This is a fun project that you can do in an afternoon. You can decorate a pillow you already have or buy one that will highlight your corsage. There are two versions to complement different pillow shapes. If you are using a small pillow, you can omit the outer petals to scale down the flower. A lighter weight yarn can also be used if you want a smaller, more delicate flower, which would make a lovely pin for a coat or jacket.

• A pillow of your choice
• Worsted/ chunky weight yarn for the Flower:
  • Center- 5½ yds
  • Middle petals- 16½ yds
  • Inner petals- 9 yds
  • Outer petals- 24 yds
  • Center detail -1¼ yds + ½ yd in 1-2 (depending on version) other yarns for embroidery embellishment
• A medium weight novelty or chenille yarn for the:
  • Center trim- 2½ yds
• Worsted/chunky weight yarn for the Blossom Spray (Version 2):
  • Blossoms- Four 1yd lengths, and one 1¼yd length of yarns used to make the flower
  • Stems- 2 lengths of yarn, one 25” and the other 20”
• One bead for the center of the flower (Version 1)
• Ribbon-in 1”-1½” width, long enough to wrap around your pillow and tie in a generous bow in the back.
• Crochet hook size G (4mm) - size can be adjusted according to the yarn you are using
• Tapestry needle
• Transparent nylon thread
• Sewing needle

US terminology is used in this pattern
st(s)= stitch (es)
ch= chain
sl st= slip stitch
sc= single crochet
hdc= half double crochet
dc= double crochet
tr= triple crochet
dtr=double treble crochet
beg= beginning
rep= repeat
fol= following
lp(s)= loop(s)
sk= skip
bet= between

We may not want to admit it, but winter is hardly over. Here's a quick, versatile cloche hat you can whip up in no time at all. Perhaps it will get so many compliments you'll forget how much you long for Spring...

• 1 ball of Joann's Sensation Angel hair yarn
• K/6.5mm hook
• 1 yard of 1-inch ribbon

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
sk = skip

It may still be Winter, but a stylish scarf can take you clear through the cool nights of long-awaited Spring. This one will take you no time at all to crochet in a stitch that mimics the ever-popular knitted drop-stitch you see everywhere. Work it up in a soft wool and you'll be cozy while you catch snowflakes on your tongue; use a ribbon yarn for those warmer days we know are coming soon. Really soon. Really.

• 3 balls of Lion Brand Incredible ribbon yarn
• K/6.5mm hook

This ribbon yarn looks the best when it is worked loosely. A very loose tension is recommended.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
yo = yarn over
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space

Throw away those pinchy elastic headbands you find in the department store for your baby… and get your crochet hooks out to create these quick, easy and fantastically funky headbands that everyone will notice!

• 1 skein (57 yards/52 meters per 40 grams/1 1/2 oz) Lions Brand Yarn Fun Fur Prints - Rainbow.
• Size K/6.5mm crochet hook

Stitches are worked in the space of the half double crochet rather than attempting to work into the stitch.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet

I’ve dreamed of this bag for a couple of years. Every once in a while I would pick up some yarn and give it a try, but it just wouldn’t come out right. Then, one very gray, very rainy Seattle morning I picked up a chunky, bright fuchsia yarn and started again. As I dreamed of spring and all that’s blooming the bag made itself.

This bag is pretty versatile in design. If you want a slightly less blooming bag, then fasten off your petals after only a couple of rows. If you want fewer layers of petals, just fasten off and pick up the yarn after a round or two and start the petals again. It can be made into a larger bag or a smaller one like a coin purse. You can even do petals on both sides of the bag for an exploding blooms bag, just work the back of the bag as you do for the front. A lining can be added, but since I’m slightly intimidated by sewing I like the option of not having to line. So using the chunky/bulky yarn and medium sized hook makes it sturdy enough to keep from stretching.

• About 165 yards chunky or bulky weight yarn. (Sample used Bernat Softee Chunky (68 yards/1.34 oz/50g) in Hot Fuschia.)
• Size J/6mm hook (if you want a sturdier or bulkier bag try a smaller hook)
• Stitch marker
• Yarn needle for weaving ends
• Two acrylic ring handles

There is really no gauge as the bag can be done in any size. Using a smaller hook would make the bag smaller and more sturdy; using a larger hook or a worsted weight yarn would give it more drape, and you would probably need to have a lining added to counter any stretching.

Back of bag is done in both loops.

The entire body of the bag is made as a spiral, so you will not join to the beginning of the round. Your first stitch will always be where the marker is. You will need to place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. You will always end each round with 2 hdc in the last stitch. When doing a two-color bag, work the back loop only rounds in the color of the flower and work the remaining rounds and back in the second color.

US pattern notations used
Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sl st = slip stitch
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet

A couple of years ago, I made this beautiful “one piece” knit baby sweater using a pattern from some magazine from the 70’s. It started from the back and continued in one piece over the shoulders, picking up one side to finish. It was easy enough but it took me 6 weeks to complete, because I just wasn’t that good at knitting. I thought how nice it would be to have a similar pattern in crochet. So, I adapted it, and voila, here it is. The nicest thing about it is that, with the chunky yarn, it only takes about 3 hours to make. There are two options for sweater bands below.

• 1 skein, Lionbrand Homespun Yarn (Bulky/6 oz/185 yards). Note: for 12 months you will need a little more than one skein.
• 1-2 ozs worsted weight yarn in contrast color for edging and buttons.
• Size K (6.5mm) hook for sweater
• 2 buttons
• Size H (5.0mm) hook for optional crocheted buttons
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

6 mos (12 mos)
Length 10” (11”)
Chest 20” (23”)
Sleeve 6.5” (7.5”)

10 hdc and 8 rows = 4”/10cm

Samples used:
Blue: LB Homespun Montana Sky with TLC Lustre Lt Blue
Pink: LB Homespun Boston Rose with TLC Lustre Black
Coral: LB Homespun Coral Gables with Bernat Satin Pink
Green: LB Homespun Florida Keys Green with GGH Samoa Fuchsia

US Pattern Notations Used
Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet
Sl st = slip stitch
Sc2tog = single crochet two together

Sweater is made in one piece starting at the bottom of the back side. The turning chain counts as the first hdc of a row, and the next hdc is made into the next stitch.

Begin
Ch 26 (29)

Row 1: Hdc into 3 rd Ch. Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 25 (28) Hdc

Rows 2-9: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 10: Hdc across. Fasten off.

Row 11: Add sleeves: Ch 15(17). With right side facing, Hdc into 1 st st, where you fastened off (leaving chain hanging off the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook, insert into first st and complete Hdc). Hdc across. Ch 16(18), turn.

Row 12: Hdc into 3 rd ch and Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 55(62) Hdc.

Rows 13-19: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 20: Hdc for 22(24) sts. Sl st in next 11(14) sts. Hdc in last 22(24) sts. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 21-22: Hdc across 22(24) sts. Ch 2, turn.

Row 23: Hdc across. Ch 12(14), turn.

Row 24: Hdc into 3 rd ch. Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 33(37) Hdc.

Rows 25-27: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 28: Hdc into first 18(20) sts. Ch 2, turn. – 18 (20)Hdc

Rows 29-38: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows hdc before fastening off.

Fasten off.

Pick up for the left sleeve.

Row 1: With front of sweater facing you, begin at the outside edge. Insert hook into first st and Ch 2. Hdc in next 21(23) sts. – 22(24) Hdc.

Row 2: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3: Hdc across. Ch 6(8) and turn.

Row 4: Hdc into 3 rd ch and Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. – 27 (31)Hdc.

Rows 5-7: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows before moving on to next row.

Row 8: Hdc in first 12(14) sts. Ch 2, turn. – 12(14) Hdc

Rows 9-18: Hdc across. Ch 2, turn. For 12 mos, do two more rows hdc before fastening off.

Fasten off.

To finish.

Option 1, as shown in Florida Keys Green with fuchsia band (shown left):

With contrast color and with the right side facing you, loosely sc along left placket. Place 3 sc in corner at the beginning of the neckline. Sc around neckline. Place 3 sc in top corner of right placket and sc down the right side. Ch 1, turn. Sc back around, placing 3 sc in the right corner, until you reach the top of the left placket. Place 3 sc in left corner and sc in next st. To make long buttonhole, ch 8 and join with sc to same st. Sc in next 3 sts, ch 8 and join with sc to same st. Sc to end. Fasten off. Add two rows of loose sc in contrast color to short end of both sleeves. Fold sweater along shoulder with right sides facing each other. Connect seams with either whipstitch or slip stitch, along both sides of body and under sleeves. Turn right side out. Place buttons, using buttonholes as a guide, and sew to right side.

Option 2, as shown in Coral Gables with pink band (shown right):

With contrast color and with the right side facing you, loosely sc along left placket. Place 3 sc in corner at the beginning of the neckline. Sc around neckline. Place 3 sc in top corner of right placket and sc down the right side. Ch 1, turn. Sc back around, placing 3 sc in the right corner, until you reach the top of the left placket. Place 3 sc in left corner and sc in next st. To make buttonhole, ch 3, skip two sts and sc in next. Sc in next, ch3, skip two sts, and sc in next. Sc to end. Ch 1 and sc around bottom edge of sweater for two rows. Fasten off. Add two rows of sc in contrast color to short end of both sleeves. Fold sweater along shoulder with right sides facing each other. Connect seams with either whipstitch or slip stitch, along both sides of body and under sleeves. Turn right side out. Place buttons, using buttonholes as a guide, and sew to right side.

To make optional crocheted buttons. With contrast color and smaller hook, chain 4 and join to first ch. Six sc in center and join to first sc. Ch 1, *sc in next two sts, 2 sc in next* repeat to end of round and join. Ch 1, sc2tog around and join. Leaving a long tail for sewing button on, fasten off.

This pattern can be whipped up quickly, probably in a couple of hours or so. If you have a date on the slopes, start early and you'll have a GREAT FUNKY hat by the time you have to go. Be creative and change the yarn you use for rows where you add the ribbon and eyelash yarn... make it your own! Most importantly, have fun!

• 4 ply yarn, I used white Bernat Nice N' Soft
• 7 different colors of 1/8" ribbon (I had mostly 12-yard spools from the dollar store and got 2 rows out of some of them), and I used Lion Brand yarn Confetti
• Size J/6mm hook
• Yarn needle for weaving in those dreaded ends

In this pattern, ch2 before a hdc row and ch1 before a sc row -- these do not count as a st.

Always sl st into the first sc or hdc in at the end of a round to join.

When using eyelash yarn, hold one strand together with regular yarn.

Cheeky started her life as an ill-fated, unidentified insect but was destined to morph into the beautiful, hot-pink octopus that she is today. As an aspiring fashion expert, she is absolutely thrilled to be hired as the official Crochet Me mascot!

I chose Cheeky as my first published pattern for several reasons. She is made of simple shapes that beginners can master. These shapes are easily manipulated to the crocheter's liking just by adding or subtracting rows. Yarn choices will determine color and texture (and that is definitely not limited in any way). Who wouldn't want to make her? Who wouldn't want to receive her as a gift? I really don't need to say any more.

• Color A: 4 ounces of Bernat Baby Boucle (Prettiest Pink)
• Color B: 2 ounces of Lion Brand Baby Soft (Pink)
  (Colors A and B will be doubled up to make the body)
• Color C: 1 ounce of Bernat Baby Boucle (Antique White)
  (Will be doubled up with B to make the underbelly, and will be used for the poof of hair)
• Color D: about 1 ounce of sport weight yarn (red acrylic)
  (For the cheeks and the tentacle suctions)
• Color E: a few yards of yarn for the eye embroidery and the mouth (sport-weight black acrylic)
• 12 ounces of Polyester Fiber-Fill
• 6.0mm (size J) crochet hook: Used to make the Head, Legs, Hair Puff and Belly
• 4.0mm (size G) crochet hook: Used to make the Eyelashes, Mouth, Cheeks and Suctions
• Tapestry or yarn needle

13 stitches and 14 rows = 4" (10cm).

Placing a marker at the beginning of each round will help you keep track of the number of stitches and rounds worked.

A side note about gauge: Unless you need the finished product to be the same exact size as mine, the gauge isn't important. What is important is that you create a fabric that isn't very holey (you don't want the stuffing to show through). It is best if there is practically NO drape to the fabric -- stiff and sturdy is great in this case. So, really, you can use whatever size yarn, hook and gauge you like. It is definitely a good idea to make a swatch to make sure that your combination of materials will work.

Designer Tiffany whipped up this scarf for her daughter Laura (see her over there, modeling?). Isn't she adorable? Aren't you inspired to make one up for someone pink you love? Or for someone you love who loves pink?

• One 5 oz. skein Bernat Softee Baby in “Baby Pink Marl” (color 30301), or color of your choice (A)
• One 1 oz. skein Bernat Eyelash in “Kiss”, or color of your choice (B)
• “J” (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• “P” ( 9.0 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

One size.

Gauge is unimportant for this pattern.

With “J” (6.0mm) hook and one strand each of colors (A) and (B) held together, ch 17.

I designed this poncho for those of us who are a bit larger than the models in fashion magazines. If you are a bit 'paunchy' like me, this will be just the right size. If you're not, you can still enjoy the pattern using a smaller hook or by following the diagram at the end of the instructions for a better fit. If you have very narrow shoulders I also suggest following the instructions in the diagram.

• 250grams (250meters) / 9ounces (2 1/3yards) of a chunky yarn (I used Papillon by SvartaFåret in festive red)
• Q hook
• Yarn needle