I will have to make another attempt at this and remember to save a pattern of it. Here she is!

Cream Beret Sneak Peek

I had to add a sneak peek of this fabulous cream beret I finished recently. I have a modeling session set up to showcase my crochet items, and I can't wait to post those photos here.

Coming Back Soon

I'm crocheting several items for customers and building my in-stock items. Therefore, I will only be on my blog at random times in the next few weeks. I will also start making baby cocoons for newborns. I will let everyone know when those items will be available for sale. I have not forgotten about my purse, but the current demand for other crochet items has forced me to forestall my design.

Original Chunky Java Slouch

I finished this super chunky slouch today and it's an original design. Yeah!! I'm proud of myself, but I can already see some things I want to change about it. I used two strands of yarn to make it chunky. Next time I will try one strand to see how it slouches. I held together burgundy and red for the double crochet and red and white for the single crochet. I think it's cute though. What do you think?

Sweet Beanie

I made a sweet beanie and had a neighbor's daughter, Daylen, model it for me. Isn't she great? She made this face several times, but I especially loved this one.
Oh, and here is a better one of the beanie. She doesn't look like the same little girl.