Tag: Sugar skulls

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Rainbow C2C Blanket

Grab your scrap basket, pull out all those colorful yarns, and crochet a gorgeous C2C throw for yourself or as a gift. If you have worked a corner-to-corner pattern before, you know what a quick and easy stitch it is. The versatility of C2C crochet also makes it a popular project. If you have never attempted it, here’s your chance to try. You’ll love it!

As I was finishing up my Christmas projects last year, I started a new scrap basket with only rainbow colors, not yet knowing what to do with them. Rainbows have been a constant in my life – from Noah’s ark in Sunday school to Rainbow Girls as a teen to my Irish heritage with the pot of gold to family members who are part of the LGBTQ community.

This blanket can be made as a stash buster with several different hues of the same color, or you can keep it consistent with the same dye lot for each colored stripe. Either way, it is sure to brighten up your home.

PDF pattern available at
https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/rainbow-c2c-blanket-crochet-pattern

Rainbow C2C Blanket Crochet Pattern

Finished blanket measures approximately 55” square.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

   1.5 oz. red

   5 oz. orange

   7 oz. yellow

   9 oz. green

   13.5 oz. blue

   8.5 oz. purple

Size J crochet hook

Yarn needle

Gauge:  Each C2C block (3 ch, 3 dc) measures approximately 3/4”.

Directions:

Row 1: With red yarn, ch 6. Row 1 Dc in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 ch (1 block made).

Row 2: Turn, ch 6, dc in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 ch, (slip st, ch 3, 3 dc) all in ch-3 space of previous row.

Row 3: Turn, ch 6, dc in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 ch, [(slip st, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space of previous row].

Rows 4-12: Continue to work in same pattern with red yarn increasing 1 block on each row. .

Rows 13-24: Repeat Row 4 with orange yarn.

Rows 25-36: Repeat Row 4 with yellow yarn.

Rows 37-48: Repeat Row 4 with green yarn.

Rows 49-60: Repeat Row 4 with blue yarn.

Rows 61-67: Repeat Row 4 with purple yarn.

Row 68: Now work in decreasing rows as follows: With purple yarn, slip st across first 3 dc, * (slip st, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space of previous row; repeat from * to last ch-3 space; slip st in last space; turn, do NOT make a block in last space.

Rows 69-73: Continue to work decrease row with purple yarn.

Rows 74-85: Repeat Row 68 with blue yarn.

Rows 86-97: Repeat Row 68 with green yarn.

Rows 98-109: Repeat Row 68 with yellow yarn.

Rows 110-121: Repeat Row 68 with orange yarn.

Rows 122-133: Repeat Row 68 with red yarn.

Weave in all ends.

This week has been busy, as I was updating my Sugar Skull Crochet Pattern Ebook. It started as a poncho for my Goth-loving daughter, and after my trip to Mexico, I added a trio of skull purses inspired by the open-air markets in Monterrey. The ebook is currently live on Etsy and will also be listed on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats in the coming week.

https://www.etsy.com/MyFingersFly/listing/560037761/sugar-skull-crochet-patterns-ebook?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1559922239703

For the coming week, I am excited about my trip to New York and visiting the Lion Brand Studio. I lived in Queens for most of the 80’s, but the studio wasn’t opened until 2008. I am looking forward to finding more inspiration on my visit there next week. Oh, and also some Ray’s Pizza.

Rainbow Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern

Posted on by — 9 Comments

June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month – Free Turtle Pattern – Cutest Baby Crochet Contest

turtle earrings

One of my regrets of my recent trip to Atlanta was that it was not long enough. Just the downtown area alone has several attractions that I hope to return for, including the Georgia Aquarium.

Since June is National Zoo & Aquarium Month, I am hoping to make it back soon. In the meantime, I occupied myself this week with crocheting some turtles. Daughter #2 loves turtles, and I originally made the tank top in this pattern for her. The other thing that got me in a turtle mood was finding this little guy in my driveway on Memorial Day. I picked him up and put him in the grass so he wouldn’t get run over.

 

The pattern is simple, and it can be made in a variety of sizes. Use crochet cotton for jewelry or a small applique; use sport yarn for a slightly larger applique for shirts, jeans, or hats; use cotton worsted for coasters, or double the yarn for potholders. It’s also great for using up those small amounts in your scrap bucket.

Turtle Motif Razor-Back Tank Top

 

Materials:

Cotton blend razor-back tank top (I used New Boundaries Rib Tank)

Sport weight yarn – a few ounces each of MC & CC

Size G crochet hook

Needle and matching thread

Motif measures approximately 3” using sport yarn

Instructions:

BODY:

Rnd 1: With MC yarn, ch 2, 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in 1st st, 2 dc in each st around (20 dc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 3: With CC yarn, *ch 1, sc in next 2 sts of Rnd 3, dc into st in Rnd 2,* repeat around. Do not skip any sts. Join with sl st.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, inc,* repeat around. Join with sl st.

Rnd 5: With MC yarn, ch 3 dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts,* repeat around. Join with sl st.

Rnd 6: With CC yarn, ch 1, *sc in next 4 sts of Rnd 6, sc in st of Rnd 5, sk next st on Rnd 6* repeat around. Do not fasten off.

HEAD:

Row 1: Sl st in 1st st, ch 1, sc in next 4 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 4 sts.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec twice.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec. Fasten off CC.

TAIL:

Row 1: On opposite side of body from head, attach CC. Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec, fasten off.

LEGS:

Make front legs 3 sts away from head; make back legs 3 sts away from tail.

Row 1: Attach CC yarn, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 3 sts.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dc over 1st 2 sts, sc in last st.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew turtled centered onto back of tank top with matching thread.

For smaller motif to make earrings or necklace, use crochet cotton and #3 steel hook for a turtle measuring approximately 2 ½”.

 

For a larger motif to use as a coaster, use I Love This Cotton worsted yarn and a G hook for a turtle measuring approximately 5”.


Free PDF download is available at https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/turtle-motif-crochet-pattern-free-pattern

This week’s new release is Tiny Totes Crochet Patterns – available in Kindle or paperback format on Amazon. Crochet a Baby Gorilla Purse, a Horny Toad Coin Purse, a Butterfly Bag, a small Rodeo Handbag, or choose from three different styles of Sugar Skull Purses. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SBV7KVL

Also available as PDF download at https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/tiny-totes-crochet-patterns-ebook-sugar-skulls-horny-toad-mia-handbag-butterfly-and-baby-gorilla

More Turtle Patterns

Turtle Christmas Ornament

World Oceans Day – 4 Free Turtle Patterns

Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL

Extended for another week (through 6/7/19), purchase any owl merchandise and receive the Owl Eyeglass Holder Crochet Pattern free. Simply email me after your purchase, and I will email the pattern PDF to you. The pattern is still available on last week’s blog – https://myfingersflyblog.com/2019/05/24/friday-freebie-owl-eyeglass-holder/ I’d love to see photos of your finished owls. You can post them on Instagram @myfingersfly.

For those of you who live in or near San Antonio, I will be teaching a beginner’s crochet class at Michael’s in June. The project is an axe baby rattle in three styles – firefighter, lumberjack, or Viking axe. I am really looking forward to it!

https://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classroom#id=crochet-a-firefighter-viking-or-lumberjack-baby-rattle-class-s-ant-san-antonio-la-cantera-pkwy

Cutest Baby Crochet Contest

Post your cutest crocheted baby item on My Fingers Fly Facebook for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Take Baby to Work Day Sweaters – Military Edition. See link for details.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/myfingersfly/posts/?ref=page_internal

Posted on by — 14 Comments

Easter Lamb Free Pattern

The sun is shining, the birds are singing

On this lovely spring day.

Hummingbirds are searching for nectar,

And squirrels come out to play.

Lamb Eyeglass Holder Crochet Pattern

Materials:

Bernat Pipsqueak yarn – 2 oz. white

Worsted weight yarn – 1/2 oz.dark gray

Size G crochet hook

Yarn needle

Fiberfil stuffing

2 black plastic safety eyes 15 mm

Directions:

SNOUT:

Rnd 1: With dark gray 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 next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (24 sc).

Rnds 5-7: Sc in each st.

Rnd 8: 2 sc in each st (48 sc).

Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (54 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.

HEAD:

Rnd 1: With Pipsqueak 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).

Rnds 11-22: Sc in each st.

Rnd 23: *Dec, sc in next 8 sts,* repeat around (54 sc).

Rnd 24: *Dec, sc in next 7 sts,* repeat around (48 sc).

Rnd 25: *Dec, sc in next 6 sts,* repeat around (42 sc).

Rnd 26: *Dec, sc in next 5 sts,* repeat around (36 sc). Turn inside out so the fuzziest part is on the outside. Stuff snout and sew to front of head. Insert eyes through top of snout. Stuff.

Rnd 27: *Dec, sc in next 4 sts,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 28: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 29: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc). Stuff firmly.

Rnd 30: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).

Rnd 31: Dec around (6 sc). Fasten off leaving 6” length for sewing. Weave through last 6 sts and pull firmly. Sew opening closed.

EARS (Make 2):

Rnd 1: With dark gray yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (9 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (12 sc).

Rnds 4-7: Sc in each st.

Rnd 8: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (9 sc).

Rnd 9: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (6 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.Sew one ear to each side of head. Weave in all ends.

More Easter Ideas

Easter Crochet Pattern Roundup – Over 30 Free Patterns

Zoo Blog Hop Day 23 – Sheep

Easter Bunny Hot Rod Crafts

Bunny Bath Pouf Pattern

Easter Enchantment Crochet Ebook Giveaway – Flower Easter Basket Pattern

Fashion Doll Easter Bonnet

Bunny Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern

Bunny Scrubby

Fashion Doll Easter Bonnet Crochet Pattern

Eyeglass Holders

Friday Freebie, Owl Eyeglass Holder

Eyeglass Holder Crochet Patterns Ebook

Koala

Octopus

Poodle Eyeglass Holder

Fiesta in San Antonio

Spring is Fiesta time in San Antonio. If you have never visited the city, April is the perfect time. The summer heat hasn’t yet begun, and the city comes alive with festivals. The traditional Fiesta kick-off is the Oyster Bake at St. Mary’s University with food booths and live music. We attended Friday night at the Tejano stage where Jay Perez performed, followed by David Lee Garza y los Musicales. Both groups are staples of Tejano festivals all across Texas. The atmosphere at Oyster Bake was wonderful – live music, great food, and perfect spring weather.

Jay Perez and the Band – Oyster Bake 2019

 

David Lee Garza https://youtu.be/GUpTpVTOs-o

 

Fiesta will continue through April 28 with parades and festivals throughout the city. One of the most popular is the Battle of Flowers Parade commemorating the victory at San Jacinto. The parade is so popular, it’s a school holiday. Fiesta queens riding the floats in elaborate gowns are taunted with, “Show me your shoes!” What started as young women wanting to wear something comfortable over the years has become an informal contest of creativity in footwear, and the crowd loves it!

Sugar Skull Bowling Ball Bag or Market Bag

Continuing my bowling ball bag patterns with a Fiesta flair – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/sugar-skull-bowling-ball-bag-crochet-pattern-or-market-bag-crochet-pattern

Getting a head start on Mother’s Day gifts, I have combined several of my most popular potholder patterns into an ebook. These quick and easy patterns are sure to please Mom and Grandma.

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Shortly after meeting my husband over 20 years ago, I met his uncle and aunt who came to town for Christmas. Since meeting her, Tia Raquel has repeatedly invited us to visit their home in Monterrey, Mexico. Last month we finally made the trip, and we had such a good time. My husband had not been there since his teen years. Since I had never visited that area of Mexico, Raquel was determined to show me the best her city had to offer.

The entire family got together on the first night for a river boat cruise at Santa Lucia River Walk which connects the Macroplaza and Fundidora Park. The 1.55 mile long canal terminates at a large fountain which was made from a recycled smelting pot paying homage to the iron melting company who once owned the property.

As the tour guide pointed out the best spot for tourists to get a photo of Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Hill), I noticed the next peak resembles King Kong. The coincidence tickled me, as the previous week I had published my Gorilla Pilla pattern.

Cerro de la Silla

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/gorilla-pilla-crochet-pattern

It was a lovely afternoon which culminated in shopping at the Macroplaza where I found an adorable handbag for my Goth-loving daughter. I see another crochet pattern in my future!

The next day Raquel took us to Mercado Juarez, a local flea market. As much as my husband and I love to visit flea markets in our travels (we visit the one in San Antonio quite often), I have never before seen a 3-story flea market – leather goods, Mexican candies, souvenirs, and so much more. Most fascinating was the fact that every other booth sold items for spiritual wellbeing – tarot cards, religious candles, herbs, rosaries, and figurines for Dias de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It would be nice to be able to return in November for this celebration. I would definitely wear my sugar skull poncho if we return.

Ladies' Sugar Skull Poncho Crochet Pattern

Street vendors were so hard to resist. We bought cups of freshly cut fruit, had a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice and soft-serve ice cream. Then dinner at a local taqueria where we ordered sampler plates and had a taste of everything. Needless to say, my jeans were a little tight by the end of the day. Sitting outside that evening, I heard the music of an ice cream truck and considered whether I had room for dessert. It turned out to be the bread man driving slowly down the street with the tailgate open revealing his selections. I was tempted to grab some pesos from my purse, but after a day of what seemed like nonstop eating, we decided against it.

Our third and final day in Mexico found us in Villa de Santiago, 50 miles south of Monterrey to visit La Cola de Caballo, Horsetail Falls. We rode a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets leading up to the falls. The nieces opted for a horseback ride. From the observation deck, surrounded by pine, mesquite and ebony trees, the water flows off the top of the hill and falls about 80 feet down the moss-covered rocks into a pool of crystal-clear water at the bottom. It is truly an enchanting place. 

The trip down the mountain was even better than the ride up. I joined my nieces in ziplining down the mountain, flying above the trees on a gorgeous spring day. One more experience from my bucket list – It was exhilarating!

During our flight home the next morning, my mind was swimming with so many memories and so many ideas for new designs based on the beautiful state of Nueva Leon. Hopefully, I will complete a new pattern book in the coming months.

Where will we go next?