Strawberry Fields Chocolate Cup Cake

STRAWBERRY FIELDS CHOCOLATE CUP CAKE

Take some real enjoyment from this sweet little treat!
No calories, lot's of fiber and a visually delightful cup cake.

The cup cake is made from the bottom and upwards. It begins with making a circle as the base, 1 round of working into the back loops to raise the cake, several rounds to make the cake taller, 3 rounds to make the strawberry surrounds, 1 round for the dollop of cream, then a few more rounds to close the top of the cake.

Chocolate brown yarn is used for the cup cake, red and green for the strawberry rounds and white is used for the dollop of cream and the lid of the cake. 

Ingredients required:

Please note that using thinner or thicker yarn and hook size will change the size of your cupcake. Make it big or go small. These materials will give you a medium size.

Yarn, 8 ply (dk) choc brown 5 oz, small amounts of green, red and white 5 oz
Crochet hook, 4 mm
Stuffing of your choice (see below for stuffing tips)
Stitch marker
Scissors and sewing needle

Stitches used:
Sl st = slip stitch
Ch = chain
Dec = decrease
Blo = back loop only
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet
Dc = double crochet
Oz = ounce
Special stitches used:
Cluster st = unfinished hdc = yarn over hook, insert hook into st and pull out a loop. This technique will be used 1 time in each of the next 5 st's to close the strawberry and make it pop out.
Full instructions, yarn over hook, insert hook into 1st dc and pull out a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over hook, insert hook into 2nd dc and pull out a loop (5 loops on hook), yarn over hook, insert hook into 3rd dc and pull out a loop (7 loops on hook), yarn over hook, insert hook into 4th dc and pull out a loop (9 loops on hook), yarn over hook, insert hook into 5th dc and pull out a loop (11 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all loops on hook, ch 1 to close
Time to make: for your first one, about 2 hours, the more you make the quicker they become.
Please read notes and special instructions before making pattern

First step, you can use a magic ring or ch 4 and sl st to join to make your ring (your choice)
These rounds are not joined
Round 1. work 6 sc's into ring (place marker after each round)
Round 2. work 2 sc's into each sc (12 sc)
Round 3. Work 1 sc into 1st sc, work 2 sc into next sc, *work 1 sc into next sc, work 2 sc into next sc* repeat from *to* to end (18 sc)
Round 4. Work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, work 2 sc into next sc, *work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, work 2 sc into next sc* repeat from *to* to end (24 sc)
Round 5. Work 1 sc into each of the next 3 sc's, work 2 sc into next sc, *work 1 sc into each of the next 3 sc's, work 2 sc into next sc* repeat from *to* to end (30 sc)
Round 6. Work 1 sc into each of the next 4 sc's, work 2 sc into next sc, *work 1 sc into each of the next 4 sc's, work 2 sc into next sc* repeat from *to* to end (36 sc)

Base complete, now lets make the cake rise, this round has no increases, but each stitch is worked into the back loop of of every sc of the round
Round 1. work 1 sc in each stitch to end (back loops only)
Round 2. (working in both loops) work 1 sc into each sc to end
Repeat row 2 until cake measures approx 1 and a half inches high, this will be about 8 to 10 rounds, break off choc brown yarn and begin next row with green.

Begin strawberry rounds.  

Working with  green make a sl st into the same space as you ended the brown
Round 1. with green, ch 1, work 1 sc into each sc to end, sl st to join round (36 sc)

NOTE for round 2: always carry the yarn that is not in use.
Round 2. ch 1, *work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, using red, work 5 dc into the next sc*,  repeat from *to* to end, to join, sl st into first sc of the round with the GREEN, finish off red leaving a tail of the red to sew in and secure, (12 groups of 5 dc, 12 groups of 2 sc)

Round 3. ch 1, *work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, work the cluster st (as per instructions) over the next 5 dc* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join, end green (24 sc, 12 ch 1 spaces)

Working with white make a sl st into the same space as you ended the green

Round 1. ch 1, *work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, work 1 sc into the ch 1 space* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (36 sc)

Dollop of cream round

Round 2. ch 1, *work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, work 5 dc's into the next sc, turn your work, work 1 sc into the 5th dc from your hook, turn your work* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (36 sc)

Closing the lid, decrease rounds
Round 3. ch 1 *work 1 sc into each of the next 4 sc's, work the next 2 sc together (dec made)* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (30 sc)
Round 4. ch 1 *work 1 sc into each of the next 3 sc's, work the next 2 sc together (dec made)* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (24 sc)
Round 5. ch 1 *work 1 sc into each of the next 2 sc's, work the next 2 sc together (dec made)* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (18 sc)
Now would be a good time to start stuffing your cup cake, once stuffed and shaped, continue onto next round
Round 6. ch 1 *work 1 sc into the next sc, work the next 2 sc together (dec made)* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (12 sc)
Round 7. ch 1 *work 2 sc together* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join (6 sc), break off yarn leaving a tail to weave the remaining st's closed, sew in and hide ending tail.

Congratulations, you have now finished your cup cake.
To make your cupcake look extra delicious you can add a strawberry to the top, a heart applique, an extra dollop of cream or create something you really fancy.
For the heart applique, I used my super quick, 2 round free crochet heart pattern that you can find here. 
For the strawberry, I watched this video tutorial, or you can do a search for a written, free crochet strawberry pattern.
I also watched this video tutorial on how to make the strawberry stitch pattern that gave me the idea to place the strawberry field on a cup cake. I did change it a bit to suit the cupcake, but it will give you a good idea of how I made the strawberry.
My Big Tip
I was super excited about my re-purposed stuffing! I had washed and dried some old pillows, cut the corner out of the pillow cover and just reached in and pulled out perfect stuffing! I have some old cushions I plan to do this to as well. A big bag of shop bought stuffing is not cheap, so I saved $'s by doing it this way.

Anyhow, I hope you have enjoyed this fun and cute cupcake pattern, I've been making these and more sweets for the Mothers Day stall at my granddaughters school and I'm so happy to get a little time in for crocheting once again!

Crochet Quick and Easy Heart Patterns

Two super quick free crochet heart shapes pattern.

These heart shapes are so fast and easy to make, you could make a hundred per day! 

First version is made with only one round crocheted into a magic loop, the second version uses the magic loop for the first
round, then the shaping of the heart is made on the
second round. Yarn ply will determine the size of your heart, go small with thin yarn or large with thick yarn.

Materials:
Scissors
Hook, to suit yarn
Yarn, scraps
Sewing needle

Use a hook size suitable to your yarn ply

Stitches used: US terms used
Magic loop
Chain
Hdc = half double crochet
Dc = double crochet

Speedy Heart Shape
All st's worked into the magic loop
Make a magic loop, chain 3, 2 dc, 4 hdc, 1 dc, 4 hdc, 2
dc, ch 3, tighten up loop (not extremely tight) sl st into
magic loop, leaving a long strand cut yarn and pull it
through the sl st. Shape heart with fingers, Take your
long strand and poke it through the magic ring and
bring it back up to where you pulled it through the sl st.
Sew onto your project.

Super Quick Heart Shape
Round 1. Make a magic loop, chain 1, work 9 hdc into
magic loop, tighten loop, sl st into first hdc to join.
Round 2. Ch 3, work 2 dc into same space as sl st, work
1 hdc into each of the next 3 hdc, work (1 hdc, 1 dc, 1
hdc) into next hdc, work 1 hdc into each of the next 3
hdc, work 2 dc into the next hdc, ch 3 and sl st into
same space as the 2 dc, leaving a long strand cut yarn
and pull it through the sl st. Shape heart with fingers,
Take your long strand and poke it through the magic
ring and bring it back up to where you pulled it
through the sl st, (twice and pull firm).
Sew onto your project.

Tip, sew in and secure beginning tail

What A Beautiful Crocheted Shawl!

Here is the image I found

on pinterest.

 The link sent me to a video on YouTube, which is here.

I believe the video to be in Russian, but you can turn on subtitles as pictured here, the circled cog.

But quite honestly the translation does not make much sense.
The next best thing we can do is to slow down the video and crochet along with it.
Once again go to the settings cog
select speed as in the picture below

Then select the speed to watch in

select 0.5 or 0.25 to slow the video down, you can play around with these 2 speeds to obtain your comfort, crochet along with speed.
Alternatively you can also speed up the video.

You can watch the video here to make the alterations.

You may have some favorite crochet video tutorials that are too fast, now you can apply the same method to them.

Happy crocheting!

Great for Gifts! Crochet A Chevron Kitchen Towel

Just came across this great free crochet pattern!
What a great idea for a Christmas gift or any occasion gift.
Or would you keep it to your self?
Here is a picture and the link to the free crochet pattern, enjoy! 

Image and pattern are from Crochet Dreamz,
thanks for sharing such a lovely pattern!

Child's Friendship Knot Sweater, Free Crochet Pattern

Child's Friendship Knot Sweater

This is a free crochet pattern, so very cute!

You will find it on Redheart, link here.

It also links to a pdf file that  you can download. 

So very cute

 

To The Wonderful People Who Visit My Page

My writing of and posting of free patterns has slowed.

due to personal reasons I have been raising two young grandchildren, for the last two years.

I am also creating a new craft room and had to pack up my materials in order to paint then re-furnish my crafting room.

I can barely find a hook or needles to use, the process has been much slower than I had expected.

 I am using pre pack furniture and the simple task of putting that together has not been an easy one.

Every time we start to do it, there is a need to stop for the grandchildren or an illness or injury.

 The mixed match of furniture I had in my craft room before was uneven and ugly, every time I put my hook down it would roll down and onto the floor. Having sharps and valuables in the room was also a danger to the little ones. So it was time for a rebuild and proper storage.

 So now the little ones are up and they need my attention, I have some creative idea's stored in my head and I hope to be back real soon and supply a new and free pattern for my page visitors.

Thank you for your support and I will see you soon.

Gigi Hadid And Her Fabulous Crocheted Jacket

Gigi Hadid has made a fashion statement by stepping out in a crocheted jacket.

Photo source

Photo Source

Her pictures have gone viral in the world of crochet!

Nadia Fuad and YARNutopia now have the free crochet pattern and video tutorial available.

 Thank you for making this available!

Crochet A Peace Sign Shoulder Bag

             Crocheted, Peace Sign Shoulder Bag

This crochet peace sign bag is made for fun!
The peace sign shoulder bag is made with the single crochet stitch which eliminates the need for a bag lining.
The bag can be made using any yarn ply and the recommended crochet hook size for that ply.
The thicker the ply, the larger your bag squares will be.
The bag consists of 2 peace sign squares and a shoulder strap that is sewn onto and around the squares. 
You will need to know how to carry the yarn that is not in use to perfect the peace sign.
The instructions given are for a row count from a graph.
Materials required, yarn hook, sewing needle and scissors.
Time, a leisurely 4 hours
Experience, intermediate
Stitches Used, ch, sc, sl st, hdc
The main color will only be referred to as m and the alternating color will only have a number, giving an example from row 3 of the pattern, it will read, 
Row 3. 9m, 9, 9m, ch 1 and turn, 
which means: work 9 sc in the next 9 sc with the main color, work 9 sc in the next 9 sc with the alternating color, work 9 sc in the next 9 sc with the main color, ch 1 and turn, I do believe the short hand instructions will make this easier to read.

I used the peace graph sign from this source then I added 2 rows to the beginning and end, then 2 extra st's on both sides.

Within the instructions, I have underlined the center st's as the end st's are a mirrored version of the beginning st's.
Lets begin.
Make a chain of 28
Row 1. skip the 1st chain and make 1 sc into each of the next 27 ch, ch 1 and turn (27 sc)
Row 2. work 1 sc into each sc to end, ch 1 and turn
Now begin with the short hand instructions.
Row 3.  9m, 9, 9m, (you will always ch 1 and turn at the end of every row)
Row 4.  7m, 13, 7m
Row 5.  5m, 4, 3m, 3, 3m, 4, 5m
Row 6.  4m, 3, 5m, 3, 5m, 3, 4m
Row 7.  4m, 2, 6m, 3, 6m, 2, 4m
Row 8.  3m, 3, 6m, 3, 6m, 3, 3m
Row 9.  3m, 4, 5m, 3, 5m, 4, 3m
Row 10. 2m, 2, 1m, 3, 4m, 3, 4m, 3, 1m, 2, 2m
Row 11. 2m, 2, 2m, 3, 3m, 3, 3m, 3, 2m, 2, 2m
Row 12. 2m, 2, 3m, 3, 2m, 3, 2m, 3, 3m, 2, 2m
Row 13. 2m, 2, 4m, 3, 1m, 3, 1m, 3, 4m, 2, 2m
Row 14. 2m, 2, 5m, 9, 5m, 2, 2m
Row 15. 2m, 2, 6m, 7, 6m, 2, 2m
Row 16. 2m, 2, 7m, 5, 7m, 2, 2m
Row 17. 2m, 2, 8m, 3, 8m, 2, 2m
Row 18. 2m, 2, 8m, 3, 8m, 2, 2m
Row 19. 2m, 2, 8m, 3, 8m, 2, 2m
Row 20. 3m, 2, 7m, 3, 7m, 2, 3m
Row 21. 3m, 3, 6m, 3, 6m, 3, 3m
Row 22. 4m, 2, 6m, 3, 6m, 2, 4m
Row 23. 4m, 3, 5m, 3, 5m, 3, 4m
Row 24. 5m, 4, 3m, 3, 3m, 4, 5m
Row 25. 7m, 13, 7m
Row 26. 9m, 9, 9m

Your peace sign is complete and there is no need to carry your 2nd color
Rows 27 and 28. with main color, work 1 sc into each sc to end
break off yarn leaving a tail to sew in later on.
Make the 2nd square. My squares were approx 8 inches using a 10 ply with the black bag.

Sew in the tails of the contrasting yarn on both squares, do not sew in the beginning and ending strands of the square at this point in time.

Begin the strap, which will form the bottom the sides of the bag and the shoulder strap.
Use any color you prefer
Make a chain of 6
Row 1. skip the 1st chain and make 1 sc into each of the next 5 ch (5 sc) always ch 1 and turn
Row 2. make 1 sc into each sc to end (5 sc)
repeat row 2 for a length slightly longer of the side, the bottom and the other side of your square, do not break off yarn.

Attach row 1 of the unfinished shoulder strap to row 28 of the square with a sl st and contuniue to join strap to square with evenly placed sl st's along the side, the bottom and up the other side of the square, break off and secure yarn.
Repeat above to attach to the other square.

Your bag should look like the picture above once both sides are joined, undo the extra rows of sc to even it up with the other side and top edges, or alternatively you can go ahead and make a sc shoulder strap/or make a decorative edging then continue on with the shoulder strap.
Otherwise continue making your shoulder strap, working 1 hdc into each of the next 5 sc, ch 1 and turn.
Continue for length desired or a length of approx 30 inches (depending on what type of yarn you use the strap may stretch slightly once in use), sl st or sew finished shoulder strap onto the other side of the bag, sew in all loose ends.
You may notice that the bag looks good inside or outside, so it's your choice which way to have it.

Next you can make a closure tab.

This is achieved by picking up the center 3 st's of the square, work 3 rows of sc, next row make an opening for a button or bead.
To make the hole, work 1 sc, ch 2 or more, skip the next sc, then sc in the 3rd sc.
Next row, work 1 sc, make a sc in the chain place and a sc in the last sc,
Next row, sl st across all st's break off and sew in yarn.
Add your button or bead to close the tab.

Below I have given some tips when making the bag.

Use a hair clip to mark the line you are working on.

Leave the alternating color in the front of your work so it is easy to pick up on the next row.

You can copy and paste the directions below to a word document and print it out for ease of use.


Make a chain of 28
Row 1. sc 27m
Row 2. sc 27m
Row 3.  9m, 9, 9m
Row 4.  7m, 13, 7m
Row 5.  5m, 4, 3m, 3, 3m, 4, 5m
Row 6.  4m, 3, 5m, 3, 5m, 3, 4m
Row 7.  4m, 2, 6m, 3, 6m, 2, 4m
Row 8.  3m, 3, 6m, 3, 6m, 3, 3m
Row 9.  3m, 4, 5m, 3, 5m, 4, 3m
Row 10. 2m, 2, 1m, 3, 4m, 3, 4m, 3, 1m, 2, 2m
Row 11. 2m, 2, 2m, 3, 3m, 3, 3m, 3, 2m, 2, 2m
Row 12. 2m, 2, 3m, 3, 2m, 3, 2m, 3, 3m, 2, 2m
Row 13. 2m, 2, 4m, 3, 1m, 3, 1m, 3, 4m, 2, 2m
Row 14. 2m, 2, 5m, 9, 5m, 2, 2m
Row 15. 2m, 2, 6m, 7, 6m, 2, 2m
Row 16. 2m, 2, 7m, 5, 7m, 2, 2m
Row 17. 2m, 2, 8m, 3, 8m, 2, 2m
Row 18. 2m, 2, 8m, 3, 8m, 2, 2m
Row 19. 2m, 2, 8m, 3, 8m, 2, 2m
Row 20. 3m, 2, 7m, 3, 7m, 2, 3m
Row 21. 3m, 3, 6m, 3, 6m, 3, 3m
Row 22. 4m, 2, 6m, 3, 6m, 2, 4m
Row 23. 4m, 3, 5m, 3, 5m, 3, 4m
Row 24. 5m, 4, 3m, 3, 3m, 4, 5m
Row 25. 7m, 13, 7m
Row 26. 9m, 9, 9m
Row. 27. sc 27m
Row. 28. sc 27m

No-Sew Eight-Row Baby Booties

My free No-Sew Eight-Row Baby Booties pattern is currently one of the top 50 used patterns at allfreecrochet, if you would like to see and use it your self here is the link. I'd like to thank allfreecrochet for being a great source of free patterns, both crochet and knit. http://www.allfreecrochet.com/…/No-Sew-Eight-Row-Baby-Bootie

#‎PrimeBest‬

Give An Old Light Shade A Face Lift

 

 

Don't throw those tired old light shades out, they can be be brought back to life with a bit of imagination, a crochet hook and some yarn. Here are three that I plan on working on and I have finished the first one.

I wanted a simple and open light light shade to go over the dining table.

I cut and tore the existing shade off it's frame

 I then gave it a clean

 I crocheted some diamond shapes to fit within each section

Then I tied them on at each end

I used a budget acrylic yarn

 Next I had to secure the diamond shape with some chains and slip st's, I began at the center of the diamond on the frame, to keep it evenly placed

I added more rows of chains and sl st's at an even space

Then I began to wrap the exposed frame with a sl st, I used my fingers instead of the crochet hook as it was easier for me

I could have added more elements to the light shade, but as I said I wanted something simple.

I'm glad I took the time to wrap the exposed frame, the variegated yarn looks quite impressive.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post
I have another light shade I made not long ago if you would like to see that, just follow this link