Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set – A Happy Trio

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift SetOhhh so soft. This Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set is cute and cuddly. Whether you make just one piece or all three, you’ll love the way it feels and so will the recipient! The colors of the Sensations Rainbow Boucle yarn were calling our names begging to be turned into a winter scene. Here is the happy result.

Scarves and Hats whip up pretty quickly so they make great last minute gifts. If you have a little extra time, the gift bag is adorable – don’t pass that up. We crocheted with two strands at once (held double) and used a hdc so that it would work up a bit quicker than a single crochet project.

Skill Level: The pattern is easy, but the Boucle yarn is a bit tricky to work with. If you use Boucle, please note that you probably won’t be able to see your stitches. You’ll have to crochet more by feel than anything. But it should be pretty easy to do since these projects are worked in a rectangle (back and forth – not in the round).

Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set – The Pattern Details

The set is an adorable gift because the hat and scarf match and fit nicely inside the gift bag. Mix and match for your specific needs. We love that the winter scene isn’t too “Christmasy” and can be worn all winter long.

The pattern includes lots of photos, written directions, a couple of charts, gauge info, materials list, check boxes to mark your progress and more. Since the stitches of Boucle are difficult to see, we’ve also taken photos of the tree appliques with traditional yarn.

film strip of winter set

The Winter Hat Pattern

This is crocheted as a rectangle. The finished project measures 9 1/5 inches tall not including the pom pom. It’s 10 1/2 inches when folded flat. It’s one size fits all. It fits young boys, teen girls and adult women.

The hat pattern includes a chart as well as written instructions. It can be easily modified for larger or smaller sizes. There are photos and instructions on how to make the pom pom. And of course photos and directions for the tree.

Wearing the Winter Hat and Scarf Gift SetThe Winter Scarf Pattern

This is crocheted with short rows. The scarf measures 5 inches by 56 inches. There are detailed instructions and photos for the scarf, tree and star.

This piece is a lot of fun to make and wear. It’s so soft looking, don’t be surprised if people stop you and ask to feel it!

The Winter Gift Bag Pattern

This is crocheted as a rectangle (the bottom sewn on as a separate piece). There is a chart as well as detailed instructions on how to crochet the bag. There are detailed instructions on making the cute icicle edging, handles and tree appliques.

This gift bag will look absolutely adorable under the Christmas tree. Or maybe you’ll use it as an adorable tote?

 Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set – In the Store

The pattern is now available in the store. Order now and download the pattern right from the link on your receipt. See more photos on the Winter Hat and Scarf Gift Set page in the store.

Mary Jane Wash Mitt

Mary Jane Wash Mitt – Fun and Practical

Mary Jane style Wash MittMary Jane shoes and slippers are wildly popular. Bath time has been totally inspired by her, too!

Where the toe box might be, we’ve got a pocket for your fingers. Where the heel might be, we’ve got a pocket for the thumb. And nothing says Mary Jane like a fun strap with faux button. We’ve got one of those to. It runs across the back of your hand to strap the Mary Jane Wash Mitt firmly in place.

The Bath Mitt is great for liquid soap lovers. You can use it in the bath, shower or keep it by your sink to use as your face scrubbie.

Mary Jane Wash Mitt – the Details

Mary Jane Wash Mitt two colorsWe dressed up this Mary Jane Wash Mitt by adding a bit of ruffle around the edge. Who doesn’t love a little extra frill?!

Skill Level: Easy

Really, this is a fun, quick and easy project. You can make three or more wash mitts with one skein of Red Heart Eco-Cotton Yarn. So this is fabulous last minute gift. It measures 4 1/2″ x 8″. We’ve included instructions on how to make it smaller for more petite hands.

The pattern includes detailed written instructions, lots of pictures, gauge info, materials list, check box for marking your progress, size info, abbreviation list and more.

Soap Saver CollectionBONUS: This pattern also includes 7 soap saver sachets! And they are all adorable. You can learn more about them on our crochet soap saver collection page.

Crochet Soap Saver Collection pattern on Etsy.

This is available now in the store. Your receipt will have a link to download the pattern. Buy the Mary Jane Wash Mitt pattern now and start crocheting right away.

Crochet Soap Saver Collection

Crochet Soap Saver Collection – Fun and Diverse

Soap Saver CollectionCaution: this crochet soap saver collection is a lot of fun to make. Once you make one, you’ll be hooked and find that you can’t stop until you’ve crocheted them all! And each one takes only an hour or two to whip up! These are great last minute gifts. (Oh, and check out the bonus wash mitt below…)

Traditionally, soap savers are used a couple of different ways.

  1. Instead of throwing out your old leftover mini bars of soap, toss them into a soap saver and get every last ounce of clean out of them! The soap saver acts as a wash cloth with a bar of soap wrapped inside.
  2. Save on soap by putting a new bar in the soap saver. You’ll use less soap this way. When your bar runs low, just stick in another one!

The pattern includes photos of the soap savers used as a cell phone pouch and iPod cozy. But these are also great for bridal shower gift bags, Wedding Favor Sachets, Mini Draw String Gift Bags, Potpourri bags or Scented Satchets and more.

Crochet Soap Saver Collection – The Details

film strip of soap saversWhy is this crochet soap saver collection so much fun? It could be because each pattern uses a different stitch (shell, moss, filet and more). Or maybe it’s the other little details such as unique edging (heart, crown, button top and more) or the diverse types of draw strings (flower, heart, leaf and more).The collection includes both masculine and feminine designs.

  • Filet with Crown Edge Soap Saver measures 2 3/4″ x 6″. The filet is simple to crochet and the crown edging is quite elegant.
  • Heartfelt Filet Soap Saver measures 3 1/4″ x 5 1/2″. This pattern is full of love with a filet heart bag, heart edging and heart draw string.
  • Pretty Shells Soap Saver measures 3″ x 6″. The stitch is gorgeous and is topped with a crown edge and decorative draw string.
  • Leaf and Vine Soap Saver measures 4 1/4″ x 3 3/4″. It’s understated simplicity make the leaf enhanced drawstring quite striking.
  • Moss Stitch with Flower Soap Saver measures 3 1/4″ x 6″. The beautiful stitch is enhanced with a simple frill top and draw string with a pretty flower.
  • Button Top Soap Saver measures 3″ x 4 3/4″. It’s bold and simple with a button top closure and durable handle for attaching the soap saver onto your hand.
  • Reversible Ridges Soap Saver measures 3″ x 4 3/4″. Deep ridges are great for a deep clean. Or turn it inside out for a smooth surface for a simple scrub.
  • BONUS: Mary Jane Wash Mitt measures 4 1/2″ x 8″. Slip your hand under the strap and put your fingers and thumb into the pockets and you’re got a liquid soap – soap saver!

Many of these soap savers are crocheted with Red Heart Eco-Cotton blend yarn. One skein will make three or more soap savers. Some sachets were crocheted with Hemp Cord or Twine as seen in the photos.

The pattern calls for crochet in the round. The pattern includes materials list, abbreviations, special stitch instructions, photos, gauge info, check boxes to help mark your progress  and more.

Crochet Soap Saver Collection – In the Store

These crochet sachet soap savers are available now in the store. When you purchase through our website, you’ll immediately receive a receipt which includes a link to download the PDF pattern.

Crochet Sachet Soap Savers pattern on Etsy.

Order today and start crocheting right away! Bath time will be a whole lot of fun.

How to Hold a Crochet Hook

How to Hold a Crochet Hook

I’m starting to become a little insecure about how to hold a crochet hook. It seems as though everyone around me holds it one way and I the other. Can you relate or am I the lone wolf here.

In fact, I recently watched a youtube video where the gal was demonstrating both techniques and she made some sort of comment about my chosen grip being awkward. Awkward? It doesn’t feel awkward to me. If anything, her grip is awkward. But apparently not to most of my friends and family!

20+ years ago my grandmother taught my twin sister, my mother and I how to crochet. And it’s engraved on my brain that the way I hold my hook is “the right way”. Really, I remember her saying there was a right and wrong way. As a new hooker, I wanted to do it right, so I chose my grip.

Now, I wonder, “Have I been wrong all these years?” Most crocheters these days say that either way is right. But do they really believe that or are they just appeasing people like me?

Case in point, I went to a knitters and crocheters group the other day and one of the gals was staring at me while I crocheted. Then, she and my sister started talking about how I hold the crochet hook…as if I was some sort of alien. “Hello,” I thought, “I’m right here in the room.”

So, based on their conversation, it should come as no surprise that Yarnovator (my twin sister) and I each hold the crochet hook differently. It was shocking to me when I recently found out that one of us holds it from beneath like a pencil and the other holds it overhand like a knife. It seems strange to me that we are similar in so many ways yet different here, on a matter of technique.

how to hold a crochet hook

And what about my mother? After all, she was there when my grandmother taught us “right from wrong”. She’s apparently not picking sides because she holds the crochet hook both ways. Literally…for every stitch she holds it both ways. She starts out her stitch holding the crochet hook like a pencil, then ends the stitch holding it like a knife! I have to admit, I’ve never seen anyone crochet quite like that. She definitely has both bases covered.

How to Hold a Crochet Hook – The Conclusion

So, what will I do about how to hold a crochet hook? Will I change my technique to blend in with the crowd or band together with others who crochet like me and start a crusade? I think I’ll just turn on the tv and work on my next project and crochet the way I know to be the right way.

How do you hold your crochet hook? Take the poll below letting us know.

[poll id=”2″]

Hookalicious Award for Holiday Hooking Goodness

Christmas Gift BagsYarnovations received the Hookalicious Award for Holiday Hooking Goodness from Crochet Liberation Front. Thank you so much. It’s an honor to receive this award. Not only did we receive the award, but they wrote up  an awesome review, too! Gee…thanks!

We received the Hookalicious Award for Holiday Hooking Goodness for our Holiday Gift  Bag Set. I personally love this set because it works for sooo many holidays. Christmas, of course. But any winter holiday gift can be dressed up in one of these bags.

Holiday Gift Bag Set pattern on Etsy.

Crochet Liberation Front is a fun sight. You’ll find book reviews (crochet, of course) and various awards. They have Flamie Awards. Since 2009 they’ve been awarding people for phenomenal work. And there are a ton of categories. So if you want to see some really awesome crochet stuff, the Flamie Awards are a must see. You have got to check out the 2011 Flamie 3D Object. Ummm AMAZING! I’m just sayin’.

Holiday Gift Bags

Holiday Gift Bags – Perfect for Religious and Non-Religious Celebrations

holiday gift bagsNo doubt you’ll need a few holiday gift bags this holiday season. Add a personal touch and a bit of whimsy with some hand crocheted bags! These are perfect for gift giving, to decorate for the holidays or for use as totes and purses.

These bags are great for both religious and secular holiday celebrations. The turkey bag will help you gobble up some fun this Thanksgiving. The Bethlehem and reindeer bag will help you ring in a little Christmas cheer.

Holiday Gift Bags – Ornaments

turkey and reindeer ornamentAs a bonus, this holiday gift bags pattern includes instructions on making the turkey and reindeer appliques or as Christmas ornaments! The ornaments will look cute hanging on a Christmas tree or as decorations on gifts.

The turkey measures measures 6.5″ (width and height). The Reindeer measures 4.5″ (width and height) when crocheted with an H hook and medium worsted weight yarn (4). We used Red Heart Super Saver.

Holiday Gift Bags – The Details

all holiday gift bags and ornamentsThese holiday gift bags are easy to crochet and fun to make. The body of the bag is made with a half double crochet which makes it whip up quickly. The edging is beautiful with a reverse double crochet. Of course, the turkey and reindeer applique make the gift bags simply adorable.

The gift bags measure 6.5″ x 4″ x 9″ (not including the handles). The pattern includes:

  • Turkey bag instructions
  • Bethlehem bag instructions
  • Reindeer bag instructions
  • Applique and Ornament instructions
  • Bonus Bag: The Bethlehem bag using bulky yarn (5)
  • Photos, detailed instructions, gauge info, materials list and more…

Spread a little holiday cheer with homemade holiday gift bags now. They are now available in the store.

Holiday Gift Bags pattern on Etsy.

Crochet Snowflake Free Patterns

Crochet Snowflake Free Patterns

crochet snowflake free patternsIf you’re looking for “crochet snowflake free patterns”, we’ve got a fun one for you! Make snowflakes that are cute, quick and adorable this holiday season! This is perfect for decorating Christmas trees, a window in your house or office and perfect for sprucing up gift wrapped presents.

This pattern is great for beginners because it calls for medium worsted weight yarn (4). Something like Red Heart Super Saver White would be perfect. The pattern calls for knowledge of chains, single crochet and slip stitch.

Crochet Snowflake Free Patterns – Stiffening Instructions and more…

Included in this crochet snowflake free pattern is complete instructions on making appliques and ornaments! We provide pictures and step by step instructions on how to turn your homemade snowflake into a beautiful Christmas decoration!

The snowflake measures 3 1/2 inches with a C hook and 5 inches with an H hook. And if you want to add a little more sparkle to your project, we’ve even included instructions on how to add glitter! Oh, la, la!

Here’s what’s included in this Crochet Snowflake Free Patterns instructions:

  • 3 1/2 inch snowflake pattern
  • 5 inch snowflake pattern
  • 3 stiffening instructions
  • 1 glitter instructions
  • Ornament instructions
  • Information about snowflakes, appliques and ornaments
  • Photos, supply list, gauge info and more…

FREE Crochet Patterns

Free Patterns Page: Download the pattern from the FREE Crochet Patterns page.
Store: Add the Snowflake Free to your cart in the Store.

Want More Crochet Snowflake Patterns and Christmas Gifts Bags?

Gift Bags and Snowflake Ornaments

For the snowflake enthusiast, we’ve created a Christmas Gift Bag set that includes 4 sizes of gift bags with a different snowflake for each bag. With decorative paper gift bags costing between $2 and $4 at the store, it’s cheaper to make your own gift bags!

Christmas Gift Bag Set on Etsy.

The Christmas Gift Bag Set is available in the store. Buy it for the bag instructions or just for the snowflakes!

Christmas Gift Bags

Christmas Gift Bags – Fun Gift Wrap and more!

Christmas Gift BagsThese fun and whimsical Christmas gift bags are cute, practical and economical! Decorative gift bags at the store run between $2 and $4 each. At that price, it’s cheaper to make your own! These Christmas bags can be used time and time again – no need to worry about wrinkles like you do when reusing cheap paper gift bags.

This Christmas Gift Bag Pattern includes 4 sizes each with a unique snowflake making them the perfect gift wrapping for any winter occassion! Use them not only for gift wrapping, but for decorating at parties, at the office and at home! Stuff the small bag with candy canes and you’re ready for the holidays! The medium and large bags make fun seasonal totes or purses. The wine bag is great for gifting a little bubbly, but they’re also the perfect size for Secret Santa gifts!

Christmas Gift Bags – Snowflake Ornaments

snowflake ornaments

The snowflakes in the Christmas Gift Bags pattern are fun appliques that can be sewn to any project. And this pattern includes directions for making ornaments out of them! Crocheted snowflakes instantly make life more festive. They can be hung on Christmas trees or in windows. And they make great accents to wrapped gifts.

Christmas Gift Bags – The Details

Here’s what’s included in the Christmas Gift Bag pattern:

  • Small Gift Bag – 3 3/4 x 3 x 5 inches
  • Medium Gift Bag – 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 9 inches
  • Large Gift Bag – 10 x 5 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches
  • Wine Bag – 3 3/4 x 3 x 10 inches
  • 4 snowflake patterns (depending on hook size, they measure 3 inches to 9 inches).
  • Directions for stiffening snowflakes
  • Lots of photos, gauge info, materials list, detailed instructions and more…

Bags and Ornaments

This pattern calls for use of medium worsted weight yarn (4) for both the bags and ornaments. Crocheted with a C hook, the ornaments range in size from 3 1/4 inches to 6 1/4 inches. With an H hook, the ornaments range in size from 4 inches to 9 inches.

Christmas Gift Bags – Available in the Store

The pattern for the Christmas Gift Bags and Snowflakes is now available in the store. Order today and you can start making some Christmas cheer right away.

Christmas Gift Bags and Snowflakes on Etsy.

Trick or Treat Bags

Trick or Treat Bags – The Monsters of the Stash

These classic monster trick or treat bags are great for sprucing up a costume and holding a sizable stash of candy. They are sure to be coveted by all the little ghouls and goblins this Halloween. And they make handy little treat bags for your home or office!

Make them friendly or little scary with the stitching of the mouth and the placement of the eyes. Though they are watching you, they won’t tell how many sweet treats you’ve eaten today!

Trick or Treat Bags – Crochet Pattern

The crochet pattern for each of these monster treat bags features a famous monster in history. Crocheted two strands at a time, these bags work up quickly for a ghoulish surprise.

Suck the candy from your friends and neighbors with a Dracula bag. Complete with a cape, bow tie, and fangs, you can count on the Count with your Halloween candy. He measures

The Frankenstein monster will keep things safe in this shaggy headed bag. Crocheted with Fun Fur, this fun treat bag will hold quite a stash.

Wrap up your treats in Mummy’s bandages. Crocheted as a solid bag, a separate crocheted bandage allows you to wrap it up tight, just the way you like it. The mummy measures 7″ tall  x 6 1/2″ wide by 21″ around.

Each treat bag is crocheted as a solid unit with the facial features crocheted separately and sewn on. Each bag requires color changes. The mummy has color changes at the ends of rounds while the Frankenstein and Dracula bags have changes in the middle of rounds as well as at the ends of some rounds. Directions for changing colors is included in the pattern.

Trick or Treat Bags – Available in the Store

Friendly or scary, make these bags to fit your trick or treating style. Order your pattern from the store for a monster sized good time.

Trick or Treat Bags pattern on Etsy.

Dynamite

Dynamite – Creating a Bang

DynamiteCrochet a stick of dynamite and you’re in for a bang! These toy explosives are small enough for your pocket but they pack a big enough punch for the big jobs. Add a bit of yellow and orange string to the end of the wick and these toys are lit!

Caution: once your kids get their hands on one, they’re gonna want more!

Dynamite – FREE Crochet Pattern

Dynamite has been around since the late 1880’s. It’s been used by cowboys, miners and soldiers alike.  That should light up your child’s imagination!

The finished dynamite measure 1 1/4 x 8 inches making them quick and easy to crochet. This pattern calls for crochet in the round (you can make them any length you like). Use scraps of yarn you have in your stash – a real money saving solution for the holidays!

FREE Crochet Patterns

Free Patterns Page: Download the pattern from the FREE Crochet Patterns page.
Store: Add the Dynamite Free to your cart in the Store.

Dynamite – Something for the Bigger Jobs

mining film strip

Check out this Hard Hat Mining Set!

Make your little bang a BIG KAPOW with the Hard Hat Mining Set! The hard hat will help keep you safe on the job and light your way. Strap a bunch of dynamite together and create a big bang with the blasting box (the handle really moves up and down!). Store all your explosives in the wooden dynamite create for later use.

Learn more about the Hard Hat Mining Set or head to the store to get your pattern now.

Hard Hat Mining Set pattern on Etsy.