Oh my goodness! What a whirlwind 2021 has been. Thanks to all my followers for supporting me throughout the year. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every issue, and I appreciate all the love for the designs I publish. Here’s to an even better 2022!
Are you ready for 2021 to be over? Looking forward to 2022? Here in Texas we’ve been having beautiful spring-like weather. Christmas Day it got up to 84 degrees, and we were playing with a pinata in the backyard. It looks like that’s about to change. There’s a cold front headed for the southern portion of the United States. Saturday is New Year’s Day, and we’re supposed to have a high of 79 degrees, then a 50-degree drop by Saturday night. I know by the time it gets dark, I’ll be on the sofa crocheting with a nice fire going in the fireplace. At least I’ll get to use the marshmallows I bought for making smores at Christmas. What are your 2022 crochet plans?
The little ones in your life would love to have a Turtle Nap Buddy. This striped toddler blanket for naptime rolls up to fit inside a turtle shell for a cute companion the rest of the day. Benjamin the Turtle Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern
Will there be a new baby in your family in 2022? This adorable Elephant Lovey makes a great baby shower gift.
Will you be going to a New Year’s Eve party this year or staying home to relax after a hectic year? Here’s a party for you in the form of a coloring page. It’s a Party Coloring Page
Did you get an Amazon gift card for Christmas? Be sure to check out my author page for crochet designs in Kindle and paperback formats.
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I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas holiday. Ours was filled with family, friends, and food. We made tamales at our houses, and other family members brought rice, beans, and a brisket. Of course, I also made a few pies. My niece loves strawberry pie, so that was a must! It was so much fun watching the children open their gifts, playing games with the family, and my SIL brought a pinata for the kids. So much fun!
Once Christmas is over, thoughts turn to New Year’s Eve and the goals for the coming year. Have you started working on your resolutions yet? I’ve compiled some of my most popular blog posts to help with that.
Pets
Are you adopting a pet this year, or did you get a puppy for Christmas? My Bruno was a Christmas gift from my husband last year, and I published the sweater pattern I designed for him. There are 2 puppy sizes, and I’m going to work on an adult pug sweater before the weather gets cold in Texas.
Many people love to organize their home for the new year, so here are several adorable eyeglass holders to crochet so you’ll always know where your glasses are.
If you’ve been wanting to learn how to crochet, start with this simple Rainbow Scarf. The YouTube tutorial gives you step-by-step instructions to make yourself a lovely scarf, or you can gift it to your favorite person.
Snowflake Kitchen Boa Crochet Pattern in Tunisian Stitch
Already know how to crochet but want to learn a new stitch? Try Tunisian with this lovely Snowflake Kitchen Boa tutorial.
Hey! Thought you’d like to try Ibotta, a cash back rewards app that I use to make real money every time I shop for groceries, online purchases, and more! Just use my referral code “eugysjd” at registration. Sign up at → https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/8cc13c64?friend_code=eugysjd
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Well, things are moving along with my Texas crochet book to be published by the end of the month. That’s the good news. The bad news is I haven’t had time for much else lately. For Valentine’s Day, though, I have a free heart eyeglass holder crochet pattern. He’s as cute as a button and can be finished in an evening.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (8 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (12 sc).
Rnd 4: *Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, * repeat around (16 sc).
Rnd 5: *Sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (20 sc).
Rnd 6: *Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 7: *Sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (28 sc).
Rnd 8: *Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (32 sc).
Rnd 9: *Sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnd 10: *Sc in each of next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (40 sc).
Rnd 11: *Sc in each of next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (44 sc).
Rnd 12: *Sc in each of next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (48 sc).
Rnd 13: *Sc in each of next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (52 sc).
Rnd 14: *Sc in each of next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (56 sc).
Rnd 15: *Sc in each of next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (60 sc).
Rnds 16-25: Sc in each st.
Rnd 26: Ch 10, sk 30 sts, sc in rem 30 sts. Do not join.
Rnd 27: Sc in each ch and sc around (40 sc).
Rnd 28: *Dec, sc in next 6 sts,* repeat around (35 sc).
Rnd 29: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 30: *Dec, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat around (25 sc).
Rnd 31: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (20 sc).
Rnd 32: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (15 sc).
Rnd 33: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (10 sc).
Rnd 34: *Dec around (5 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Thread this length through needle and pull through rem 5 sts. Pull tight to close. Stuff bottom and top half.
Return to unused sts of Rnd 26. Sc in each st and rem loops of 10 ch (40 sc).
Repeat Rnds 28-31: Stuff. Repeat Rnds 32-34. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Thread this length through needle and pull through rem 5 sts. Pull tight to close.
EARS (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With red yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *2 sc in first st, sc in next st,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnds 4-5: Sc in each st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.
Lat flat and sew Rnd 5 closed. Curve ear slightly and sew to side of head between Rnds 16-26.
SHOES (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With black yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *2 sc in first st, sc in next st,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnds 4-6: Sc in each st.
Rnd 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 16 sts. Leave rem sts unworked.
Rnds 8-11: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Fasten off leaving 6” length for sewing. Turn inside out. Fold heel and sew both sides of Rnd 11 together. Turn back to right side.
LEGS:
Rnd 1: Attach white yarn at back of shoe opening. Ch 1, work 16 sc evenly spaced around opening. Do not join.
Rnds 2-6: Sc in each st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing. Stuff legs very firmly to support body. Sew legs to body starting at Rnd 6 of body.
The other good news (for you) is that I need to clear space in my craft room for the new books, so I’m offering the remaining stock of crochet calendars free to anyone who will pay for shipping (limit one per customer please) while supplies last. That’s a great bargain for 12 kitchen crochet patterns in a variety of themes.
Follow my blog, Instagram or Facebook to get updates on my new book – over 30 Texas-style crochet patterns. Free pattern – Texas Flag Christmas Tree Ornament
Beer Mug Earflap Hat Crochet Pattern (Women’s and Men’s Sizes)
The end of May is graduation season, so I created this cute little owl to make for your graduate. He can sit on the nightstand in the dorm room and guard their eyeglasses. There are several variations of the crocodile stitch, so I have posted a video on YouTube for this version.
The owl works up quickly with worsted weight yarn using about 2 1/3 ounce of ombre or variegated and 1 ounce of a matching solid color.
Rnd 1: With ombre yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: *Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, * repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 5: *Sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 6: *Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnd 7: *Sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc).
Rnd 8: *Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (48 sc).
Rnd 9: *Sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (54 sc).
Rnd 10: *Sc in each of next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (60 sc). Join with sl st.
Rnd 11: Ch 4 (counts as 3 dc plus ch-1), dc in same st, sk 2 sts, *(dc, ch 1, dc) in same st (V-stitch made), sk 2 sts,* repeat around (20 V-stitches). Join with sl st in 3rd ch of ch-4.
Rnd 12: Ch 1, in first V-stitch, *work 5 dc around post of first dc of V-stitch, then work 5 dc around post of second dc of V-stitch (crocodile stitch made). Sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (10 croc st).
Rnd 13: Ch 4, dc in same st, *V-stitch in center of croc st, V-stitch in center of V-stitch,* repeat around. End with V-stitch in last croc, sl st in 3rd ch of ch-4.
Rnds 14-20: Repeat Rnds 11 & 12 three times, then repeat Rnd 12 once more. Fasten off ombre yarn.
Rnd 21: Switch to solid yarn, ch 1, *sc in V-stitch, 2 sc across first half of croc st, sc in center of croc st, 2 sc across 2nd half of croc st,* repeat around (60 sc).
Rnds 22-26: Sc in each sc. Do not join.
Rnd 27: *Dec, sc in next 8 sts,* repeat around (54 sc).
Rnd 28: *Dec, sc in next 7 sts,* repeat around (48 sc).
Rnd 29: *Dec, sc in next 6 sts,* repeat around (42 sc).
Rnd 30: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat around (36 sc).
Rnds 31-33: Sc in each st. Join with sl st at end of Rnd 33.
Insert pantyhose into body to prevent stuffing from showing, stuff pantyhose.
Rnd 34: Holding both sides of Rnd 33 tog, sc through both thicknesses to close. Fasten off.
EYES: (Make 2)
With ombre yarn, ch 23, Join with sl st in 1st ch. Ch 1, hdc in each ch. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Sew eyes to top of body and glue googly eyes inside.
WINGS: (Make 2)
Row 1: With solid yarn, ch 8, hdc in 2nd ch and in next 6 chs. (7 hdc).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 hdc in first st, hdc in remaining sts (8 hdc).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st with 2 hdc in last st (9 hdc).
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in 1st st, *sk 1 st, 4 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sc in next st,* repeat once. Fasten off leaving 12” length. Sew to sides above top croc st row with scalloped edge toward the front.
BEAK:
Rnd 1: With orange yarn, ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts (4 sc).
Rnd 3: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts (5 sc).
Rnd 4: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 4 sts (6 sc).
Rnd 5: *2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts (8 sc). Fasten off leaving 6” length. Sew beak to face between eyes.
Cut 4 pieces of yarn 3″ long. Fold 2 in half, insert hook into top corner of head, pull loops through, then pull ends through loop. Repeat on the other side of the head.
For a book containing all 15 eyeglass holder crochet patterns (available in Kindle and paperback formats), please visit my Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P3WPQ2K
Last year I had the opportunity to work with a home builder to coordinate a house for Operation Finally Home that was donated to a local Marine veteran who was injured while working as a police officer after returning home. My contribution was a Thin Blue Line afghan created on the Addi Pro knitting machine.
As a follow-up to my recent post regarding TSA rules and what crafters can carry on a plane, yesterday I found this great pair of travel scissors that are TSA compliant. There’s even a keychain hole, so I can carry them everywhere!
Also released this week is the Sugar Skull Purses Crochet Patterns. Instructions include three different versions – waist bag (fanny pack), messenger bag, and neck wallet. Two versions require an approximately 4″ zipper which is very difficult to find, so I made a YouTube video on how to shorten a zipper. https://youtu.be/s8fyr_As-tA
Stay tuned for Sugar Skull Crochet Patterns ebook which will be available also on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. I am also working on some California-themed patterns and hope to visit Los Angeles next month to snap some photos.
To celebrate my new line of crochet-themed clothing, I will be giving away one free pattern for each t-shirt or set of leggings purchased through May 31, 2019. Simply place your order, then email me at lisa@myfingersfly.com with the name of the pattern you would like (ebooks not included). I will email you the requested pattern with 24 hours.
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One of the questions that I see over and over in the crochet groups on Facebook is, “Can I take my crochet hooks on a plane?” Personally, I have never had a problem with my hooks, and I carry a small nail clipper rather than scissors just to be safe. According to the TSA website, crochet hooks and knitting needles are allowed.
Scissors are allowed, but they must be less than 4″.
Airline travel involves lots of down time, so I always pack a small project in my carry-on to keep me occupied on long flights and layovers. There’s nothing more satisfying than turning down time into productive time. Enjoy your summer vacation and happy crocheting!
To celebrate Month of the Military Child, I am giving away a copy of Military Baby Sweaters Kindle book. Like the post and tag a friend by 4/28/2019 to be entered. See my Instagram for details. http://instagram.com/p/Bwr1M6fBfAX/
My most popular pattern last Mother’s Day was the Poodle Eyeglass Holder. This free pattern is available as a free download on Ravelry with instructions for crochet or to make on the Addi King knitting machine. The pattern is also available translated to Dutch by Jeannette Kemp – Poedel Brilhouder. It’s a great Mother’s Day gift, and it also works well for those of you who do spring craft shows. Several other eyeglass holders are also available including elephant, tiger, lamb, and clown. Post a photo of your poodle to Instagram and tag @myfingersfly. I’d love to see them all!
Another alternative for a Mother’s Day gift is poetry. If Mom loves the greeting cards you buy her every year and saves them in a scrapbook, she’ll flip over this poetry book. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1095818457
