.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Owl Pillows in Two Sizes: Last Pattern for 2012!

My last pattern for the year 2012 just happens to be Owl Pillows! :) This house has been on an owl craze for a month or two. The daughter is infatuated with them. I have to admit, they are pretty cute! I had someone request an owl pillow and I thought it would be a good opportunity to see what kind of pattern I could come up with, since I couldn't find what I liked on the web. 

Here is what I have to offer you:

 
It is a free pattern (Ravelry download), so I hope you enjoy! :)

The color combinations are endless because they use up scraps. I bought a variety pack of colorful buttons over the Holidays and decided to use those as eyes. You can really use anything that strikes your fancy! Just remember to err on the side of caution when making these for little ones. We don't want anyone choking!

Happy Crocheting!


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Beatrice the Pteradactyl

Beatrice, the Pteradactyl, is the second in my series of dinosaur patterns (even though she's not technically a dinosaur). Her pattern is a Ravelry Download. To continue my birthday month celebration, her pattern will be free November 10th to November 17th (2012). After that, her pattern will be $2.99.
I can just imagine a whole family of "Beatrice's" in a rainbow of colors. She would make a GREAT stash buster!! Her finished size is 8-1/4" tall with a 10-1/2" wing span.

Beatrice would also make a wonderful friend to put in your bag of charity toys at Christmas time. She just wants somebody to love. :)

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Zen Baby Hat Pattern

Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you....Zen Baby Hat. Available as a .pdf Download on my website bizzycrochet.com &  FREE Ravelry Download! This pattern is available in sizes 0-3 Month, 3-6 Month and 6-12 Month. However, I have included instructions on how to size any close fitting hat for any head in the pattern. It is written out for the beginner, so it's very simple to understand.
 I have, also, included instructions for baby weight flowers and worsted weight flowers. There can be some differences depending on the yarn you use.

Want to make a pair of matching booties?? All I did was use this great (free) baby bootie pattern from Red Heart and add the same trim and decorations as my hat! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!!


Saturday, November 03, 2012

Meet Bert the Triceratops!

Bert is my newest toy pattern! November is my birthday month (like my birthday decorations?) and I have decided that I am going to celebrate my birthday month by giving away more patterns! Bert is the first of a series of dinosaur patterns that I have come up with. He is a FREE Ravelry Download from November 3rd to November 10th, 2012. After that, his pattern will be available in my Ravelry and Etsy stores for $2.99. Get him FREE while you can....don't waste any time!!
Because Bert is eventually going to end up being a purchased pattern, there are no restrictions put on your ability to sell the items you make from this pattern! Even if you got it for FREE! :)
Bert works up fast and easy. He is what I would consider a good beginner's pattern for someone just getting into Amigurumi. Not too many pieces and he's simple to put together.
Hope you enjoy making Bert as much as I did!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Family Time

 We enjoyed a few hours at the beach recently. We gathered some shells and enjoyed the lovely breeze. The weather has finally cooled down to a reasonable temperature. We have had the house open for the last three days and I LOVE IT!
My baby man, Teo, turned 16 in September. We had fun decorating and being silly for his birthday. We bought a whole bunch of Avengers decorations and put up streamers and a Happy Birthday banner. He asked for brownies for his birthday 'cake', so I made some super fudgy ones. He got a kick out of his goodies. :) Then we celebrated at Steak N Shake (his choice) and went to see Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. That was a wonderful end to that series. It left openings for certain story lines to be continued, and completed the Batman trilogy on a tremendously hopeful note. We are pretty geeky in this house, so those things matter to us. LOL.

Catherine's Wheel Afghan

I just had to share my latest obsession with you. It's called Catherine's Wheel Square or Wool-Eater Stitch or Bavarian Stitch. I learned it by watching Crochet Geek's YouTube Tutorial. She did a fabulous job at teaching the stitch. 

The video is only 26 minutes long, so it's a short, but worthy investment!


I highly recommend that you learn the stitch. It lives up to its name and becomes a bit of a wool eater when you get about 20" wide. I finished my lap afghan at 36"x36" and it was taking about a 1/2 skein of yarn to finish one color strip. I adore this pattern and I will be making many more. I'm thinking about trying it without the square accent and see how that turns out. :) Should be fun!

Endangered Baby Animals and Iceberg Toy Bag

Endangered Baby Animals and Iceberg Toy Bag Pattern

© 2012 Bizzy Crochet Designs

Iceberg Bag- (it does have a handle)

The Iceberg toy bag has four, special endangered baby animals that live inside!

#1- Baby Polar Bear named Albert
Baby Albert's Bum

#2- Baby Harp Seal named Dewey

#3- Baby Emperor Penguin named Smudge

#4- Baby Orca named Earl

Materials Needed: 
Yarn: All amounts are approx. Actual amounts will depend on your gauge. 
for Iceberg Bag- 
2 oz Medium Blue (Used Red Heart Super Saver- Country Blue) 
4-5 oz White (Used Hobby Lobby “I Love This Yarn”- White I would recommend using something stiffer as the Hobby Lobby doesn’t hold its shape well enough for this purpose) 
for Baby Polar Bear- 
1 oz White (Used Caron Simply Soft- White) small bits black for face 
for Baby Seal- 
1 oz White (Used Caron Simply Soft- White) small bits black for face 
for Baby Orca- 1 oz Black (Used Caron Simply Soft- Black) small bit of white for tummy and face for Baby Penguin- 1 oz Gray (Used Hobby Lobby “I Love This Yarn”- Grey Mist) small bits black and white for face and tail 
F & H hooks (stitch marker if desired) 
Polyester Fiberfill 
Large Eye needle for assembly  
7/8” Button (Used retro, plastic, faceted button) 

Gauge:  w/H hook & RH yarn- 7 rows x 7 sc= 2” x 2” w/F hook & Caron yarn- 5 rows x 5sc= 1” x 1” 

Special Stitch Directions: 
Spikes: sc in space indicated, ch3, sl st in 2nd ch, sc in next ch, sc in next space 

Dtrc Cluster: (yo 3x, insert hook into sp, yo, pull through sp, {yo, pull through 2 loops} three times leaving last hook on loop) Repeat this a total of 5 times, yo, pull through 6 loops on hook. Chain 1.

Dc Cluster: (yo, insert hook into sp, yo, pull through sp and 2 loops) a total of three times. Yo, pull through all four loops on hook. Chain 1. 

Pattern:

Iceberg Bag Bottom: 
with Blue and H hook mark beginning of each row to keep track
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6) 
R2- 2sc in each (12) 
R3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) rpt (18) 
R4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) rpt (24) 
R5- (sc in 3, 2sc in next) rpt (30) 
R6- (sc in 4, 2sc in next) rpt (36) 
R7- (sc in 5, 2sc in next) rpt (42) 
R8- (sc in 6, 2sc in next) rpt (48) 
R9- (sc in 7, 2sc in next) rpt (54) 
R10- (sc in 8, 2sc in next) rpt (60)
R11- (sc in 9, 2sc in next) rpt (66) 
R12- (sc in 10, 2sc in next) rpt (72) 
R13- BLO, sc in each sc  
R14-15- in both loops, sc in each. 
Join after R15 R16- turn, BLO, (sl st in 3sc, sc in next, hdc in 2sc, dc in 3sc, hdc in 2sc, sc in next) repeat 5 more times. Join. (6 waves)    
R17- ch1, turn, in open loops of R15, sc in each.  DO NOT JOIN.  
R18-19- in both loops, sc in each. Join after R19 R20- ch3(not dc), turn, BLO (dc in 3sc, hdc in 2sc, sc in next, sl st in 3sc, sc in next, hdc in 2sc) repeat 5 more times. Join. (6waves) 
CUT- WEAVE END R21- rejoin in open loops, ch1, sc in join and each open loop around. Join. R22- BLO- (sc in 10, sc dec) rpt, join.(66) 
R23- both loops, (sc in 9, sc dec) rpt, join (60) 
R24-32- continue decreasing in established pattern until 6sc remain. Join each row. Stuff as you go. Finish off and weave ends at the end of R32. (Optional Tip: You can cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit inside on the bottom for stability. Make sure to put in place before stuffing.)

Iceberg Bag Top: 
with White and H hook 
R1- ch2, 5sc in 2nd ch from hook (5) 
R2- sc in each 
R3- 2sc in each (10) 
R4- sc in each 
R5- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) rpt (15) 
R6- sc in each 
R7- FLO- sc in each sc, randomly placing 3 spikes (*see specialty stitches). 
Tip: Marking the first back loop will help you know where the next row begins! 
R8- working in open loops behind 
R7- (hdc in 1sc, 2hdc in next) rpt (23) 
R9- FLO- working in hdc, sc in each, randomly placing spikes. 
R10-R13- Repeat Rows 8+9 twice. (46 hdc after R12) 
Tip: As the rows get bigger, increase the amount of spikes per row- use your personal preference! R14- Repeat R8, but DON’T INCREASE- Just 1 hdc in each. (46) 
R15- Repeat R9 
R16-19- Repeat Rows 14+15 twice.  
R20- Repeating R8, but INCREASE with (hdc in 2sc, 2hdc in next) rpt. (61hdc) 
R21- Repeat R15 
R22-25- Repeat Rows 14+15 twice. 
R26- Repeat R8, but INCREASE with (hdc in 3sc, 2hdc in next) rpt. (76hdc) R27- Repeat R15 R28-29- Repeat Rows 14+15 once. STARTING CAVE DOOR 
R30- ch1, turn, work in open loops, hdc in 73, leave remaining unworked.
 R31- ch1, turn, FLO- Repeat R9.  
Tip: Make sure you don’t work into the back ridge of the hdc from the row before. 
R32- ch1, turn, working in open loops, hdc dec, hdc to the last 2, hdc dec (71) 
R33- ch1, turn, repeat Row 31 
R34-35- Repeat Rows 32+33 once. (69) 
R36- Repeat 32 once more. (67) 
ASSEMBLY-with Iceberg sitting on top of the water- sc into open loops from R21/22 of bottom and (when needed) into open loops AND both loops of R36 of top. Sc in 5 “open loops” for cave door, then match the remaining 67 open loops with hdc from R36 and sc through all loops.

Iceberg Cave Door: 
with White and H hook
R1- ch10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7, 3sc in the last ch, working the opposite side of the beginning ch, sc to the end. (19) 
R2- ch1, turn, BLO, sc in 9, 3sc in next, sc in 9. (21) 
R3- ch1, turn, BLO, sc in 10, 3sc in next, sc in 10. (23) 
R4- (RS) ch1, turn, BLO, sc in 11, 10sc in next (button loop), sc in 11. (25) 
Sc across row ends to finish. With RS facing out sew flat edge to bottom. Place and sew on button.

Iceberg Handle: 
with White and H hook
R1- ch6, sc in 2nd hook and each (5) 
R2-40- ch1, turn, sc in each To finish, sc down both sides of row ends 
Attach to the back part of the iceberg, placing the ends so that it hangs straight and even when held.


"Albert”- Baby Polar Bear Body: with White and F hook 

R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6) 
R2- 2sc in each (12) 
R3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) rpt (18) 
R4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) rpt (24) 
R5- (sc in 3, 2sc in next) rpt (30) 
R6-10- sc in each R11- (sc in 3, dec) rpt (24) 
R12-(sc in 2, dec) rpt (18) 
R13- (sc in 1, dec) rpt (12) STUFF 
R14- (dec) rpt (6) Cut, Weave ends. 

“Albert’s” Head: with White and F hook
R1-3- Repeat body 
R4-6- sc in each 
R7- Repeat R13 of body 
Cut, Stuff, Sew on- centered to body.

“Albert’s” Nose: with White and F hook
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6) 
R2- sc Embroider nose and mouth with black (and eyes after nose is in place) 
Sew to head- centered. 

“Albert’s” Ears: with White and F hook
With Albert facing you, on one side of his head, attach with a sl st around the post of a sc. Ch2, dc around the same post and sl st around the next post over. Cut and weave in your ends.  Evenly spaced on the other side of the head- rpt for 2nd ear.

“Albert’s” Legs: with White and F hook
R1- ch2, 8sc in 2nd ch (8) R2- sc in each R3- dec, sc in remaining (7) R4- sc in each Cut, leave a long end for attaching. Sew to body. DO NOT STUFF.
 
“Albert’s” Tail: with White and F hook
With Albert’s butt facing away from you and his head pointing down, attach with a sl st around a post on his butt. 2sc around same post, sc around next post, sl st around next post. Cut and weave in the ends.  

 

 “Dewey” Baby Seal Body: with White and F hook 

R1-5- Repeat Polar Bear 
R6-7- sc in each  
R8- (sc in 3, dec) rpt (24) 
R9-11- sc in each 
R12- (sc in 2, dec) rpt (18) 
R13- sc in each 
R14- (sc in 1, dec) rpt (12)STUFF! 
Tip: Make sure you stuff to desired firmness! 
R15- Flatten stitches on R14 to each other, work through both thicknesses, ch1, insert hook into 1st sc on R15 AND last sc on R14, sc. Continue to work 5 more sc across row. Do Not CUT! Turn. 

Flipper #1- (RS) ch 4, Dtrc Cluster (*see specialty stitches), Cut. Weave ends. 
Flipper #2- sk 4sc, attach to last sc w/sl st, repeat Flipper #1, Cut. Weave ends. 

“Dewey’s” Head: 
with White and F hook 
R1-6- Repeat Polar Bear 
Cut. Sew to body, angled according to picture.

“Dewey’s” Nose: 
with White and F hook
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch R2- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) rpt (9) 
Cut, embroider, and sew on. Finish with face embroidery. 

“Dewey’s” Front Flippers: 
with White and F hook- Repeat for Flipper #1 & #2. 
Position them equally spaced in the front. 
Have the seal’s head and back facing you when you put them on. 




“Earl” Baby Orca Body: 
with Black and F hook
Starting at the tip of the tail 
R1- ch2, 4sc in 2nd ch from hook (4) 
R2- sc in each *make sure you pop your work to the right side 
R3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) rpt (6) 
R4- sc in each 
R5-Repeat R3 for (9) 
R6- sc in each 
R7- Repeat R3, sc in last for (13) 
R8- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) rpt, sc in last (17) 
R9- (sc in 3sc, 2sc in next) rpt, sc in last (21) 
R10-14- sc in each 
R15- (sc in 3sc, dec) rpt, sc in last (17) 
R16- sc in each 
R17- sc in 4sc, dec, sc in 7sc, dec, sc in 2sc (15) 
R18- sc in each 
R19- sc dec 3x, sc in 7sc, dec, sc in last (12) 
R20- sc dc twice, sc in 5sc, dec (8) 
R21- dec, sc in 4, dec (6) Cut. 
Very carefully sew his nose shut, flattening it oblong from side to side.

“Earl’s” Underbelly: 
with White and F hook
R1- ch3, sc in 2nd and next (2) 
R2- ch1, turn, 2sc in each (4) 
R3- ch1, turn, 2sc in first, sc in each, 2sc in last (6) 
R4- 14- ch1, turn,sc in each 
R15- ch1, turn, dec, sc in 2, dec (4) 
R16- ch1, turn, sc dec twice (2) 
R17- ch1, turn, sc dec (1) 
R18-20- ch1, turn, sc. 
Cut, sew to underside making sure R’s 18-20 are on the tail.

“Earl’s” Tail Fin:  
with Black and F hook 
Make 2 fins and sew them together halfway, leaving an opening for the tail tip to sit between them. R1- ch7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, hdc in 2ch, dc in 2ch. (6) 
R2- ch1, turn, sc in 3, sl st in 3.  
Cut, sew together and sew to tail tip.

“Earl’s” Dorsal (1) and Side Fins (2): 
with Black and F hook 
Ch6, sc in 2nd ch, hdc in 2ch, dc in 2ch. 
Cut, sew to back and sides. 

“Earls” White Face Patches (2): 
with White and F hook ch4, sl st in 2nd ch and next 2. Sew on. 



“Smudge” Baby Penguin Body: with Gray and F hook 
R1- ch2, 5sc in 2nd ch from hook (5) 
R2- 2sc in each (10) 
R3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) rpt (15) 
R4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) rpt (20) 
R5- sc in each 
R6- (sc in 3, 2sc in next) rpt (25) 
R7-9- sc in each 
R10- (sc in 3, dec) rpt (20) 
R11- sc in each 
R12- (sc in 2, dec) rpt (15)  
R13- sc in each
R14- (sc in 1, dec) rpt (10) STUFF! 
R15- sc in each 
R16- (dec) rpt (5) 
Cut and close up 

“Smudge’s” Head: with Gray and F hook 
R1-3- Repeat Body 
R4-6- sc in each. 
Cut. 

“Smudge’s” Face: 
with Black and F hook 
R1- ch5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 2, 3sc in last, working the opposite side of the original ch, sc in 2, 2sc in last. Join. (10) 
R2- ch1, 2sc in join sp, sc in 2sc, 2sc in next 3sc, sc in 2sc, 2sc in next 2sc. Join (16) 
R3- ch1, sc in join, hdc in 4sc, sc in next sc. Join. Leave rem unworked. 
Cut. Sew to Head. 


“Smudge’s” Eyes: 
with White and F hook 
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, don’t join or cut 
R2- ch3, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next. Join to 1st “circle”.  Cut and sew to face. 

“Smudge’s” Beak: 
with Black and F hook 
Attach black around post between “eyes”- ch3, sl st in 2nd ch and next. Join. Cut and weave ends. 

“Smudge’s” Wings: 
Make 2 with Gray and F hook 
Ch10- sc in 2nd ch and next 3chs, 2sc in next ch, sc in last 4 chs. 
Cut, sew on to side of body with angle towards the front.

“Smudge’s” Tail: with Black and F hook
R1- ch2, 4sc in 2nd ch from hook (4) 
R2- sc in each 
Tip: Pull right side of work out of “hole” 
R3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) rpt (6) 
R4- Repeat R3 for (9) 
Cut, sew to butt

“Smudge’s” Feet: with Black and F hook -Hold Smudge front facing, upside down and attach black around a post towards the under part of his body. Ch2, Dc Cluster (*see specialty stitches). 
Repeat evenly spaced for the 2nd foot.


 





Friday, September 21, 2012

Reversible Tiers Hat - Crochet

 I made another new hat pattern this week! Yay!!


I used Vickie Howell's Sheep(ish) and an H hook. 
It's fast, simple and works you through some fpdc and bpdc practice.
Instructions are included for figuring out custom sizes.
 


Monday, September 17, 2012

Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken- Crockpot


Easy Sweet/Sour Crockpot Chicken:

1-1/2 lbs frozen chicken tenderloins
1 can pineapple rings or chunks
1 rough chopped green pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 Tbs minced ginger (or a heaping tsp)
1-2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup brown sugar

Cook frozen chicken and pineapple with juice for two hours on high.

Mix soy, ginger and garlic together.

Add pepper, soy mix and sugar to chicken. Mix in and cook another 2 hours.

Remove chicken and pineapple/pepper chunks.

Make gravy out of juice left in crock pot. (I use corn starch & water)

Cut chicken up. Add everything back to crockpot. Serve over rice. Salt to taste.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Acorn Bag & Forest Friends Pattern

Acorn Bag & Forest Friends Toy Bag 

by Elizabeth Mareno

This pattern can be purchased on ETSY or my website

The acorn bag is adorned with fall leaves on the handle and the top opens to allow you to place all of the individual forest characters inside! Plus, there's extra space for extra "friends!"

The characters are as follows:


Mr. Bunnykins

Winston Owl

Henry Hopsalot

Steve the Squirrel

Gibby the Hedgehog


OR, you can have your little person name each of their own characters! This sort of imagination-based toy is perfect for little hands and minds. The bag makes this a useful busy toy for little ones to drag with them wherever they go. It also helps with their small motor skills and dexterity practicing taking the animals in and out of the bag, which all the littles seem to like to do! Last, but not least, if you make this out washable yarns, this is easy to throw in the washer to keep the toys clean and safe. While this pattern is geared toward the toddler crowd, I have seen kids as old as 7 & 8 have a good time playing with it. :)

You can use safety eyes, although the instructions in the pattern have the eyes and faces embroidered on. This pattern is definitely more geared towards an intermediate to advanced crocheter due to all of the small parts and assembly. However, it would make a great challenge for a slightly more advanced beginner. 

The only question that remains is, "What sorts of adventures will your characters go on??"

Make sure you check out my other playsets (by the way, these are all free):  Barnyard Gang Toy Bag, Fantasy Princess Castle, Iceberg Endangered Baby Animals, Rocket Ship with Astronauts & Aliens, and Tiny Pets Rescue House

© Bizzy Crochet and Design 2012

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Slutty Brownies

Ok, I must admit, the name is silly, provocative and kinda wrong. LOL But Ohhhhhhh are they good! In reality, they are just a super easy triple layer brownie. BIG on chocolate!!!

Layer 1 is a 24 pack of preformed cookie dough rounds OR a full tube of cookie dough. I used the "Brownie Pan" from Pampered Chef, but I think you could adapt this to a regular pan easily enough.

If using the Brownie Pan, put 2 rounds per space. Otherwise layer the bottom of an 11x7 pan with the cookie dough and press down to cover the bottom. It doesn't have to be pushed hard.

Layer 2 is simply 12 Oreos. Now, in the Brownie Pan you only use one Oreo per space, so I would do the same thing in an 11x7 pan. Evenly place your Oreos for 12 brownies. You might want to lightly press them into the cookie dough to keep them from shifting during the next layer.

Layer 3 is a box of brownie mix...whatever flavor you like...mixed up according to package directions. We used the uber chunky with the Hershey's syrup etc. In the Brownie Pan just use 2 Tbl per space. In an 11x7 pan, carefully pour over or spoon over the top of your Oreo layer.

Here comes the tricky part. The Brownie Pan was 20 minutes in a 350 oven. But, I know that a brownie mix in a regular pan, all by itself, is around 25-27 minutes. You will want to feel this out. If you are doing the 11x7 pan, you may need to bake these according to the box directions for a fudgy or cake like brownie. (yes, I've made a few boxes of brownies in my life)

Good Luck!! And I hope you enjoy!!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Tiny Pets Rescue House!

Tiny Pets Rescue House Pattern

© 2012 Bizzy Crochet Designs

House bag


The gang

The caretaker


The puppy

The kitty


The macaw

The turtle

The mouse/muskrat


Pattern:

Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Finished Size of bag: Approx 14”H x 7” W
Average finished size of characters: 2-3/4” to 7”
**Note** Do not join rows unless directed.
Gauge: 4”x4”=16scx16rows with H hook and RHSS Worsted

Materials Needed:  (All yarn amounts are approximate. You may need more or less depending on your gauge.)
HOUSE SUPPLIES: House Color- 6 oz Worsted Weight (used Bernat Super Value in Bright Yellow) Roof/Floor/Door Color- 6 oz worsted Weight (used Red Heart Super Saver in Black)
Window Colors- Small Amounts of light blue and brown
Foliage Color- Small Amount of green (used RHSS Spring Green)
Flower Colors- Small Amounts of brown and flower colors  
For small flowers use baby/sport weight
For large flowers use worsted weight
Fence color- Small amount of white worsted weight
H hook/F hook & large eye needle for assembly
Fiberfill
1 sheet stiff plastic canvas
1” Shank button in door color

ANIMAL SUPPLIES: **You can use whatever colors you want. I use only sport weight or very light weight worsted’s like Caron Simply Soft or Wool Ease. I use Red Heart Soft sparingly because it tends to work up thick. I am only going to put a list of colors used for the animals. You can either stick to my list, or choose colors from your stash to complete your animals.  You will not need more than 2 oz of each color for each character. Just be aware that if you use a worsted yarn like Red Heart Super Saver, you will make a larger character. If you are committed to the larger size, you may want to go all the way and bump your hook size up from an F hook to a G hook for hand comfort. Just remember, your character may not fit comfortably in the house.
F hook & large eye needle for assembly
Fiberfill -
Fuzzy brown for muskrat/mouse (used Wool Ease) -
Two-tones of brown for dog (Used Caron SS) -
Single color for cat (used Wool Ease) -
2 colors for macaw body & head/wings, black for mouth & feet (used Caron SS and Wool Ease) -Skin color, uniform color and shoe color for caretaker (used Caron SS and Wool Ease) -
tan and green for turtle, white for eyes (used Caron SS tan & white and RH Soft guacamole/avocado?) -
small amts of black, white, blue, red, etc for eyes, noses and mouths.

HOUSE PATTERN:
Start with Black & H hook
Row 1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch. (6) do not join.
Row 2- 2sc in each sc (12)
Row 3- (1sc, 2sc in next) around. (18)
Row 4- (1sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (24)
Row 5- (1sc in 3, 2sc in next) around (30)
Row 6-10- continue increasing 1 sc per stitch series until you have (1sc in 8sc, 2sc in next). (60)
Row 11- BLO (back loops only) sc in each sc (60)
*Take a minute to cut a piece of plastic canvas to the size of your bottom circle.
Row 12- in Both Loops, sc in each (60)
Cut Black, Attach Yellow and continue
Row 13- sc
Row 14- sc in 20sc, chg to black, sc in 10sc, chg to yellow, sc in 30sc. (60)
Row 15-20- Repeat row 14 (60)
*After row 20- cut yellow, change to black
Row 21-BLO- (sc in 8, sc dec) around (54)
Row 22- in Both Loops(sc in 7, sc dec) around (48)
Row 23-28- continue decreasing 1sc per stitch series until you have (sc in 1, sc dec) (12)
**Begin to stuff firmly at about row 25, placing the piece of plastic canvas you previously cut on the bottom before filling- Make sure your open loops are to the outside or right side.
Row 29- (sc dec) around. (6) Finish off leaving a long end.
Using needle sew top closed and weave ends.

BODY OF HOUSE:
With yellow & H hook & working in open loops from row 20 of bottom
Row 1- with Right Side (RS) facing you, attach with house color to the left side of the “door” (black space on bottom piece), sc in each loop to the opposite side of the “door”. (50sc)
Row 2-7- Ch1, turn, sc in each sc (50)
Row 8- Ch1, turn,  2sc in first and last sc, sc in rest of sc as usual (52)
Row 9-10- Repeat row 8- finishing with (56sc) on row 10. Ch4, join with 1st sc of row 10.
Row 11- Ch1, turn, sc in all ch’s and sc’s around. (60), join.
Row 12-20- ch1, turn, sc in each sc around, join. (60)
At the end of row 20, cut, weave end.

ROOF:
With black & H hook
Row 1- ch2, 5sc in 2nd ch from hook (5)
Row 2- sc in each sc
Row 3- 2sc in each sc (10)
Row 4- sc in each sc
Row 5- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) repeat around (15)
Row 6- sc in each sc
Row 7- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) rpt around (20)
Row 8- sc in each sc
Row 9- 2sc in each sc (40)
Row 10-14- sc in each sc
Row 15- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) rpt around (60)
Row 16-23- sc in each sc
Row 24-31- Repeat rows 21-28 of bottom. Start stuffing @ Row 28
Do not insert any plastic into the roof.

Roof edging: 
Row 1- With bottom of body facing you, attach the roof to the body through both loops of sc on last row of body and open loops on roof, sc around (60) join.
Row 2- ch1, do not turn, sc in each sc, join.
Row 3- ch3, 4dc in join sp, (sk 1sc, sc in next, sk 1sc, 5dc in next) repeat around. Join.

DOOR:
With black , H hook: Make 2
Row 1- ch11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch (10)
Row 2-7- ch1, turn, sc
Row 8- sc dec, sc in 6sc, sc dec (8)
Row 9- sc dec, sc in 4sc, sc dec (6)
Row 10- sc dec, sc in 2sc, sc dec (4)
**Before sewing pieces together, cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit between. Hold wrong sides of door pieces together and sc around the edges making sure to go through all thicknesses and putting 3sc in corners. Don’t forget to slide your piece of plastic canvas between the pieces before you get too far.
Door Knob- Keep RS of door facing you!
Either slip stitch up the side to where you want your door knob to be placed, or cut your yarn from putting your door together and reattach at the side. Either way, ch4, sl st in next sc, turn work, 6sc in ch4 space, sl st to join and cut. Your door knob is made. Weave all your ends in to make your work neat.  

Door Decorations: You can decorate the door if you want or not… With light gray or blue & F hook Row 1- ch4, 12dc in 1st ch (12dc)
Row 2- change to brown, 2sc in each dc (24sc)
Cut yarn and sew on. Sew door to opening, sew button at door knob.

FLOWERS, LEAVES, FENCE POSTS & WINDOW:
Leaves: with H hook & green worsted
Ch8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, 3 sl st in last ch, (now working on opposite side of beg ch) sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch.
Cut leaving a long end for sewing.

Stems: with H hook & green worsted ch 16 (or any desired length), sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to the end.
Cut, leave a long end.

Flowers: follow materials list for yarn/hooks for different flower sizes:
Small/Large Row 1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6) do not join, switch to flower color
Row 2- join flower color to center color with sl st in 1st sc. Sl st to next sc in the row to keep moving to the next petal. (ch3, 2dc, ch3, sl st in sm sp) in each sc around,. (6 petals made)
Cut, leaving a long end to sew.

Fence Posts: with H hook & white worsted
ch 16, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch. (15) Cut and leave a long end for sewing on. *I only made 2. Then I slip stitched a “fence” between the posts on the body of the house.

Window: with H hook & light blue and brown
Row 1- ch7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each (6)
Row 2-7- ch1, turn, sc in each.
After row 7, cut blue and attach brown.
 Edge window with brown, putting a sc in each row end & sc and 3sc in each corner. I stitched a “window pane” look with brown.
When you cut your yarn, leave a very long end for attaching to the house.

HANDLE:
with house color and H hook
Row 1- ch6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each (5)
Row 2-30- ch1, turn, sc in each
When you hit the end of row 30, turn the strap without cutting and work a sc into each row end. When you get to the opposite end of the strap, cut, leave a long end.
Reattach on the other side and repeat. This makes your strap sturdier, prettier and less likely to stretch out. 
Sew handle to whichever side you put the button for your door. 

CHARACTER PATTERNS:

Puppy: with F hook & 2 tones of brown
Body: Row 1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
Row 2- 2sc in each sc (12)
Row 3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) repeat around (18)
Row 4- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) repeat around (24)
Row 5-7- sc in each sc
Row 8- (sc in 2sc, sc dec) repeat around (18)
Row 9- sc *Start Stuffing
Row 10- (sc in 1sc, dec) repeat around (12)
Row 11- (sc dec) around (6)
Row 12- sc in each (6). Finish off.

Head: Rows 1-3- Repeat as for body
Row 4-5- sc in each sc (18)
Row 6- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) repeat around (12)
Row 7- sc in each sc
*Start Stuffing
Row 8- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) repeat around (8) Cut, leave a long end for sewing and sew to body.

Muzzle: Row 1- ch2, 8sc in 2nd ch from hook (8)
Row 2- sc in each. Finish off.  Embroider a black nose, sew to face.

Ears: make 2
Row 1- ch2, 7sc in 2nd ch from hook (7)
Row 2-5- sc in each sc
Row 6- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) around, sc in last (5) cut, sew on to sides of head
Embroider eyes above muzzle and a line on the muzzle for the mouth.

Tail: ch6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next, hdc in last 3 ch. Cut and sew onto butt.

Back legs: make 2
Row 1- ch3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc in next ch,(working on opposite side of original ch) 2sc in first ch. (6sc)join
Row 2- ch1, 2sc in first 2sc, sc in next, 2sc in next 2sc, sc in next, join. Don’t cut.
Right Foot: ch4, 4sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in last 2 ch’s and to hind leg. Sew to body.
Left Foot: after join, sl st to next sc, repeat as for right foot.

Front legs: make 2 ch6, 4sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in remain. Cut and sew to front.

Kitty: with F hook & body color
Repeat body and head of puppy
Face:
Cheeks: w/ top of head facing you, sl st around posts from row 5, 3sc around post, sl st around next post, 3sc around next post. Finish, tuck ends.
Embroider green eyes and a pink nose/mouth

Whiskers: tie a knot, pull the yarn through under the nose and tie another knot, cut, fray ends. Do this for as many whiskers as you want.

Ears:
Left ear- front facing away, join with sl st around post of row 2 on side of head. Ch4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in the last.  sl st to next post down.
Right ear- front facing you, repeat on opposite side of the head.

Hind Legs: make 2
Row 1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
Row 2- 2sc in each sc (12)
Row 3- sc in each sc, join, finish off leaving a long end.
Stuff lightly while sewing to lower half of body on opposite sides.

Foot: make 2
Row 1- ch2, 5sc in 2nd ch from hook (5)
Row 2-4- sc in each sc. Cut, flatten, sew to front of hind legs. One on each side.

Tail: ch15, sl st in 2nd ch & rem ch’s. leave long end for sewing, sew to butt.

Front Legs: make 2 ch10, 4sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st  in rem ch’s. Attach to upper body

Muskrat/Mouse: with F hook & mouse color
Row 1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
Row 2- 2sc in each sc (12)
Row 3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) around (18)
Row 4-8- sc in each sc
*Now, turn inside out. The backside will be the RS because the ‘fuzz’ is better.
Row 9- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) around (12)
Row 10- sc in each
Row 11- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) around (8)
Row 12- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in 2sc) repeat (12)start stuffing
Row 13- (sc in 2sc, sc dec twice) repeat (8)
Row 14- (sc dec) four times (4)
Row 15- sc dec twice (2).
Cut, sew closed Embroider eyes and small nose.
For ears- put 3sc around the posts behind the “puffs”
Legs- Front & back- sl st around a sc post. Remember you will need 4 legs, so position yourself accordingly. Ch4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 2, sl st over to “other leg” space, repeat.
Tail- attach to post on butt, ch15, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each.

Macaw: w/2 colors (body & head/wings)& F hook
Body: Row 1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch (6)
Row 2- 2sc in each (12)
Row 3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) around (18)
Row 4- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) around (24)
 Row 5-7- sc
Row 8- (sc in 2sc, sc dec) around (18)
Row 9- sc
Row 10- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) around (12) Stuff
Row 11- sc
Row 12- sc dec around (6) Close off.

Head: Repeat row 1-3 for body
Row 4- sc in each (18)
Row 5- sc dec, sc in next, sc dec, sc in next, sc dec, sc in remaining sc (15)
Row 6- sc dec three times, sc in remaining (12)
Row 7- sc around. Cut, leaving a long end for sewing and stuff. Sew to round 11 of body.

Beak: Top: w/black and F hook
Row 1- ch5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next.
Row 2- ch1, turn, sc in 3 stitches, sl st in next, (working in the opposite side of beg ch) sl st in same sp, sc in next 3.
Cut. Sew flat side to face, curving it slightly.
**Beak Tips
1. I sewed the edge to the face, then sewed from one corner to the next to kind of pinch it together.
 2. Then I ran a piece down the edge of the beak to the tip and sewed the tip so that it was pointy.
 3. Then I ran it back up the other side and pulled lightly to make the beak curve a little. 


Beak Bottom: Attach around post of sc right below top w/sl st, ch2, dc around post, ch2, sl st around post. Cut off.

Tail: w/head color & F hook
The bird’s head should be facing down and away from you.
Attach w/ sl st to posts of row 3, centrally located, at the back of the bird. (Find the 5 middle posts and mark the last w/marker & count back to the first and attach there).  
1st Feather: ch9, sl st  in 2nd ch from hook and each, sl st ar next post (8)
2nd Feather: ch11, repeat 1st feather. (10)
3rd Feather: ch13, repeat 1st feather (12)
4th Feather: ch11, repeat 1st feather (10)
5th Feather: ch9, repeat 1st feather except do not sl s tar next post.(8) Cut off/ weave ends.
When weaving ends in, I ran a stitch across the base of the feathers to bring them together and help straighten them out a bit.

Back: w/head color & F hook
Row 1- ch6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each (5)
Row 2-4- ch1, turn, sc
Row 5- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc in next, sc dec (3)
Row 6- ch1, turn, sc Cut and attach to back matching up Row 1 to the tail base.

Wings: w/head color & F hook
Row 1- ch5, 3sc in 2nd ch, sc in 2ch, 3 sc in last ch,(working on the opposite side of beg ch) sc in 2ch, (10sc) join.
Row 2- ch2, hdc in sm sp, 3 hdc in next, 2 hdc in next, sc in 3 stitches, 3sc in next, sc in 3 stitches, join to ch2 (16)
Row 3- ch2, 2hdc in next 2, 3hdc in next, 2hdc in next 2, hdc in next, sc in 3 stitches, 2sc in next, 3 sc in next, 2sc in next, sc in 3 stitches, join. (26)
Row 4- Right Wing- (**Always sl st in next st)- (ch3, turn, sl st in sm sp, **) 5 times. (ch5, sl st in 3rd ch from hook and next 2, **) 3 times, sl st to next st, cut, leave long end.
Left Wing- (**Always sl st in next st)-sl st in 11 hdc, start feathers in next hdc. Repeat as for right wing.

Feet: w/black & F hook: make 2
Toe 1- ch6, sl st in 2nd & 3rd chs (do not cut)
Toe 2- ch3, sl st in 2nd & 3rd chs & orig ch Toe 3- repeat toe 2.
Sl st in rem ch’s. Cut and sew so that the feet “peek” out from under the body.

Turtle: w/tan, green & F hook
Shell: w/green
Row 1- ch2, 6sc (6)
Row 2- 2sc in each (12)
Row 3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) around (18)
Row 4- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) around (24)
Row 5- (sc in 3sc, 2sc in next) around (30)
Row 6-7- sc in each Row 8-9- sl st 4sc, sc in remaining.  Cut, leave a long end for sewing.

Tummy: w/tan Row 1- ch4, sc in 2nd ch and each (3)
Row 2- ch1, turn, 2sc in first, sc in next, 2sc in last (5)
Row 3- repeat row 2 (7)
Row 4- repeat row 2 (9)
Row 5-7- ch1, turn, sc Row 8- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc in to last 2, sc dec (7)
Row 9- repeat row 8 (5)
Row 10- repeat row 8 (3) don’t cut color.
Edge tummy with a sc in each row end and each sc around.

Meet wrong sides of tummy and shell together, sew pieces together from top to bottom w/green through posts on last row of shell and through sc’s on edging of tummy.

Head: w/tan
Row 1- ch2, 6sc (6)
Row 2- 2sc in each (12)
Row 3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) around (18)
Row 4-6- sc
Row 7- (sc in 1sc, sc dec) around (12)
Row 8- sc Sew to body at “arch” in shell.

Legs: w/tan, make 4
Row 1- ch2, 6sc (6)
Row 2- (sc in 1sc, 2sc) (9)
Row 3- BLO, sc in each Row 4- sc Lightly stuff. Sew on to bottom

Eyes: w/white, make 2
Row 1- ch2, 6sc. (6) Cut, sew eyes together at the middle. Embroider pupils with black

Nose: w/tan Row 1-2- repeat rows 1 & 2 of legs Row 3- sc in each Cut, light stuff, sew to face. Attach eyes. Embroider smile and nostrils if you wish.


Caretaker:  Head/Body: w/ skin color, shoe color, clothes color and F hook
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6) do not join
R2- 2sc in each sc around (12)
R3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) (18)
R4-8- sc in each (18)
R9- sc dec around (9) Stuff
R10- (sc in 1sc, dec) around (6)
R11- sc in each sc (6)
R12- 2sc in each sc (12) , Change to shirt color
R13- (sc in1sc, 2sc in next ) around (18)
R14-21- sc in each sc (18)
R22- (sc in 1sc, dec) around (12) Stuff
R23- (dec) around (6) sl st tojoin, finish off, weave ends tightening up bottom.

With Shoe color, skin color & Pants Color:
Legs (make 2, don't stuff) Start with shoe color
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not join (6)
R2- 2sc in each sc (12)
R3- sc in 4sc, sc dec twice, sc in 4sc (10)
R4- sc in 4sc, sc dec once, sc in 4sc (9) Change to skin color R5-9- sc in each. At the end of row 9, change to pants color R10-13- sc in each
Finish off. Flatten edge and sew on to bottom part of body, evenly spaced

With Skin Color & Shirt Color: Arms (make 2, don't stuff) start with skin color
R1- ch2, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not join (6)
R2-6- sc in each (6) Change to shirt color
R7-10- sc in each sc.
Finish off, sew to body @ row 12
Sl st belt onto middle of body.
Embroider hair, eyes & mouth.










 

Crafting Memories: Section 5 of the Memories Blanket CAL

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