The Mother Lode

Crafts and Crochet

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Hair Bow Scrunchie

Are you a do-your-hair-everyday sort of person or a whatever-it’s-just-hair sort of person? Or maybe you’re a fabulous in between sort of person. The sort of person who sometimes likes to primp and fuss with hair, and sometimes just twists it into a bun and runs out the door. Maybe you often put it in a ponytail without even combing it to take your 1st grader to school in the morning. Just me?

I have three basic hairstyles: down, ponytail, bun. My new crochet hair bow scrunchie is for those days when I don’t have time for hair nonsense, but I want a little extra something. It’s actually really comfortable in my hair, and I feel more like pre-covid life when people used to leave their houses and dress up and all that? Remember that, guys? Good times.

You may be thinking: Is she really serious? What 33 year old wears a bow in her hair? Aren’t they for little girls? Probably, but I’m fun and it’s comfy so I’m wearing it. You should, too. It’s a super quick pattern, it uses a neat stitch called the Sedge Stitch, and it’s pretty versatile. Once you make one following my pattern, you could easily change yarn and hooks and make one smaller or larger. I’m working on a tiny red one for Christmastime right now! And, yes, it’s a great little quick gift pattern to make for the adorable little girls in your life. Alright, on with the pattern!

I had a large scrap of beautiful hand dyed sock yarn from Rita Mae
Yarns and I couldn’t let it go to waste! Instead of leaving it to sit
pretty in my yarn stash, I designed this hair bow scrunchie with it. It
works up pretty quickly and uses a beautiful sedge stitch for a really
great texture. This bow is perfect for ponies, but I also love it with a
big hairbun, too!
You’ll need about 75 yards of sock /fingering weight yarn for this
pattern and a thick ponytail holder.

As usual, I’ve got the written pattern below for free, and the PDF with a full photo tutorial here on Ravelry or on LoveCrafts!

Supplies

  • 75 yds/15g Sock/fingering/baby yarn, superfine CYC weight 1 yarn
  • Sample uses Rita Mae Yarns Sweet Pea Sock in Berries N’ Cream
  • crochet hook US size D (3.25mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • tapestry sewing needle
  • scissors
  • measuring tape
  • pony tail holder

Stitches

  • Ch = chain
  • Sc = single crochet
  • HDC = half double crochet
  • DC = double crochet
  • ss = slipstitch
  • sk = skip
  • st/sts = stitch/stitches

Gauge

Chain 11. Sc, HDC, DC in 2nd st from
hook. Sk 2 sts. Sc, HDC, DC next st. Sk
2 sts. Sc, HDC, DC next st. Sk 2 sts. Sc
last st ofrow. Ch 1, turn. Continue for
6 more rows. Square should be 1 1/2
inches by 1 1/2 inches.

Notes

  • Sc/HDC/DC is also called Sedge Stitch.
  • Within the rows, you will be working in the single crochet stitches from the previous row.
  • At the end of each row it can be very difficult to stitch into the very final stitch. You may instead work into the 2nd to last stitch, and remain consistent throughout the pattern.

Written Instructions

Body of Bow
Ch 23.
Row 1: In 2nd chain from hook, Sc, HDC, DC in same st. Sk next 2 sts.
[Sc, HDC, DC next st, sk 2 sts]repeat [ ] until last 3 sts. End row with
a Sc in the last st. Ch 1, Turn. ( 8 Sc, 7 HDC, 7 DC)
Row 2: HDC, DC into 1st Sc in the row below. Sk next 2 sts. [Sc, HDC,
DC next st, sk 2 sts]repeat [ ] until last 3 sts. End row with a Sc in the
last st. Ch 1, Turn. (7 Sc, 7 HDC, 7 DC)
Rows 3-12: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off. Leave long tail to create bow.
Rectangle should be approx 4 in by 3 in. With tail in bottom right
corner, fold rectangle up and use a tapestry needle to sew together
two sides. Turn right side out, then use mattress stitch to sew the
remaining side together. Tie off any remaining tail and cut.
Cut a length of yarn at least 12 inches. Wrap tightly around middle of
rectangle to create the bow shape. Tie a tight knot or sew the end in
firmly.

Tie around Bow
Ch 13. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each st remaining. Turn. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, Sc in each st across. Turn.
Rows 3-4: Repeatrow 2. Fasten off.
Cut a length of yarn about 12 inches. Wrap tightly around middle of bow to
create bow shape and tie firmly.

There are now two options for attaching your bow:
1.) You can simply use the tie, wrap it tightly around the bow and a plain
ponytail holder, and sew it into place with a tapestry needle.
2.) Or you can make the pony tail holder into a scrunchie as follows:
Begin by working a HDC around the ponytail holder. Continuing to work
around the ponytail holder, HDC 4 more times, Ch 3, [5 HDC, Ch 3]
Repeat [ ] until desired fullness. Fasten off. Wrap the tie you made
around the bow and the scrunchie and attach firmly by sewing into place
with a tapestry needle.

There ya go! Fabulous, handmade, fun. Come back soon, I’ve got a chunky ear warmer pattern coming in a couple of weeks!

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All Saints’ Day Activity Pages

I’ve got some other crochet and crafty things coming soon, but for now, one more thing about All Saints’ Day!

My son’s preschool teacher asked the families for ideas to celebrate All Saints’ Day with the children. Of course, I headed to Pinterest as I knew I could find some good saint coloring pages there. I found some to represent the classroom’s patron saint for this year. There are many different saint coloring pages, but not many that are more interactive than coloring, especially not for preschoolers.

So I decided to fire up Canva (the program I use for graphics, printables, and photo tutorials.) I ended up making two similar activity sheets. One is for the children to plan their saint costume. They can add the things they are planning to wear to represent the saint to a plain, haloed face. The second sheet is to imagine what they could do to become a saint. What kinds of things would represent their good works? What would they become a patron of?

All Saints’ Day is a beautiful opportunity to enrich our children’s lives with stories of the saints. Often, though, there are parts of those saints’ lives that are difficult to convey to little children. There are some great books out there to help you, though! Our favorite is Saints on the Go by Chantal Baros. I can’t find it in print anywhere, but you can check the author’s website for other saint books, saint dolls, and coloring pages. Another popular saint book is Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times. I’m debating ordering it myself right now! It has mostly modern saints like Padre Pio, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Gianna Molla. Two other good ones are Girl Saints for Little Ones and Boy Saints for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries.

These two printables have been added to my printable library! Sign up for my email list below to access my library!

I love making my kid’s All Saints’ Day costumes! Do you? Head over to my Costume Guide for All Saints’ Day! It has ideas and tips for DIY and store bought.

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Saint Costume Guide

for your kid’s All Saints’ Day costumes

Many Catholic schools over the years have transitioned into doing Halloween dress-up a bit differently! Our school has the children dress up as their favorite saints to celebrate All Saints’ Day, which is on November 1st. The feast day celebrates all those who have attained heaven and we especially celebrate those honored by the Church for giving wonderful examples of Christianity to us!

Often people misunderstand Catholicism in that they perceive our reverence for saints (especially Mary) as worship. That is not the case, though, when we ask for saints’ intercession, we are simply asking the saints to pray for us to God, because in their holiness they are close to Him.

Okay, enough theology, back to the fun! I don’t love sewing, but I DO love sewing Halloween costumes, which means I also love sewing saint costumes! That being said, saint costumes do not have to be complicated to be a good representation of the saint. Additionally, if you have multiple children in Catholic school, many items can be re-used from year to year to display different saints.

Here are the costumes I’ve done so far:

For Saint Pope John Paul II, I waited until the last minute and threw together this costume the night before! The white fabric was a knit, slightly fuzzy fabric so I was able to leave the ends unsewn. Keep that in mind if you head out to Joann Fabrics! I basically cut a small hole and slit in the middle of a long rectangle of the fabric and used velcro to attach at the back. Then I made a capelet which also attached with velcro. The papal mitre was made with yellow felt and stiff interface fabric.

For St. Francis of Assisi, I made a brown friar’s robe, which I’m sure I’ll be able to use for another saint as well in the future. I bought some rope trim to use as a belt and attached a stuffed animal wolf to the side with some velcro. The final touch was the little felt feet! St. Francis is always depicted barefoot or with sandals, so I formed the tan felt over top of his sneakers, drew the foot with a Sharpie marker, and used some elastic to secure it around his sneakers. A simple black rosary completed this costume!

DIY with some sewing

Here are my suggestions if you have a sewing machine and a little bit of time to make some garments.

  • Buy fabric at the craft store that does not have to be sewn at the edge. Fleece, knits, and velvet are great options that won’t require sewing the edges/hems. This way you can sort of drape fabric around your child to form the costume, then attach it either with a little bit of sewing, hot glue, or stick on velcro. Knit fabric can be difficult to work with if you are going to do actual sewing, though, so keep that in mind.
  • Stick on velcro can help you to create closures in the costume.
  • If this is for a preschooler or kindergartner, you may be able to use an xl t shirt for some kind of robe.
  • Felt is easy to use with hot glue and can be cut to make simple shapes that help define the costume. (like making a cross or stripes)
  • A headband and cloth can be easily used to make a religious habit if your saint was a nun.
  • Here are some tutorials for creating robes, capelets, and gowns: robe with hood, cape with hood, cape (no hood), I tried to find a free gown pattern for you, but I couldn’t! Here is a nice one you can buy, or if I had daughters, I would take the longest dress they have and lay it on top of my piece of fabric folded in half. Then cut about an inch and a half around the dress carefully and sew the pieces together, making the bottom longer if necessary.

No Sew Costume Ideas

I get it, sewing isn’t your favorite and you don’t have time to go to the craft store. What can you pick up from the Target Halloween aisle or order from Amazon? Here are a few ideas that include things you may even already have that you can use to create a saint costume:

  • St. Michael the archangel: warrior shield and breastplate and wings (hot glue + cardboard + a bag of feathers and I bet you could make some in 25 minutes) maybe even a scale
  • St. George: Suit of armor / warrior breastplate and a stuffed animal dragon
  • St. Joan of Arc: suit of armor/warrior breastplate, red cape/dress, flag with fleur-de-lys on it
  • St. Kateri Tekakwitha: a Native American costume and a small, wooden cross
  • St. Gianna Molla: a doctors coat and cross necklace
  • St. Elizabeth of Hungary: queen’s dress, crown, basket of bread
  • St. Maximilian Kolbe: striped pajamas, round glasses, book
  • St. Francis of Assisi: brown jedi robe costume (friar’s robes) with some kind of belt and a wolf
  • St. Anthony of Padua: brown jedi robe costume (friar’s robes), baby doll with halo (the Christ child) and lilies
  • St. Padre Pio: brown jedi robe costume (friar’s robes), gloves with cut off fingers to cover the stigmata
  • St. Lazarus: torn clothing and sores (maybe use some makeup?) with a crutch and stuffed animal dogs
  • The Blessed Mother/St. Mary/Our Lady of Lourdes/ Our Lady of Guadeloupe, basically all the ways to honor the Queen of Heaven: WALMART HAS SEVERAL MARY COSTUMES YOU CAN BUY. I would get that and add things to it to make it a specific Marian devotion: Our Lady of Fatima: gold and white crown and gold rope belt, maybe a sacred heart on the chest; Our Lady of Lourdes: blue sash, rosary, holy water; Queen of Heaven: crown and scepter; Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: long, knotted rope.

My last bit of advice in this guide is to use Google Images. Google the saint your child wants to be and look through all the different images of that saint. See how he/she is usually depicted and think about what things you have that could be used in your child’s costume. Also check this 2014 post from Catholic All Year to show you 150+ kid saint costumes. It’s very inspiring!

My kiddos costumes in 2021: St. George, St. Mark the Evangelist, and St. David of Wales

Update!!! I’m so happy to see this post viewed over and over throughout the month of October! I mostly write crochet patterns, and had the (I think) brilliant idea to include some crochet ideas for Saint costumes! So I have a new guide for crochet Saint costumes here for that and a new, totally free, crochet pattern here for making a Papal Mitre!

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Almost Stripes Ear Warmer

So here’s a question: are you an idea person or an execution person?

I’m totally an idea person. This doesn’t mean I can’t or don’t execute my goals, it just means that I find it easy to create, to think of something new to do, or to figure out something. My strength does NOT lie in prioritizing which ideas will be most fruitful or which things I can actually accomplish in any given time. Some people thrive on planning and organizing and I absolutely have to work at it. My closets are always a mess. My craft room is tidy only for photographs and my yarn, well, it is partially sorted. But I have a wealth of ideas for things to make and different stitches to try, so I think if I keep pushing myself, I can keep going with my little crochet design business and make it work! If I continue to get out of my comfort zone of chaos, I will be able to share some really wonderful things with you over the next few months.

I’m just about to listen in on a webinar by the amazing Crochetpreneur and I even have a folder for Instagram hashtags so I can use them to my advantage. I looked at 2021 planners today at Michael’s. It’s October and I’m thinking ahead to 2021? Who even am I? I’m going to keep holding myself accountable for doing things like that instead of staying up til 1am reading Nora Roberts.

Well, if you aren’t one of my best pals reading this just to check in and you are actually here for a pattern, let’s get to it!!!!!! (And if you are one of my best pals, thanks for the support!)

The Almost Stripes Ear Warmer is a sibling of the Almost Stripes Beanie! It’s a little easier and works up more quickly. There are 7 sizes from newborn to adult large. You’ll need two colors of worsted weight (4) yarn and two crochet hooks, (5.5mm and 6mm.) You could likely use a scrap of yarn for the accent color. I really like the way this pattern turned out and I hope you like it, too!

You can purchase a low cost PDF of this pattern here through Ravelry! It has photo guides to help with some of the stitches if you haven’t done them before.

Materials

  • Worsted weight (4) yarn (samples are Lion Brand Heartland and Basic Stitch) may use two colors for stripes as written if desired. Color A approx 150-200 yds, Color B approx 20 yds
  • Crochet hooks: 5.5 mm and 6 mm or two hooks needed to meet gauge
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle
  • Measuring tape

Gauge

7 rows of 15 DC stitches = 4 in x 4 in with 5.5 mm hook (If you go up a hook size to meet gauge, you would use a 6 mm hook for the gauge swatch, if you need to go down you will use a 5 mm hook for the gauge swatch.) Alternatively, the length of the brim per size is listed in the notes section. You may complete the first three rows and check for length to match the desired size.

Abbreviations

  • Ch = Chain
  • DC = Double Crochet
  • HDC = Half-Double Crochet
  • Sc = Single Crochet
  • LS = Linen Stitch (Ch 1, sk st, Sc)
  • FPHDC = Front Post Half-double Crochet
  • BPHDC = Back Post Half-double Crochet
  • DC BLO = Double Crochet Back Loop Only (the loop farthest from you)
  • DC FLO = Double Crochet Front Loop Only (the loop closest to you)
  • st = stitch
  • sk = skip 
  • FHDC = Foundation Half Double Crochet

Notes

  • The first section has the pattern for the baby/toddler sizes, the second section is the child/adult sizes. 
  • Parentheses indicate different stitch counts for different sizes: {newborn (3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler)} and {child (teen/adult small, adult medium/large)}  
  • Instructions between [ ] are repeated
  • This hat is constructed as a rectangle, then seamed to make a twist finish. 
  • The brim of the hat should be approximately the following in length:
    • Newborn: 11-12 inches
    • 3-6 months: 12-14 inches
    • 6-12 months: 14-16 inches
    • Toddler: 16-17 inches
    • Child: 18 inches
    • Teen/Adult small: 20 inches
    • Adult medium/large: 22 inches
  • Size adjustments should be made in multiples of 2. 
  • Where LS is used, you’ll stitch into the chain spaces from the previous LS row. 
  • Turning chain counts as a stitch.
  • Do not carry color A and B throughout. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Instructions

Newborn (3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler) 

Row 1: With 5.5 mm hook and color A:  Foundation Half Double Crochet 54 (60, 64, 70.) Turn upside down, Ch 1. (This will have you working in the wider stitches you’ve made in the foundation.) 

Row 2: [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {27 FPHDC, 26 BPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 3: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {27 BPHDC, 26 FPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 4: Switch to 6 mm (larger) hook. DC in 1st st. DC in each st to end of row. Turn. {54 DC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 5: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. Change to color B. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 6: LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn. Change to color A. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 7: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 8: Ch 1. DC in each st to end. Change back to 5.5 mm hook. Turn. {54 DC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 9: Ch 1. HDC each st to end. Turn. Ch 1. {54 HDC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 10:  [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {27 FPHDC, 26 BPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 11: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. {27 BPHDC, 26 FPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}Weave ends except for fastening off tail.

See photo tutorial below for sewing to make the twist.  

Child (teen/adult small, adult medium/large)

Row 1: With 5.5 mm hook and color A:  Foundation Half Double Crochet 80 (84, 90.) Turn upside down, Ch 1. (This will have you working in the wider stitches you’ve made in the foundation.) 

Row 2: [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 3: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1.{40 BPHDC, 39 FPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 4: Switch to 6 mm (larger) hook. DC in 1st st. DC in each st to end of row. Turn. {80 DC (84, 90)}

Row 5: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. Change to color B. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)} 

Row 6: LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn. Change to color A. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)}

Row 7: LS across row, ending with Sc in the turning chain. Turn. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)}

Row 8-9 : Repeat row 7. 

Row 10: Change to color B. LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn. 

Row 11: Change to color A. LS across row, ending with Sc in the last st. Turn.  

Row 12: Ch 1. DC in each st to end. Change back to 5.5 mm hook. Turn. {80 DC (84, 90)}

Row 13: Ch 1. HDC each st to end. Turn. Ch 1. {80 HDC (84, 90)}

Row 14:  [FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Turn, Ch 1. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 15: [BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.] Repeat until one stitch left. HDC in last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)} Weave ends except for fastening off tail.

Let’s form the twist! It’s easier than you think, I promise:

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help with this ear warmer pattern! Find me on Instagram @motherlodecrafts or send a message in Ravelry!

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Finding Your Crochet Tribe

I’ve been crocheting for 7 years, but it’s only been about a year since I discovered some wonderful yarn communities online!!!! Basically, I thought there was Ravelry and that was it! I was wrong: there are so many small groups of crocheters and other fiber artists to join and gain inspiration from. If you are a serial Pinterest pattern hunter like I was, you’ve got to get into this action! It’s so much fun, you learn new things, and make connections with people. We all know connecting right now with people is harder than ever, so if you are looking for an online community, look no further! I’ve got a bunch of groups to share with you today so you can grow your crochet skills and make some yarn friends.

Yarn friends are awesome. They don’t judge your stash. They understand your language (sc, dc, knit, purl.) They appreciate the time and effort that went into your creations!!!!! Make some new yarn friends today!

Instagram

First, I discovered the beauty of the crochet community on plain ole Instagram. I tried using Instagram to grow this blog as a mom space in the past and it just didn’t click for me. I never felt like I fit in with other mom bloggers, I didn’t like moms who weren’t real about mom life but I also wasn’t willing to share all the deets of my own mom life (wanting to protect the privacy of my children.)

I completely by chance came upon some crocheters on IG last year and was amazed to find a huge community of crocheters. Why I didn’t think of IG before as a perfect place to share photos of your amazing crochet creations with people who understand them is beyond me. A few months after following crochet accounts, I decided to switch my own Instagram to a crochet account and I’ve loved it ever since. I am deep down the crochet hole and I’m not coming back haha! Some of my favorites to follow in IG that feel like they have awesome communities of followers: Toni Lipsey, Lee Sartori, Jessica Carey, and Amber from Divine Debris.

Facebook Groups

There are some great facebook groups out there for crochet!!!!!! Here are some to look for: Meghan Makes Crew, Relief Crafters of America, and KnitterKnotter Hangout. There are soooo many more. Seriously, type crochet group into the search box and there are many wonderful groups to join. If you are really looking for community, pick a smaller one. If you like seeing more ideas and trends, pick a larger one! All of these have different things going on, and some I am very active in, while others I just peek at once in a while to see what’s new. Check them out and see which one feels like your tribe!!! Relief Crafters is really cool, you can sign up to donate all kinds of crafts to charities across America.

Ravelry and LoveCrafts

Ravelry and LoveCrafts both have free patterns and patterns to purchase. On Ravelry, you can buy hand dyed yarn from many independent dyers, and on LoveCrafts, you can get many name brands of yarn from around the world. They also can offer a community feel, especially the forums on Ravelry. If you’ve never looked past a few free patterns, think about utilizing all the tools these sites have to offer to learn new things and meet new people.

ME!!!!

I’m happy to be your yarn friend! Follow me on Instagram, check me out on Ravelry and LoveCrafts!

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The Flower of the Sun Earrings

Get it?! Like the “power” of the sun? I’m too much, sometimes, I know. Anywayyyyyyyyyy this past Spring, E’Claire Makery had a cool blog hop with a free crochet pattern everyday. One of the days was the Spring Rain Earrings by Amber Bliss Calderon and I thought how fun it would be to make them for my mom for Mother’s Day! I ordered the supplies for them, but of course they didn’t have everything at Joann Fabrics due to Covid (it ruins everything.) I eventually got all the materials and now I can’t stop making crochet earrings! They are so quick and satisfying which is perfect for me. I’ve been testing earring patterns for the absolutely fabulous Chalia’s Craft and let me tell you, some friends of mine are getting some pretty earrings this Christmas!

Since I was making all these earrings this summer, I decided to design my own pattern! Originally I designed a flower with smaller beads, but because those beads were actually too small for the thread, I had to change my plan. In working with my materials, I ended up with this sun pattern that is so happy and pretty! I fixed the flower to work with the correct size beads, but I’m not blind, I know the sun is what shines in these two earring patterns!

The free pattern is below, and I’ve got a few pictures here in the blog post, but if you’d like the full photo tutorial, you can purchase the PDF here on Ravelry or LoveCrafts for $3! If you add that to the cost of some crochet thread and earring findings, you can make these earrings for only a few dollars a pair! (For the first pair I ever made, I was able to use the earring wire from an old pair of earrings that I don’t wear anymore to see if I actually liked doing it before I bought a pack of findings. Just a thought if you’ve got beads and crochet thread but no earring wires!)

Materials 

  • Aunt Lydia’s size 10 Crochet Thread (samples are color Maize and Wood Violet)
  • Fabric stiffener or starch spray
  • 1.5 mm steel crochet hook
  • Tapestry needle 
  • Scissors
  • Fish Hook earring findings
  • Small craft/ jewelry pliers
  • Pins and a blocking mat
  • 6/0 glass seed beads 
    • 64 for 2 flower earrings
    • 32 for 2 sun earrings

Abbreviations

  • Ch = Chain
  • Sc = Single crochet
  • sl st = slipstitch
  • st = stitch
  • sk = skip
  • Sc FLO = Single crochet, front loop only
  • Sc w/bead = Single crochet with bead
  • Ch w/bead = Chain with bead

Notes

  • There is no gauge necessary for this pattern, basically: crochet as tightly as you can to achieve the best look. 
  • Fabric stiffener and pins will really help the finish of crochet earrings.
  • There are a few ways to chain and single crochet with beads. For this pattern, you will use the back facing method, where you do not push the bead through the chain or slide the bead to the front, it simply stays on the back. When you finish the earrings, what is typically the wrong side (facing away from you) is actually the finished right side of these earrings. 
  • If you need help figuring out the beaded stitches, there are some great tutorials on YouTube. This one from Interweave Craft is helpful, and check out the tutorials by Chalia’s Craft.

Instructions

Before you begin, thread all the beads you will need onto the crochet thread. I like to thread 2 earrings worth at a time and put a few extra beads on just in case I counted wrong. If you don’t have a bead threader, you can moisten the end of the thread. You can also spray with some of the fabric stiffener, allow to dry, and then slide the beads on easily.

(Make 2)

Make a magic ring. Ch 1.

Round 1: 8 Sc into magic ring. Pull to close the ring and sl st to the 1st Sc. (8 Sc)

Round 2: Ch 1. 2 Sc in each Sc around. Sl st to the 1st Sc. (16 Sc)

Round 3: Ch 1. *Sc FLO in 1st st, Sc w/bead FLO in same st, Sc FLO next st. Repeat from * 7 times. Sl st to 1st Sc. (8 Sc with bead, 16 Sc)

Do not fasten off, continue with round 4 in either Sun or Flower below:

Flower:

Round 4: *Ch 1, Ch w/bead 3 times, Ch 1. Sk 2 st, sl st next st. Repeat from *7 times. Ch 4 and sl st in same st as last sl st. (20 ch, 24 Ch w/bead, 9 sl st) 

Sun:

Round 4: *Ch 4, Ch w/bead, Ch 4. Sk 2 st, sl st next st. Repeat from * 7 times. Ch 4 and sl st in same st as last sl st. (68 Ch, 8 Ch w/bead, 9 sl st)

Finish off and weave in ends on the back of the earring with a tapestry needle. Put some fabric stiffener in a paint cup and use a small paintbrush to apply to the back side of the earring. Pin in place as pictured.. Put two pins inside the little loop you made with the Ch-4 and sl st at the end of the last round. This will be where you attach the earring finding. Use paintbrush to apply the liquid to the front of the earring, going in between beads to reach as much of the crochet thread as you can to achieve the most structure for your earring. Allow to dry at least two hours. Attach earring finding to the little loop at the top. Wear your new crochet jewelry proudly!

 

The last few steps of making the Flower version. The PDF has photos like this of every step!
How to pin the sun in place to form the shape! So cute!

If you need any help with the pattern, feel free to leave a comment here or message me on Instagram: motherlodecrafts

I’d love to help you bring these earrings to your life!

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Fall Themed Mask Reminder

We’ve all been there. You get in your car, check to make sure you have everything, and realize you left your mask in the house. Or you’re in the parking lot at the grocery store and ready to scream because you’ve got to go back home for it. Ugh. Fall is coming and there is no end in sight yet of the pandemic. (I say “yet” because I am an eternal optimist!) Face masks and hand sanitizer are as necessary for leaving the house now as our phone and keys!

It is becoming routine, but I am a big fan of reminders. I am forgetful by nature, so I rely on lists and reminders for everything. I’m in the middle of creating some kind of mask organizer for our laundry/mud room because we have three different sizes of masks in our family, and I thought it would be fun to create a fall themed reminder to go on the wall with it! Who says reminders can’t be cute? Confession: it drives me bonkers when I am at a restaurant or store and they don’t have cute signage. I made this PDF using Canva, which is awesome, but so many people could create a cute sign reminding people not to put their feminine products in the toilet with basic word processors! Right? I’m right. Find some employee with a little creativity!

Click the picture below to The Mother Lode Printables Library to print your own sign for your home!

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Almost Stripes Beanie

I’m still here making all the hats! I just love a quick project, because, as a stay at home mom, so much of my “work” is stuff that never feels completed: laundry, dishes, weeding the garden, etc. Crochet is something I can do in the evenings or during play time and get a sense of accomplishment from. I like expressing creativity through it, but the completion of it is something that really fuels me. So I am a big fan of hats and ear warmers that I can finish in a couple of days. One of my new favorites is crochet earrings, which are even faster! Make sure you sign up for my email list, because a pattern for those will be coming in the future, too! It’s so cute, you don’t want to miss it!

Back to today: I’ve got the Almost Stripes Beanie crochet pattern for you! This one is a little more complicated than my first pattern, because there are color changes and a few different stitches. I created it to be another rectangle that is seamed and constructed, though, so if you are not ready for crochet in the round, you can tackle this hat! I graded this hat to include 7 sizes, which was a challenge! I am not a fan of math in any way, but I managed. I know often people tease about the necessity of math in high school. I’m sure I said probably several times: “When am I ever going to need to know this?!” Well, the answer to 15 year old me was, “When you grow up and want to design your own crochet patterns and you have to multiply and divide and do percentages to figure out the stitch counts and yardage.” I didn’t even beg help from my scientist husband for the stitch counts. How about that?! 

 

almost stripes beanie pin

Alrighty, keep on scrolling for the pattern! I did make the pattern available for purchase here on Ravelry. You can get the PDF filled with photos and clear guides on each section of the hat for $4. I love being able to print out the pattern so it’s easy to use from the couch! 

Materials

  • Worsted weight (4) yarn (samples are Lion Brand Heartland and Basic Stitch) may use two colors for stripes as written if desired. Color A approx 200-250 yds, Color B approx 30 yds
  • Crochet hooks: 5.5 mm and 6 mm or two hooks needed to meet gauge
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle
  • Measuring tape

 

Gauge: 7 rows of 15 DC stitches = 4 in x 4 in with 5.5 mm hook (If you go up a hook size to meet gauge, you would use a 6 mm hook for the gauge swatch, if you need to go down you will use a 5 mm hook for the gauge swatch.) Alternatively, the length of the brim per size is listed in the notes section. You may complete the first three rows and check for length to match the desired size. 

 

Abbreviations

  • Ch = Chain
  • DC = Double Crochet
  • HDC = Half-Double Crochet
  • Sc = Single Crochet
  • LS = Linen Stitch (Ch 1, sk st, Sc)
  • FPHDC = Front Post Half-double Crochet
  • BPHDC = Back Post Half-double Crochet
  • DC BLO = Double Crochet Back Loop Only (the loop farthest from you)
  • DC FLO = Double Crochet Front Loop Only (the loop closest to you)
  • st = stitch
  • sk = skip 

Notes

  • The first section has the pattern for the baby/toddler sizes, the second section is the child/adult sizes. 
  • Parentheses indicate different stitch counts for different sizes: {newborn (3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler)} and {child (teen/adult small, adult medium/large)} These stitch counts do not include the turning chain. 
  • Instructions between * are repeated
  • This hat is constructed by the brim first, the body of the hat is crocheted onto it, then the top of the body has decreases to allow for some shaping at the top. This will create a sort of rectangle-trapezoid shape which will turn into a hat with seaming and gathering.
  • The brim of the hat should be approximately the following in length:
    • Newborn: 11-12 inches
    • 3-6 months: 12-14 inches
    • 6-12 months: 14-16 inches
    • Toddler: 16-17 inches
    • Child: 18 inches
    • Teen/Adult small: 20 inches
    • Adult medium/large: 22 inches

Newborn (3-6 months, 6-12 months, toddler) 

With 5.5 mm hook and color A Ch 55 (61, 65, 71.). 

Row 1: HDC in 2nd st from hook. HDC in each st to end of row. Turn, Ch 1. {54 HDC (60, 64, 70)} 

Row 2: *FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.* Repeat * to end. HDC in the turning chain. Turn, Ch 1. {27 FPHDC, 26 BPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 3: *BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.* Repeat * to end. HDC in the turning chain. Turn, Ch 1. {27 BPHDC, 26 FPHDC, 1 HDC (30/29/1, 32/31/1, 35/34/1)}

Row 4: Repeat row 2.

Row 5: Repeat row 3.

Row 6: Switch to 6 mm (larger) hook. DC FLO in 1st st. DC FLO in each st to end of row. Turn, Ch 1. {54 DC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 7: sk 1st st, Sc in 2nd st. *Ch 1, sk next st, Sc* Repeat * to end, with the last Sc in the turning chain. Turn, change to color B, Ch 1. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 8: sk 1st st, Sc in next Ch 1 space. *Ch 1, sk next st, Sc in next Ch 1 space* Repeat * to end, ending with Sc in turning Ch. Turn, change to color A, Ch 1.{27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 9: Repeat row 8, without changing colors. {27 Sc, 26 Ch (30/29, 32/31, 35/34)}

Row 10: DC BLO in 1st st. DC BLO each st to end of row. Turn, Ch 1. {54 DC (60, 64, 70)}

Row 11: Repeat row 7.

Row 12: Repeat row 8.

Row 13: Repeat row 9. 

Row 14: Repeat row 10. (NOTE: For newborn size, skip to row 19 after completing row 14.)

Row 15: Repeat row 7.

Row 16: Repeat row 8.

Row 17: Repeat row 9.

Row 18: Repeat row 10.

Row 19: Switch to 5.5 mm (smaller) hook. Sc in 1st 3 stitches. *Sc 2 tog. Sc next 3 st.* Repeat * to end of row. {44 Sc (48, 52, 56)}

 

(NOTE: for toddler size, repeat row 19 for a row 20 and 21.) Leave a long tail, fasten off. Weave in the ends of the stripes that are hanging on the sides. Fold hat together with the wrong side facing out (wrong side has the DC near the brim in the back loop away from you.) Use the long tail you left to seam the hat from the top to the bottom with an invisible mattress stitch.  

 

Cut a length of yarn about 10 inches. Weave back and forth through the single crochet at the top of the hat. Pull tightly to cinch the hat together. Tie two or three knots. Put the remaining tails through your tapestry needle and criss cross over the hole a few times if necessary to cover the top. Weave the ends in and cut remaining. Turn right side out.

Child (teen/adult small, adult medium/large)

With 5.5 mm hook, and color A Ch 81 (85, 91) 

Row 1: HDC in 2nd st from hook. HDC in each st to end of row. Turn, Ch 1. {80 HDC (84, 90)}

Row 2: *FPHDC in 1st st. BPHDC in next st.* Repeat * to end. HDC in the turning chain. Turn, Ch 1. {40 FPHDC, 39 BPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 3: *BPHDC in 1st st. FPHDC in next st.* Repeat * to end. HDC in the turning chain. Turn, Ch 1. {40 BPHDC, 39 FPHDC, 1 HDC (42/41/1, 45/44/1)}

Row 4-9: Repeat Row 2 and 3, alternately.

Row 10: Switch to 6 mm (larger) hook. DC BLO in 1st st. DC BLO in each st to end of row. Turn, Ch 1.  {80 DC (84, 90)}

Row 11: sk 1st st, Sc in 2nd st. *Ch 1, sk next st, Sc* Repeat * to end of row. Turn, change to color B, Ch 1. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)}

Row 12: sk 1st st, Sc in next Ch 1 space. *Ch 1, sk next st, Sc in next Ch 1 space* Repeat * to end, ending with Sc in turning Ch. Turn, change to color A, Ch 1. {40 Sc, 39 Ch (42/41, 45/44)}

Row 13: Repeat row 12, without changing colors.

Row 14: DC FLO in 1st st. DC FLO in each st to end of row. Turn, Ch 1. {80 DC (84, 90)} 

Rows 15-22: Repeat rows 11-14 twice.

Row 23: Repeat row 11.

Row 24: Repeat row 12.

Row 25: Repeat row 13. (NOTE: To add extra slouch, repeat row 14 again, followed by 11, 12, and 13.)

Row 26: Switch to 5.5 mm (smaller) hook. Sc in each stitch to end of row. Turn, Ch 1. {80 Sc (84, 90)}

Row 27: Sc in 1st 3 stitches. *Sc 2 tog. Sc in next 3 st.* Repeat * to end of row. {64 Sc (68, 72)}

Row 28: Repeat Row 27. {52 Sc (55, 58)}  

Row 29: Sc in 1st st. *Sc2tog. Sc.* Repeat * to end of row. {35 Sc (37, 39)} 

Row 30: Repeat Row 29. {24 Sc (25, 26)}

 Leave a long tail, fasten off. Weave in the ends of the stripes that are hanging on the sides. Fold hat together with the wrong side facing out (wrong side has the DC near the brim in the back loop away from you.) Use the long tail you left to seam the hat from the top to the bottom using an invisible mattress stitch. 

 

Cut a length of yarn about 10 inches. Weave back and forth through the single crochet at the top of the hat. Pull tightly to cinch the hat together. Tie two or three knots. Put the remaining tails through your tapestry needle and criss cross over the hole a few times if necessary to cover the top. Weave the ends in and cut remaining. Turn right side out. 

 

Ok, that’s all I’ve got today! Whew, I’m tired. I think I’ll be happy when my next pattern is a quick little pair of earrings with only ONE size! 

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5 Perfect Ear Warmer Crochet Patterns

One of the best beginner crochet items to make is ear warmers! Crochet a small, simple rectangle, and easily seam it together to make a cozy headband that keeps your ears toasty warm in the chilly weather. The first one I ever made was for my mom, who taught me to crochet in the first place. Worsted weight or bulky weight yarn is nice for keeping the cold out. My new favorite yarn for ear warmers and hats is Red Heart Soft: it’s a worsted weight that is true to its name and has a good squish to it.

This Twisted Step-Sister Headband from Yarnspirations is that first one I ever made for my mom. The twist is a little tricky, but once you get it the first time, it’s not hard. The body of it is all double crochet, so it’s fast and easy.

This Ribbed Velvet Twist pattern by Daisy Farm Crafts is so amazing! Truthfully, the velvet yarn is tricky to work with, so it’s not exactly easy, but the stitches are not complicated, it just takes a little extra hand strength. It’s so beautiful and soft, though, it’s totally worth the effort. I think I made at least 3 of these last winter as gifts. They have a BEAUTIFUL velvet hat pattern, too, that you should check out.

I recently tested the Grace Ear Warmer pattern for Amy at Another Mum Fights the Dust and I fell in love. It is so dang easy and quick. The texture is awesome and the twist is so on point. Amy has bunches of other great patterns, too, you should definitely check her site! I made two of these in July and it’s my new go-to pattern when I’m not ready to start a big project but I need something in my hands.

So cute, right?!
No doubt about it, I am a HAM in front of a camera.

Here are a two more beautiful ear warmer patterns that are on my “to make” list!

  • Faux-Bow Headband Pattern by Mama in a Stitch: I love her patterns! I made one of her sweaters in January and it turned out so great. This ear warmer is crocheted by creating a tube, then cinching the ends of the tubes and attaching them together to create the “bow.” It’s so cute! I think the double fabric on it would make it extra warm!
  • Charleigh Twist Headband Pattern by Crochetastic Boutique: The texture on this one is great! This is one that I would love in a few bright colors. This beginner pattern uses simple stitches to create a unique texture. This talented designer has a variety of lovely designs, so far from her collection I’ve made mug rugs and a cute purse!

Now I think I need to design my own headband for the fall! Maybe something in a bulky yarn that is a quick make…… or maybe a stripey one…..

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DIY Cards with basic supplies

I openly admit that I have more craft supplies than time to create with them. Handmade cards are one of my favorite things to make. I enjoy it, I can buy a whole pack of cardstock to make 50 cards for as much as one greeting card at the store, and they are special! I use a cutting tool that makes it easy to cut the paper, and I even have an envelope making board (though a pack of envelopes at the craft store isn’t very expensive, and I use those more often than not.) I also love a good tape roller for attaching the paper together, it’s not messy and can stick down even tiny doodads. All that being said about fancy supplies, for a nice greeting card, I find that you don’t need more than 6 basic items:

  • paper (cardstock or scrapbook paper is best if you have it)
  • ruler
  • scissors
  • coloring utensil (markers, crayons, paint)
  • glue or tape
  • envelope (or more paper to make one)

If you need to make an envelope, there are tons of tutorials on YouTube. I really like this one, though, by Vectoria Designs: it is so straightforward and simple, but looks pretty! Once your envelope is ready, measure to see what size your card must be to fit inside. Fold and cut your paper to make a card.

Let’s think about a handmade card like a stir-fry. The basic ingredients, like soy sauce and rice are your paper, scissors, and glue. When making stir-fry, you can throw in some leftover peas hanging around your refrigerator, the onion lurking in your cabinet, some chicken you found in your freezer to whip up a delicious dinner. What materials do you have that could add a little “extra” to your card? Here are some items to look for:

  • markers, colored pens, crayons, paint
  • old greeting cards, or old book illustrations
  • the lid from something round (trace to make circles)
  • buttons (don’t you have some in those tiny plastic baggies lying in a drawer waiting for you to lose a button from a shirt you don’t even own anymore?)
  • artificial flowers and leaves
  • real flowers and leaves

Okay, here comes the fun part. Take these items and turn them into something magnificent! Pictured below are some samples:

You can see in the first card, I simply cut the front of a small thank you card, and added my own handwritten thanks on top.

The second is one of my favorite things, cutting long strips of colored paper and attaching it in interesting patterns.

The third card has a heart cut from an old greeting card, a flower made from buttons, and artificial flowers.

What kinds of things do you like to use to make handmade cards? I think it’s so fun and personal!

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