I have a friend who is having a baby soon and wanted to make her a little sea themed mobile for her nursery to go with all her other sea themed baby items. So I just finished up this cute little starfish, which will be the first piece I will hang once I get it all completed. I am working on making some more patterns and typing it up in a PDF for easy downloading on my website, but for now here's the pattern information.



I used the following materials:


Poly Fil Fiber
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Red Heart #0311 White, #0312 Black, #0512 Turqua
Carrousel #441 Salmon
crochet hook = 3.50 mm

The Starfish is about 4 x 4 inches.

This is made in a continuous spiral, and is made in three parts.

First Part - Tentacles on Bottom

Using an adjustable ring, make 5 sc to start
Round 1 - *2 sc in the first st (inc)* repeat from * to * around - (10 sts)
Round 2 - *sc in first st, 2 sc in the next st (inc)* repeat from * to * around - (15 sts)

Next you will be making each tentacle separately.

[*sc in the next 3 sts, ch 2, turn, hdc in the next st, then make a three half double crochet stitch, hdc in the next st, ch 1, turn* repeat from * to * two more times, sc the next 2 sts tog (dec), sc in the next st, turn, sc in the next 2 sts tog (dec), turn, then pick up 6 sts down the left side of the tentacle ending in the third starting stitch] repeat from [ to ] four more times.

Second Part - Tentacles on Top

Using an adjustable ring, make 5 sc to start

Round 1 - *2 sc in the first st (inc)* repeat from * to * around - (10 sts)
Round 2 - *sc in first st, 2 sc in the next st (inc)* repeat from * to * around - (15 sts)

Next you will be making each tentacle separately.

[*sc in the next 3 sts, ch 2, turn, hdc in the next 3 sts, ch 1, turn* repeat from * to * two more times, sc the next 2 sts tog (dec), sc in the next st, turn, sc in the next 2 sts tog (dec), turn, then pick up 6 sts down the left side of the tentacle ending in the third starting stitch] repeat from [ to ] four more times.

Once both the top and bottom or completed begin sewing the edges together, and stuff the tentacles with poly fill fiber as you sew them together.

Part 3 - Face

Once you have the starfish completely sewn together and stuffed with poly fil fiber, you will need to make the face.

The eyes are made using an adjustable ring with 5 sc. Fasten off and sew to the bottom.

Next make a french knot with black yarn inside each eye.

Finally using a back stitch, make a mouth with the black yarn.

The Starfish is now complete!



I used the following materials:


Poly Fil Fiber
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Red Heart #0312 Black
Carrousel #441 Salmon
I Love This Yarn! #280 Periwinkle
crochet hook = 3.50 mm

The Clam is about 3 x 3 inches.

This is made in three parts as well: the shell, face, and eyes

I used the following pattern to obtain the shell shape and made two pieces (top and bottom) of the clam.

Ch 16 using a foundation chain

Row 1: ss in the 2nd ch from the hook, ss in the next 5 chs, hdc in the next 4 chs, ch 2, turn (15 sts)

Row 2: (Working in the front loops only), 2 hdc in the first st, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (16 sts)

Row 3: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, hdc in the next 5 sts, ch 2, turn (16 sts)

Row 4: (Working in the front loops only), 2 hdc in the first st, hdc in the next 4 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (17 sts)

Row 5: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 5 sts, ch 2, turn (18 sts)

Row 6: (Working in the front loops only), 2 hdc in the first st, hdc in the next 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (19 sts)

Row 7: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 7 sts, ch 2, turn (20 sts)

Row 8: (Working in the front loops only), 2 dc in the first st, dc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (21 sts)

Row 9: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, hdc in the next 8 sts, hdc dec, ch 2, turn (20 sts)

Row 10: (Working in the front loops only), hdc dec, hdc in the next 7 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (19 sts)

Row 11: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, hdc dec, hdc in the next 6 sts, ch 2, turn (18 sts)

Row 12: (Working in the front loops only), hdc dec, hdc in the next 5 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (17 sts)

Row 13: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts, hdc dec, ch 2, turn (16 sts)

Row 14: (Working in the front loops only), hdc dec, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, ss in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn (15 sts)

Row 15: (Working in the back loops only), ss in the first 6 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, hdc in the next 4 sts,fasten off  (15 sts)

Once you have both pieces completed, flip each piece so that the wrong side is showing on either side when held together. Then slip stitch the pieces together and proceed to make single crochet all the way around the outside of the shell and skip the opening of the shell so that you can attach the face and stuff the clam. Also you will need to sew the back portion closed using a whip stitch to form the back of the clam.

The face portion is made using the following pattern:

Ch 16 in a foundation chain

Row 1: sc from 2nd ch on hook, sc in the next 15 chs, ch 1, turn (16 sts)

Row 2: 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 14 sts, 2 sc in the last st, ch 1, turn (18 sts)

Row 3: 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 16 sts, 2 sc in the last st, ch 1, turn (20 sts)

Row 4 - 5: Work even 20 sts (no inc or dec), ch 1, turn

Row 6: sc the first 2 sts tog (dec), sc in the next 16 sts, sc in the last 2 sts tog (dec), ch 1, turn (18 sts)

Row 7: sc the first 2 sts tog (dec), sc in the next 14 sts, sc in the last 2 sts tog (dec), fasten off. (16 sts)

Next using the first color used for the shell, make single crochet stitches all the way around the face working in the backloops only.

Attach the face portion to the opening of the shell, and stuff with poly fil fiber once you have the face mostly attached. Stitch closed.

Then to attach the eyes, simply make two french knots.

(Please respect my copyright. While you may distribute this pattern freely, please do not sell it or items made from this pattern).

We had a secret pumpkin swap at work, and the coworker I was a secret pumpkin for is a breast cancer survivor. I wanted to do something extra special for her, so I made a scarf with the breast cancer awareness ribbon motif. I stuck the scarf in the bottom of a plastic pumpkin and filled the top with her favorite candy. She was really surprised by the scarf at the bottom.  

I really liked how it turned out and wanted to share it with others who would like to make a scarf for someone special in their lives.

The scarf took me roughly two weeks and about 3-4 hours a day of crocheting, so that's roughly a total of 56 hours of crocheting. The yarn brand I used was I Love This Yarn! in Hot Rose (color# 350), and only had to use one 7 oz. skein (355 yards / 325 meters). The scarf ended up being 8.5 inches wide and 62.5 inches long.

I made a downloadable PDF for the pattern that can be found at my blog: http://mausicasmagicalmenagerie.blogspot.com/2009/10/breast-cancer-awareness-scarf-crochet.html.

Enjoy!  

I just recently got a tablet and have been messing around making some digital art. Using the watercolor and pastel feature, I came up with these two pictures...

I know Halloween is just around the corner.   It is one of my absolute favorite holidays, but I unfortunately do not have any decorations.   We live such a nomadic lifestyle that I think most of our decorations end up on the curbside or given away whenever we have to move.

So if your strapped for cash like us and want to make your own little pumpkin decoration for your house, here is a little pumpkin head tutorial. (I was going to make him some arms and legs, but I liked him so much like this I decided not to. If I get requested to, I will post an arm and leg pattern to go with him). Just click on my blog link at the bottom for the tutorial! Enjoy!

I've started making some mythical creatures just for myself. Here is my latest creation..





I'm having some trouble with the yarn I got. I like the feathery texture it creates but it sheds like crazy. Anyone have any suggestions to an alternative brand other than the Yarn Bee brand I purchased??

[Tail]

Well my nephew and niece requested some fun crochet toys from me so I made my nephew a clown fish doll. So here is what I came up with....


(His eyes came out a little walleyed. LOL I was in a bit of hurry when I made them).



I used Redheart Brand yarn in white, black, and orange. For the stuffing I used Poly Fil Fiber, and a 2/2.25mm crochet hook.

Abbreviations:

ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dec - single crochet decrease
st(s) - stitch(es)
hdc - half double crochet
hdc dec - half double crochet decrease
sl st - slip stitch

Body

Crochet in rounds. I chained 10 stitches to start with orange yarn.

Row 1: sc, inc (15 stitches)
Row 2: 2 sc, inc (20 sts)
Row 3: 3 sc, inc (25 sts)
Row 4: 4 sc, inc (30 sts)
Row 5: 5 sc, inc (35 sts)
Row 6: 6 sc, inc (40 sts)
Rows 7-15: 40 sc
Row 16: Switch to black yarn and make 40 sc
Row 17: Switch to white yarn and make 40 sc
Row 18: 40 sc in white
Row 19: Switch to black yarn and make 40 sc
Row 20: Switch to orange yarn6 sc, dec (35 sts)
Rows 21 - 22: 35 sc
Row 23: 5 sc, dec (30 sts)
Rows 24-29: 30 sc
Row 30: Switch to black yarn and make 4 sc, dec (25 sts)
Rows 31-32: Switch to white yarn and make 25 sc
Row 33: Switch to black yarn and make 25 sc
Row 34: Switch to orange yarn and make 3sc, dec (20 sts)
Rows 35-36: 20 sc (STUFF)
Row 37: 2sc, dec (15 sts)
Row 38: Switch to black yarn and make sc, dec (10 sts)
Row 39: Switch to white yarn and make 10 sc
Row 40: 10 sc in white yarn
Row 41: Switch to black yarn and make 10 sc (STUFF)
Row 42: Switch to orange yarn and make dec ( 5 sts)
sl st 5 times and fasten off. Use yarn needle to hide yarn tail.

Tail

Use orange yarn for the actual tail and slip stitch black yarn across the top when finished.

Ch 11
Row 1: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 4 hdc , ch 1, turn (10 sts)
Row 2: 2 hdc in 1st st, 3 hdc, 3 sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (11 sts)
Row 3: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 5 hdc, ch 1, turn (11 sts)
Row 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, 4 hdc, 3 sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (12 sts)
Row 5: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 6 hdc, ch 1, turn (12 sts)
Row 6: 2 hdc in 1st st, 5 hdc, 3sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (13 sts)
Row 7: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 7 hdc, ch 1, turn (13 sts)
Row 8: 2 hdc in 1st st, 6 hdc, 3 sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (14 sts)
Row 9: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, hdc dec, 6 hdc, ch 1, turn (13 sts)
Row 10: hdc dec, 5 hdc, 3 sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (12 sts)
Row 11: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 6 hdc, ch 1, turn (12 sts)
Row 12: hdc dec, 4 hdc, 3 sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (11 sts)
Row 13: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 5 hdc, ch 1, turn (11 sts)
Row 14: hdc dec, 3 hdc, 3 sc, 3 sl sts, ch 1, turn (10 sts)
Row 15: 3 sl sts, 3 sc, 4 hdc (10 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach to body.

Top Front Fin and Side Fins

Make 3 of these, and use orange yarn for the actual fin. Slip stitch black yarn across the top and sides when finished for the Top fin. When connecting the fin to the body make sure to attach black on black. For the side fins just slip stitch across the back only in black yarn.

Ch 8
Row 1: 2 sl sts, 2 sc, 3 hdc, ch 1, turn (7 sts)
Row 2: 2 hdc in 1st st, 2 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl sts, ch 1, turn (8 sts)
Row 3: 2 sl sts, 2 sc, 4 hdc, ch 1, turn (8 sts)
Row 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, 3 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl sts, ch 1, turn (9 sts)
Row 5: 2 sl sts, 2 sc, 5 hdc, ch 1, turn (9 sts)
Row 6: 2 hdc in 1st st, 4 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl sts, ch 1, turn (10 sts)
Row 7: 2 sl sts, 2 sc, hdc dec, 4 hdc, ch 1, turn (9 sts)
Row 8: hdc dec, 3 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl sts, ch 1, turn (8 sts)
Row 9: 2 sl sts, 2 sc, 4 hdc, ch 1, turn (8 sts)
Row 10: dec, 2 hdc, 2 sc, 2 sl sts, ch 1, turn (7 sts)
Row 11: 2 sl sts, 2 sc, 3 hdc (7 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach to body.

Back Fin

Use orange for the fin. When finished slip stitch in back and sides with black yarn for the back fin. When connecting the fin to the body make sure to attach black on black.

Ch 6
Row 1: sl st, sc, hdc, ch 1, turn (3 sts)
Row 2: 2 hdc in 1st st, sc, sl st, ch 1, turn (4 sts)
Row 3: sl st, sc, 2 hdc, ch 1, turn (4 sts)
Row 4: 2 hdc in 1st st, hdc, sc, sl st, ch 1, turn (5 sts)
Row 5: sl st, sc, hdc dec, hdc, ch 1, turn (4 sts)
Row 6: hdc dec, sc, sl st, ch 1 turn (3 sts)
Row 7: sl st, sc, hdc (3 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach to body.

Eyes

Pupil was done in black yarn and worked in rounds.

Ch 10, sl st 10 times, fasten off leaving long tail to attach to iris. (Make 2 of these).

Iris was done in orange yarn and worked in rounds.

Ch 10, [sc, inc] (15 sts), sl st 15 times, fasten off leaving long tail to attach to eyeball. (Make 2 of these).

Eyeball was done in white yarn and worked in rounds.

Ch 10
Row 1: sc, inc (15 sts)
Row 2: 2 sc, inc (20 sts)
sl st 20 times, fasten off leaving long tail to attach to body. (Make 2 of these).

Attach pupil to iris and then to eyeball. Pull a piece of white from eyeball through to the top of pupil to make eyes look more cartoon like. Pull back through and fasten completed eye to body.

For the mouth I used the black yarn to make a smile in back stitches with a yarn needle.

Hope this was explained clearly enough. If you have questions let me know. Thanks!  

I made my niece a blonde fairy doll using a pattern I purchased from CrochetFaery. I modified the ears, arms, and feet. Overall I think she turned out really well.




All Rights Reserved (r) 2009 Jessica Woofter

I made this watercolor of my sister-in-law and my newborn niece about a month after my niece was born. I wanted to make my brother and his wife something special to congratulate them on their new little bundle of joy.

Update: I modified the dragon pattern I originally had cause I hated stitching in the ears in black yarn. Just seemed to take too long. Let me know what you think of these new ones compared with the old ones down at the bottom.






Here's my latest creations. My stepdaughter is crazy for dragons, so I promised her I make her a couple.

The red ones she tells me are Fire Dragons. So here is the baby fire dragon.




(I think this one is too cute, I have to make myself one! Is it bad when you find yourself playing with the dolls you make?) lol 

She tells me the green dragons are Forest Dragons.

I am a bit of a gamer nerd. I love playing WOW, and absolutely adore the baby murlocs. So I wanted to come up with my own version and named the little guy a Seaople. (Sea + people). Weird I know but I couldn't think of a better name for them. You can check out pics at my flickr link below at