Tag: Houston

Posted on by — 11 Comments

Save the Eagles Day – Eagle Plushie Crochet Pattern

baby eagle

How were the holidays for you? Hopefully your fingers survived the crafting frenzy of the last days before Christmas.

We had a great time at the Ferrel house. Everyone came over for a tamalada – a San Antonio holiday tradition where everyone gets together to form an assembly line to make tamales for Christmas dinner. My in-laws in San Antonio along with extended family from Mexico were here for a day of eating and exchanging gifts followed by playing the Saran wrap game. This year I was proud that my gift was the most popular in the white elephant exchange – Beer Mug Hat.

beer hat staged

Last weekend I made the drive to Houston to have Christmas with daughter #2 and her family. My grandson made us a lasagna for dinner, and it was so good, I went back for seconds. I don’t like to eat so much when I have a 3-hour drive ahead of me, but it was too good to pass up.

Now that festivities are done and the new year is already 10 days old, it’s time to turn my attention to this year’s goals. I have been working diligently on my next crochet book with the expected publication date in late February. Testers are in place for many of the designs, but I will be posting several more this month. If you are interested in testing crochet patterns, please join my Facebook group at My Fingers Fly. 

Baby Eagle Plush Toy Crochet Pattern

In honor of Save the Eagles Day, this week’s free pattern is a baby eagle plush toy.

While sitting in my back yard last summer, an eagle landed in an oak tree. Since then, I have been obsessed with eagles and could not get this design out of my mind. Finally it happened! Now you can make your own baby eagle stuffed animal. Crochet a couple for a patriotic wreath, make some for the children in your family, or change the color of yarn to craft a different breed of baby bird. When working with fuzzy yarn or eyelash yarn, use the back side of the stitches as the right side of the work.

Skill level: Easy

Finished eagle measures approximately: 7″ tall.

Materials needed:

  • Yarn Bee Cloud 9 (or Bernat Pipsqueak) yarn ½ oz. gray or white
  • Yellow or tan sport yarn 2 yards
  • Crochet hook size G (4.00 mm)
  • Yarn needle
  • Polyfil
  • 2 black safety eyes 8 mm
  • Stitch markers are highly recommended for this type of yarn.

Directions:

HEAD AND BODY:

Rnd 1: With gray or white yarn and G hook, ch 2 (or magic circle), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnds 5-8: Sc in each st. Insert safety eyes at Rnd 5. If making for a baby, use double strand of black to make French knots for the eyes.

Rnd 9: *Dec, sc in next 6 sts,* repeat twice (21 sc).

Rnd 10: Sc in each st.

Rnd 11: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat twice (18 sc).

Rnds 12-15: Sc in each st. Stuff head and neck firmly.

Rnd 15: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat twice (21 sc).

Rnd 16: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat twice (24 sc).

Rnd 17: Sc in each st.

Rnd 18: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 19: Sc in each st.

Rnd 20: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).

Rnd 21: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc).

Rnds 22-31: Sc in each st.

Rnd 32: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat around (36 sc).

Rnd 33: *Dec, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 34: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 35: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc). Stuff firmly.

Rnd 36: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).

Rnd 37: Dec around (6 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Sew opening closed.

BEAK:

Rnd 1: With tan or yellow sport yarn, ch 2 (or magic circle), 3 sc in 2nd ch. Do not join. Work in continuous rounds throughout.

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,* repeat once (8 sc).

Rnd 6: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 9” length. Lay beak flat and sew closed. Sew to face below eyes.

WINGS: (Make 2)

Row 1: With gray (or white) 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). Fasten off leaving 12” length. Sew to sides at Rnd 21 with longer edge toward the front. Weave in all ends.

PDF download available at My Fingers Fly.

Bald Eagle Potholder Crochet Pattern

Final Day of Zoo Blog Hop – Birds

More Amigurumi Patterns

Zoo Blog Hop Day 23 – Sheep

Baby Gator Amigurumi – Summer Amigurumi Crochet Bundle

Jack the Sloth

Miles the Jazzy Elephant Amigurumi

Peachy Queen Amigurumi Goes to Atlanta

Addi Fat Cat Pattern

London Trip Part II – Toy Soldier Cuddler – Pumpkin Pie Earrings

Horny Toads – Texas Horned Lizard

Horny toads are again gaining in popularity. Thanks to Texas Hill Country, people are once again discovering my horny toad crochet patterns. Patterns for plush toy, hat, and coin purse are available at My Fingers Fly. Kindle and paperback versions of the book containing all three patterns are available on Amazon.

horny toad ebook small

Please share your horny toad makes on my Instagram. Follow me to keep up to date on new releases and coupon codes.

calendar promo

There are still a few 2020 Crochet Calendars available. Get one free (while supplies last) when you spend $15.00 in my Etsy shop. Each calendar contains a new kitchen crochet pattern each month, along with a 25% off coupon valid on patterns and ebooks through 12/31/2020.

Here’s to a wonderful and crafty 2020!

 

Posted on by — 18 Comments

Cher in Concert – Texas Flag Christmas Tree Ornament

Since I was a little girl watching the Sonny & Cher Show on TV, I have wanted to see her in concert. Dreams do come true – I got to see an amazing show last week in Houston. Her songs brought back so many memories, especially when she did her tribute to Sonny including video of them performing together. At 73 years old, she is an inspiration to women everywhere. She said she has never believed in saying no, and that philosophy has guided her very successful career. For those who think they’re too old or can’t do it, she says, “What is your granny doing at 73?”

Cher

Nile Rodgers & Chic

They took me back in time to the disco era with “Le Freak,” “We are Family,” and many others. Kimberly Davis’s vocal prowess is something you have to see in person!

Texas Flag/Yellow Rose Christmas Tree Ornament

This ornament is my last Christmas pattern for this year, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Add a yellow rose in the middle, or leave it without – either way it’s a must for every Texas Christmas tree.

flag ornament on tree.jpg

Finished ornament measures approximately 4” wide x 2.5” tall

Materials: Sport weight yarn – small amounts of red, blue, white, yellow Size G (4.00 mm) crochet hook Yarn needle Felt for backing Metallic cord, approximately 16”

 Directions: FLAG: Row 1: With red yarn, ch 13, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 11 ch (12 sc).  Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.  Rows 7-12: With white yarn, ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Fasten off white.

Row 1: Turn on side and work 1 sc in each row end with blue yarn (12 sc).  Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Do not fasten off.  For edging, ch 1, turn, sc in each st around with 2 sc in each corner, changing colors as needed.

Embroider star with white yarn or sew on star applique.

ROSE:  With yellow yarn, ch 20, 3 dc in 4th ch from hook, *sc in next ch, 3 dc in next ch,* repeat across. Rolling from the center, stitch in place as you roll. Sew to center of flag. Weave in all ends.

flag ornament.jpg
PDF download available at: Texas Flag Ornament Crochet Pattern 

More Christmas Ideas

Melted Snowman Ornament

Christmas in July Blog Hop

Moose Ornament

Crown Ornament

Fox Christmas Ornament

Steer Skull Ornament

Free “Handmade with Love” Gift Tags

 

Texas Horned Lizard (Horny Toads)

horny toad ebook small.png

This year’s hottest crochet pattern was the Horny Toad Plush Toy, which is available in paperback format along with the Horny Toad Hat and Horny Toad Coin Purse.

Beer Hat Crochet Pattern

beer hat staged.jpg

For your New Year’s party, here’s the perfect hat! Don’t tell anyone – I made one for the white elephant gift exchange. If you use an Addi knitting machine, there’s also a pattern for beer socks.

Beer Hat Crochet Pattern

The clock is ticking, and sales are picking up on the 2020 Crochet Calendar. Hurry to order yours before they run out.

calendar promo

Free shipping at My Fingers Fly on Etsy

If you live in the San Antonio area, you can find the calendar at the following stores:

 

It has been a wonderful year, and I’m looking forward to more good things to come in 2020. Hoping everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a successful new year.

Posted on by — 5 Comments

London Trip Part III – Crown Ornament – Cyber Week Sales

Crown Ornament Crochet Pattern

The last days of our London trip were just as amazing as the first two. Our tour guide for Windsor Castle was Alfie, and our driver for the 22-mile drive was Graham. Can’t get much more British than that! The weather was cold and rainy, but Alfie was a fountain of knowledge of British history. Windsor Castle is the Queen’s childhood home and where she spends her weekends. The first part of the tour was the church in the castle – St. George’s Chapel. Construction began on this section of the castle in the 14th century. It is called a Royal Peculiar, which is a fancy way of saying that it is under the direct jurisdiction of the monarch. The Queen’s parents and sister are interred in St. George’s Chapel, along with Henry VIII and his beloved Jane Seymour.

YouTube – Windsor Castle

The State Apartments are on the north side of the castle and contain a vast collection of artwork, antiques, artifacts, and royal china.

Outside of the castle is a shopping mall with souvenir shops and restaurants. I wanted to warm up, so we went into a pub called Bella Italia for a cappuccino. Wow! I’ve never seen a liquor with my name on it.

20191102_113214.jpg

After warming up and doing a little shopping, it was time to walk down to Bel & The Dragon Pub for lunch with the rest of the group. Their website says “The historic restaurant and tea room has been serving food and drink since the 11th Century.”

20191102_134355.jpg

Bel & The Dragon

It was a lovely luncheon with spiced cauliflower soup followed by roasted suckling pig and potatoes roasted in duck fat. After lunch and several cups of tea, we had a little time to wander the shops of the area. By this time, the rain had stopped and the view of the river was gorgeous.

20191102_133013.jpg

Once we got back to London, the rain started again, so we decided not to attend the dinner cruise on the River Thames. Instead, we opted for Trader Vic’s in our hotel for drinks and an excellent steak dinner.

Texans v. Jaguars

Sunday started out with a pregame party at Sway with tailgate-style food and two of the best party hosts ever. Sway Bar

Screenshot_20191129-160721_Instagram

The hat is from a pattern in my Etsy shop – Football Earflap Hat.

Then it was back onto the bus for the 1-hour ride to Wembley Stadium. The attendance that day was 85,000 people – wow! I never realized Europeans like American football so much, but we were surrounded by British, French, German, and Croatian fans. Fortunately, our Texans won the game.

20191103_130732.jpg

It was an unforgettable adventure!

Crown Christmas Tree Ornament

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn:

0.4 oz. red

0.2 oz. gold metallic

Crochet hook size G (4.00 mm)

Finished crown measures approximately 2-3/4” diameter by 1½” tall.

Directions:

RED:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic circle). Sc 7 in second ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (14 sc).

Rnd 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (21 sc).

Rnd 4: *1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (28 sc).

Rnd 5: *1 sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (35 sc).

Rnd 6: Working in back loop only, mark first st and sc in each st around. Do not join.

Rnds 7-10: Working in both loops, sc in each st in continuous rounds.

Rnd 11: *Dec, sc in next 3 sc,* repeat around (28 sc).

Rnd 12: *Dec, sc in next 2 sc,* repeat around (21 sc).

Rnd 13: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (14 sc).

Rnd 14: Dec around (7 sc). Fasten off leaving 4” length. Thread this length through yarn needle and draw up all 7 sts. Pull tight to close.

GOLD:

Rnd 1: Go back to marker at Rnd 6 of red. Using remaining loop, attach gold metallic yarn, ch 1, sc in each st (36 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc in next st, sk next st, (2 dc, ch-3 picot, 2 dc) in next st, sk next st,* repeat around. Join with sl st.

Ch 14, sl st on opposite side of crown with ch-14 going across top of crown. Join with sl st to gold crown. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Mark halfway point between the ends of the ch-14 and attach gold yarn. Ch 14, going across top of crown and sl st in opposite side of crown. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Use both one 6” length to tack down tops of ch-3 picots. Use the other 6” length to tack down both ch-14s. Weave in all ends.

Picot: Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.

PDF download available at My Fingers Fly on Etsy

More about our London trip –

London Trip Part II – Toy Soldier Cuddler – Pumpkin Pie Earrings

London – Phone Booth Scarf Pattern

Another ornament I made this past week is a pumpkin pie. Last week’s free pattern was earrings, so I changed to worsted weight yarn and a G hook to make a pie large enough for a Christmas tree ornament. Pumpkin Pie Earrings

pumpkin pie ornament.jpg

With the holidays upon us, crocheters (and all crafters) are super busy, but there are many opportunities to discover new patterns for your Christmas gift list. I have joined the Sunflower Cottage Crochet 12 days of Christmas Round-up – 10 designers and 16 patterns. 12 Days of Christmas

More Christmas Patterns

Melted Snowman Ornament

Steer Skull Ornament

Fox Christmas Ornament

Texas Flag Christmas Tree Ornament

Roller Skate Christmas Stocking

2020 Crochet Calendar

Use code CROCHET2020 to get free domestic first class shipping on my 2020 Crochet Calendar. Free Shipping

Shop my Etsy shop during Cyber Week to get 20% off any $5.00 purchase. My Fingers Fly on Etsy

Join me on Instagram for a giveaway!

Posted on by — 5 Comments

London – Phone Booth Scarf Pattern

London the second time around was so much better. Last August, we winged it. This year we went on as a group for the Houston Texans game and signed up for all the tours available. NFL On Location handled everything, and we got to see so much more of the city than we did last year. After arriving in London and checking in at the Hilton Park Lane hotel, we were treated to brunch by the Hard Rock Café just around the corner.

20191031_134451.jpg

That afternoon was a tour of the city on a double-decker bus, culminating in a ride on the London Eye. It’s a 30-minute ride during which you can see all of London. Our tour included a champagne toast with our group.

https://youtu.be/dLNv1f3Kd4U

Since my first visit to London last year, I have been toying with the idea of a scarf made to look like the phone bbooths scattered around London. For this trip, I just had to make one and get a photo.

London Phone Booth Scarf

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn –

4 oz. red

2.5 oz. white

Few yards yellow

Crochet hook size H (5.00 mm)

Yarn needle

Gauge:

7 dc + 2”; 4 rows = 2”

Women’s scarf measures approximately 7.5” wide by 52” long (instructions are given to lengthen scarf if desired).

Directions:

Row 1: With red yarn, ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 2 (sc, ch-2 counts as first dc), dc in each ch across (24 dc).

Row 2: Turn, sc in first st, ch 2, dc in st across.

Rows 3-94: Repeat sts of Row 2, alternating colors as per chart.

Rows 95-97: Turn, sc in 1st st, ch 2, dc next 2 sts tog, sc across to last 2 sts, dc next 2 sts tog. (18 dc at end of Row 97). Do not fasten off. If a longer scarf is desired, repeat Rows 7-14 until desired length.

Edging:

At end of Row 97, ch 1, turn, sc in each st across top, sc down the side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. Work 3 sc in each corner, sc across bottom, 3 sc in corner, sc up other side with 2 sc in the side of each dc. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Crown:

Rnd 1: With yellow (or gold) yarn, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch and next 7 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting ch, sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc in last ch (20 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 10, sk 3 sts, sc in 4th st, ch 10, sk 3 sts, sl st in next st.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, turn, 12 sc around 1st ch-10. Sl st in sc, ch 7, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot), *ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch,* repeat once, sl st in remaining 3 ch, sl st in sc between 2 ch-10s, ch 1, work 12 sc around ch-10 loop, sl st in Rnd 1. Fasten off leaving length for sewing. Center crown at top of scarf and sew in place. Weave in ends.

crown applique

YouTube video for crown

Pattern Testers Wanted

unicorn outside.jpg

Looking for unique patterns for Christmas gift this year? Join my Facebook testers group and check out the patterns available for testing. All you need is a basic knowledge of crochet and the desire to give feedback on the patterns. Most of my designs are easy to Intermediate.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/875538646117910/

United States Marine Corps Birthday

Marine Baby Sweater

Veterans Day, November 11

eagle-potholder

Bald Eagle Potholder

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/bald-eagle-crochet-pattern

2020 Crochet Calendar

Update your kitchen with a new crochet pattern each month. Twelve patterns on a hanging wall calendar – a great value at only $14.99 each. Makes a great Christmas gift for the crafters on your list.

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/2020-crochet-calendar-12-kitchen-crochet-patterns

Calendars printed by Printing Center USA.

Next Week:

Etsy Sale

Help me get to 1400 sales in my Etsy shop this week. Use code 1400SALES to get 14% off any item through 11/10/19. Also, the person who purchases the 1400th item gets a free gift with their order.

My Fingers Fly on Etsy

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Rolling Stones – Football is Back

My husband and I are slowly working our way through our travel bucket list, and July was a double. Not only did we get to see Queen in Houston, but a few days later we saw the Rolling Stones. It was one day after Mick Jagger’s 76th birthday and just a few months after heart surgery, but he hasn’t slowed down a bit which left us all wondering, where does he get the stamina? It was an amazing show. NRG stadium was filled to capacity. Opening act was Bishop Gun, a Natchez, Mississippi band, probably the first opening act I have ever enjoyed.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts showed us that they have no intention of slowing down, even after 55 years of performing.

Charlie Watts
Ronnie Wood
Keith Richards
Mick Jagger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puGQdprrr9w

I’m not sure what will be next on the bucket list as far as music, but next week’s post will be about our trip to Los Angeles. What’s on your bucket list?

Football is back!

Last night’s game between the Texans and the Green Bay Packers didn’t turn out the way that I hoped, but at least it was an exciting game to watch. I love autumn – football, cooler weather, Halloween. It’s also when I get serious about crocheting items for my Christmas gift list. This week’s freebie is actually a knitting pattern, but it’s a simple pattern that works up quickly on a circular needle with worsted weight yarn. Use brown and white for traditional football colors, or use your favorite team’s colors. I would love to see photos of your earwarmer on my Instagram at http://instagram.com/myfingersfly.

Football Earwarmer

To download a PDF version, see https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/football-earwarmer-knit-pattern-free-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=cdfe9acb7&_ss=r

August – Back to School Month – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/school?_pos=1&_sid=8a30de041&_ss=r

August 9 – Book Lover’s Day –

August 10 – Bowling Day – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/boob-bowling-ball-bag-crochet-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=d485fdd01&_ss=r

August 15 – Relaxation Day – http://www.myfingersfly.com

August 16 – Airborne Day – https://www.myfingersfly.com/blogs/news/military-baby-sweaters?_pos=1&_sid=876a0c5fc&_ss=r