Baby Born, Crocheted 3 Piece Outfit

Number 1 grand daughter Lily wanted a hat and some clothes for her baby Born doll. So whilst making them I wrote the pattern down to share with all of my readers.
I have made a simple 3 piece out fit here.
Hat, vest and a pleated look skirt.
I have used a cheap 8 ply yarn with the purple out fit and also some cheap yarn for the yellow and blue out fit, but I held 2 strands of baby yarn together, 1 being 4 ply and the other 5 ply. The different ply's used made very little difference to the actual pattern steps.
I used a 5.00 mm hook.
I have no guage here, but I will say that I am neither a tight crocheter or a loose crocheter, So I am a medium type crocheter.
The terms I am using are US terms.
You will just need left over yarn for this project.



Baby Born doll measures 17 inches long

Some simple embellishments can bring your project to life.




















Beginning with the vest pattern.

Vest Pattern, begins at neck edge
Ch 33
1 Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, work 1 dc in next 3 ch, work 3 dc in next ch (corner made), work 1 dc in next 5 ch, work 3 dc in next ch (corner made), work 1 dc in next 7 ch, work 3 dc in next ch (corner made), work 1 dc in next 5 ch, work 3 dc in next ch (corner made), work 1 dc in last 5 ch, ch 2 to turn (note ch 2 is first st in next row)

2 Work 1 dc in next 5 dc, work 3 dc in next dc, work 1 dc in next 7 dc, work 3 dc in next dc, work 1 dc in next 9 dc, work 3 dc in next dc, work 1 dc in next 7 dc, work 3 dc in next dc, work 1 dc in next 5 dc and 1 dc in top of ch 2 turning ch, ch 2 and turn

Shape arm holes
3 Work 1 dc in next 7 dc, ch 5, skip next 9 dc, 1 dc in 10th dc and in next 12 dc, ch 5, skip next 9 dc, 1 dc in 10th dc, work 1 dc in next 7 dc (includes top of ch 2 turning ch), ch 2 and turn

4 Work 1 dc in each dc and sc across to end (includes ch 2 turning ch) ch 2 and turn

5 Work 1 dc in each dc across, do not ch 2 or turn

Edging

6 Work 2 hdc in same place as the dc just made, work 1 hdc in each row end of vest front edge, work 3 hdc in corner of edge and neck space, work 1 hdc in each ch space across neck edge , work 3 hdc in corner of neck and edge space, work 1 hdc in each row end of vest front edge, finish with 3 hdc in corner space, fasten off and tie in all loose ends.

For a different look, the vest can be worked in BLO on every row
Picture of vest closed


















Picture of vest open














Skirt Pattern














Skirt is worked in the direction of the width,

rows 2 through to row 26 are worked in the back loop of the st.

Ch 14
1 Work 1 sc in second ch from hook, work 1 sc in next 4 ch, work 1 dc in remaining 8 ch, ch 3 and turn (turning ch 3 is the first st of the next row)
For the remainder of the pattern all st’s are worked in the BLO
2 Work 1 dc in next 7 dc, work 1 sc in next 5 sc, ch 1 to turn ( ch 1 is only a turning ch)

3 Work 1 sc in next 5 sc, work 1 dc in next 8 dc (includes ch top of turning ch), ch 3 and turn


Rows 4 to 26, repeat rows 2 and 3, do not ch 3, finish off leaving a tail for sewing skirt edging together.

Hat elastic can be sewn around the waist for stretch.

Hat Pattern



















Notes: Beginning ch 2 is not counted as a stitch through out hat pattern, you will sl st to join around the post of this ch 2 through out hat pattern.
Beginning at crown
1 Ch 4, work 8 dc in 4 ch from hook, sl st to join at beginning ch3, (8 dc)
2 Ch 2, Work 2 dc in each dc around, sl st to join (16 dc)
3 Ch 2, *work 1 dc in next dc, work 2 dc in next dc* repeat to end, sl st to join (24 dc)
4 Ch 2 * work 1 dc in next 2 dc, work 2 dc in next dc* * repeat to end, sl st to join (32 dc)
5 Ch 2 * work 1 dc in next 6 dc, work 2 dc in next dc* repeat 2 more times, work 1 dc in next 8 dc, work 2 dc in last dc sl st to join (36 dc)
6 Ch 2, work 1 dc in each dc around, sl st to join
7 repeat row 6
Hat Picot edging
8 *ch 5, sl st to next st*, repeat to end finish off. Sew in all loose ends.

Below is the vest worked in the BLO .
I used 2 strands of 5 ply with this one.

















Below is the skirt made with a strand of 4 and 5 ply held together.
I have left an opening split in this one.















Here is the hat using the 4 and 5 ply yarn



















Here you can see the lemon and blue 3 piece suit together






































Link to my baby doll bathing suit pattern.
























Feel free to use this pattern, but please do not sell this pattern or claim it as your own. Feel free to link to this pattern. I'd love to see a finished copy.

Getting Creative With a Crochet Hook Holder

I was just recently involved in a group swap and the swap theme was a crochet hook holder.
My swap partner was Dawniedear from the C Lovers group on Ravelry, I mailed mine to Dawn last Friday so she should have it by now.
I had some inserts from some busted woopie cushions I wanted to use. But I was not sure what I would make of them at first. I just knew the hooks, a small pair of scissors and my darning needles sat beautifully in them. So then I just thought about the circular shape and what would a person like to have sitting close by in public view of their family home. Eventually I came up with a simple chocolate cake and threw on a couple of strawberries too. The hooks sit inside tiny flowerette's and represent a candle, the scissors sit in between the strawberries, there is a circular white row of sc which imitates the cream in between the cake and a simple picot edging surrounds the lid of the cake imitating some simple piping.























Once I had completed the cake, I sprayed it with some hairspray to give it a bit of stiffness, I had so much fun making this for Dawn, I hope she likes it.

Woopie cushion = A rubber pouch that has a spongey insert, is filled with air and hidden under a cushioned seat. An unsuspecting person will then sit on the seat, the sound the woopie cushion makes when sat on sounds like a fart! So every body thinks that person just farted. Funny hugh?

A table full of projects

All of this to get through! 3 bags to line, 1 bag to needs a bottom and 2 hard glued baskets need the final touches.

So I'm just looking at them all ready to begin, I know once I start it shouldn't take long, but I'm just not getting that urge to get on with it.

I may have done too much today already.

First it was, lets go shopping with the grandson and get new tropical fish.

Next it was lunch at home with no 4 daughter and meet the new boy friend.

Then it was off to the dance studio to record no 3 daughter's dancing exam.

Rush back home to cook tea for no 3 daughter and her new beau' so they could get ready for a big night out, then keep hubby happy until he is zapping out Z's in front of the TV.

My turn I think, coffee and computer, leave the rest for tomorrow.

Do you agree?

Rag Bag Embellishment

What do you use for embellishment and where do you put it?

This can turn into a real challenge.

I have chosen an option here, but I would like to know where you would put the flower or flowers?

Unisex Baby Jacket

I used a pattern from my stash for this little baby jacket, but I made many changes along the way.

I changed the hook size, the yarn thickness, the measurements, the sleeve joins, the collar, the edgings, the tie and the joining method . I may as well have written a new pattern and just used the stitch effect I was after. It's a new born to 3 month old size. Not such a big item, but it did take a few days to make because of all the changes. Was it worth it? Well you can be the judge of that.

Rag Crochet with Flat Sheets Back On the Menu!

Some time's when you are feeling very low and upset it helps to get your mind off the bad things by re-visiting your favourite things.

Rag Crochet of late is one of those favourite things. I was flipping through some old crochet pattern books and happened to open one that was "crochet with fleece" when I found it! A no join method for flat sheets! What? I thought you could only do that with doona covers or when you had taken the time to sew up the sheet like a doona cover. In fact I have already tried it and it is twice as fast as using the doona covers, there is no prep work with sheets, they are flat and the majority do not have the thick edging that some times is a cause for a loss of valuable re-useable product.

The sheets are cheaper to buy second hand than the doona covers too!

Below is an image of the long and slow process of joining rag strips.

Below here, is an image of how to no join a flat piece af material.

The super speedy method.

Link to other no joining method.

Special thanks to Purple who put me on my road to the discovery of rag crochet.

Gold Toned Rag Bag

Mix these to gether and what do you get?

This Gold Toned Rag Bag.
The beads were threaded onto some welding wire and sewn into place on the rag bag handle to arch over the shoulder when carrying.
I just have to line the bag now.

Oh It's A Blue Loo

Who would have thought that I would write a post about a WC.

Well here I am doing it.

Hubby bought this out ragious loo seat for the guest loo, it completely ruined the colour scheme in there and I did not have a loo mat to match, so I made one, from rags of course.

The grand kids are going to love the Mr Sharky loo seat when they see it.

Above. The cutting of the rags process.

Below. The finished loo mat.

And below a view with lid open, you sit on the sharks razor sharp lower jaw.

Number 3 Daughter, Terrie Love's to Dance

I don't write much personal stuff in here, but I would like to share an achievement by my 3rd daughter( I have 5 daughters) Terrie.

She loves Street Latin Dancing, and just recently she achieved first place in street latin dancing, this was held at the Melbourne Exhibition Building about 3 weeks ago. She just received her pictures from the day and I am posting them here. I'm very proud of Terrie no matter what she does!

Rag Crochet and Stiffener

Ever tried to use a stiffener? Well I had never tried the process up until the past few weeks. The baskets I have made of late were in need of a stiffener, not only to shape them but to keep them in that particular form, I was aiming for ever.

Firstly I did dome research on line.

I read this article.

The only thing I had lots of on hand of at the time was sugar, so I used that method, 5 days later and not so sticky, they were dried.

Mmm, not as hard as I would have liked, I forgot to bring them in from out side and the night air gave them a slight limp, not the for ever I was aiming for.

Back to the drawing board, I rinsed the sugar solution from them (definately would not have lasted for ever) and dipped them into a new solution of PVA wood glue and water that was slightly heated on the stove. I had already found the perfect shaping tools (kitchen bowls) and once I had squeezed the excess mixture from the baskets, I put the shaping tools in place, made the finer adjustments then put them on big plastic trays (won't stick to them) and then out into the sunshine for a couple of days.

Hard as a rock and the drying time was halved.

The glue dries clear and the remaining glue from the squeezing process has been kept as I will try to re-use this for another project.

Once the baskets are fully completed I will post their pictures. I'm hoping for some lovely country decor'

Here is a very stiff hanging heart basket, it was dried whilst hanging from a nail.

Crochet Baby Jacket

I have been trying to keep my crochet simple and short for the past week so what better way than short and sweet baby jackets.

The pink jacket below is the warm baby niche's in stitches shown in this post.

This little cutey is from this post, it is Bev's Hexagon Baby Jacket, free pattern from Bev's country Cottage.

No, there is not a baby due, I just like to crochet!

Bec's Crocheted Rag Bag

Bec is my 32 yr old step daughter, she has supported me with all of my crazy crocheted items by either wearing them, using them or dressing her children (my grand children, Lily, Darcy and Bella) in them. My husband (her dad) Terry and I went for a visit to see them all on Sunday (including Bec's husband Dave) and I just had to make something for Bec to take to her, I just love seeing the surprise on her face!

So I made her this crocheted rag bag to take up to her, the little heart on the bag came from her dear departed Nannie's button tin (which I have) and I just knew it would add sentimental value to the bag.

I used a 12.00 mm hook and I cut strips from an old sheet and tied them together. I used the easy peasy crochet bag method. I began with 5 sc, did 15 rows for the base and 15 rows high for the sides. I also used laughingpurple’s bag lining tutorial. Thanks Purple for all of your tutorials, they assist me immensely.

Because I had the rags already cut and joined, the whole process took me a solid 2 hours.

Above are the selections for the contrasting trim, lining and pocket.

Above is the view from inside, I included 3 pockets, 2 being narrow (mobile phone etc) and 1 being slightly larger.

Simple Prompt's To Keep You On Your Toe's

I've been off the posting lately, as I have been unwell. It's been hard to see the computer screen let alone to type something, this is proving to be a bit of a task thus far.

How ever I will continue and share with you an easy and successful way to remind your self of those patterns you want to make, wether they be knit, crochet or even sewing. You could also incorporate this into, those book's I'd like to read, let your mind run wild with all sorts of reminders to one's self.

Okay, I'll get on with it.

Assuming we all have access to our own computer and we all have a screen saver option, by storing a picture of the pattern you wish to make with in the, my pictures folder, stored in my documents folder, you can set the screen saver to my pictures folder and when the screen saver on your computer activates, there they are, all of those patterns or books or recepies etc, you want to get around to are there for your prompter.

Firstly, save a picture to my picture folder, using your mouse, right click any blank area on your computer screen, then select properties, then select screen saver, using the drop down menu list, click on my pictures (it may also say my pictures slideshow)

then click apply, now it is ready. If you are concerened about those lovely family pictures you may have stored in the my pictures folder, just move them to another folder and save them there.

Hope you enjoy this post, it's only taken me about an hour, which includes error fixing, if you find any please let me know.

Here are just a few that I want to get around to.

Crochet this Week

These are my new Spring Hat Designs

And a rear view for you.
This is a mini poncho, pattern from stitch diva.
Bev's Hexagon Baby Jacket, free pattern. From Bev's Country Cottage.
This is a crochet rag, hanging heart.

And a bag I made for a customer order, the photo does not do it much justice.

So I have been a bit slow on the hook this week, we'll see what next week brings, oh and I still have a couple of more days left of this week to go too.

What a morning

What a morning and it's only 4 hours old for me. I started cutting up some rags and I thought I would sharpen my scissors, so I used the knife sharpener and went back to cutting, BLUNT! Yes blunt scissors, the knife sharpener had the reverse effect on my scissors. So I hunt around for more scissors and I cannot find a pair that are sharp enough. I look at the time and decide I'll go to K Mart as soon as it opens, I go back to crocheting a bag for a customer order and then I head off at 8.45 am. I get to the shop and they are slow in opening up, so I am now waiting out side the shop waisting time. Going back and forth from kitchen to craft, I can't find the scissors I was hoping to buy. Whilst in the yarn section I spot some lovely soft baby blue yarn on clearance for .99c, so I bought the lot, it's for an up and coming project I have in mind. I also got to buy the 6ft folding table that was on special, I can use it at the market and I need it for xmas too. I get to the boot of my car, open it and it comes slamming down on my shoulder, OUCH!

My morning can only get better now.

New yarn and scissors pictured on my new folding table.