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Mission Inn, Riverside – Bald Eagle Crochet Potholder – Labor Day Sale

Here I am, sitting at the airport waiting to start another California adventure. This time I will be going to Riverside and staying at the historic Mission Inn. It was built as a boarding house in 1876 and was designated as a historic landmark in 1977. Several wings have been added over the years, including the Cloister, the Spanish Wing, and the Rotunda Wing. The oldest bell in Christendom (dated 1247) is currently housed at the Mission Inn.

Mission Inn Courtyard
https://www.missioninn.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2K3rBRDiARIsAOFSW_4C161I284X84mXQgBoXYuGJG8vroDwt4zWgovjJz1ulM0iVeL_hQwaAg71EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I am so looking forward to exploring this beautiful inn and the surrounding Riverside community. What new designs will this trip inspire? I promise to take lots of photos and post them next week.

This week includes both Labor Day and V-J Day on September 2. V-J Day celebrates the day that Japan surrendered to the U.S. to end World War II on September 2, 1945. To honor the veterans of that war and all U.S. veterans, this week’s free pattern is a Bald Eagle Potholder.  Eagle Plushie Crochet Pattern is also available. 

For PDF download, click here
https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/bald-eagle-crochet-pattern

Materials:

Peaches & Crème cotton worsted yarn

     ½ oz. brown

     ½ oz. white

     Few yards gold

     1 yd black

Crochet hook size J

Yarn needle

Directions:

Row 1: With double strand of brown yarn, ch 16. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each of th enext 14 chs (15 sc).

Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Rows 6-7: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc across (13 sc). Fasten off brown.

Row 8: Switch to white yarn. Ch 1, turn, sc in 1st st, *sk next st, 3 dc in corresponding st of Row 6, sk next st, sc in next st,* repeat twice.

Rows 9-10: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc across, dec (9 sc).

Rows 11-13: Repeat Row 6 (6 sc).

Rows 14-17: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 18: Repeat Row 9. Fasten off white.

EDGING:

With right side facing, attach brown yarn at side of Row 7. Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each row end with 2 sc in last row end. Sc in each unused loop of beg ch with 2 sc in last ch. Continue up side with sc, changing to white at Row 8. Sc around head in same manner with 3 sc in corners. At center top of head, ch 6, sl st in same st for hanging loop.

BEAK:

With double strand of gold yarn, ch 4. Counting backwards on white sts, in 7th st from brown section, sl st in 7th st. Sc in 1st ch, 2 sc in next ch, sc in next ch, 3 sc in next ch. Working on opposite side of ch, dec, sc in last ch. Sl st in next white st on head. Fasten off with 12” length. Use this length for straight sts to better define the beak.

Use double strand of black to make French knot for the eye. Weave in all ends.

Stay tuned for October’s release – Kitchen Crochet Pattern 2020 Calendar – which will include the bald eagle along with 11 other patterns to make for your kitchen.

More Potholder Designs

Zoo Blog Hop Day 21 – Giraffes

Beaver

Smiling Duck

Kitchen Crochet Pattern Ebook – 17 Patterns in PDF format

LABOR DAY SALE

There’s still time to get 15% off all crochet-themed gifts – t-shirts, leggings, tote bags, and coffee mugs. Use coupon code LABORDAY through 9/2/2019.

https://www.myfingersfly.com/discount/LABORDAY

With the holidays coming up, I will have several new patterns. As always, pattern testers are needed. See my Facebook group for more information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/875538646117910/?source_id=106106443174

Happy travels and happy crocheting!

 

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Friday Freebie, Owl Eyeglass Holder

owl crochet pattern

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.

To download the pattern as a PDF or to see other eyeglass holders, please visit https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/owl-eyeglass-holder-crochet-pattern
Please remember to share your projects on Instagram @myfingersfly.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

   2 1/3  oz. ombre or variegated

   1 oz. solid

   Few yards orange

Size G crochet hook

Yarn needle

Plastic googly eyes 40 mm

Fiberfil

Pantyhose

Crocodile stitch video – https://youtu.be/HN_SNZDW21w

Directions:

BODY:

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. 

YouTube tutorial

Visit My Fingers Fly on Etsy to purchase a complete crochet kit. 

More Owl Patterns

owl crochet patterns

Zoo Blog Hop Day 2 – Owl Crochet Patterns

More Eyeglass Holders

Koala

Easter Lamb Free Pattern

Eyeglass Holder Crochet Patterns Ebook

Poodle

Octopus

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.

https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/thin-blue-line-afghan-pattern-for-addi-pro-thin-red-line-afghan-pattern-for-addi-pro

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

http:// https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/sugar-skull-purses-crochet-pattern
These bags were inspired by a purse I bought for my daughter on our recent trip to Monterrey, Mexico.

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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Free Infinity Scarf Crochet Pattern for Mother’s Day

This week has been a busy one for me preparing the launch of a new section of my store – fiber-themed t-shirts and accessories. It’s always exciting to start a new venture, but it can be intimidating, too. My Fingers Fly will now offer t-shirts, coffee cups, tote bags, and more with silly crochet characters. 

http://www.myfingersfly.com

Love Crochet, Owl Always Love Yarn, Yarnicorn, Flamingo Fiber Artist

After my recent posting about TSA rules and what fiber artists can carry on a plane, my sister found this wonderful tool. I’m going to order one and try it out on my next trip. https://www.amazon.com/Clover-3106-Cutter-Pendant-Antique/dp/B000WV1YC0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=P3BAUQIMAAK6&keywords=yarn+cutter+pendant&qid=1557501090&s=gateway&sprefix=yarn+cutt%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-3

Yarn Cutter Pendant

Next week will be National Police Week (May 13 to May 19, 2019). One of my favorite baby patterns is the Police Baby Sweater with a donut-shaped baby rattle. The sweater is crocheted in baby weight yarn and can be personalized with any color uniform you choose.

Through Sunday, May 12, this pattern and all crochet patterns in my Etsy shop are on sale for 99 cents. Time to stock up! https://www.etsy.com/MyFingersFly/listing/490181460/baby-police-officer-sweater-crochet?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1557501419591

For the procrastinators who didn’t order Mom’s gift in time, you can still get the Kindle version of Poems for Mothers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R7HJ56Z

There’s also still time to crochet a gift for mom. The Lacy Infinity Scarf works up quickly in one evening and can be made with any yarn you have in your stash.

PDF download available at
https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/lacy-infinity-scarf-crochet-pattern

Materials:

Approximately 5 oz. worsted yarn  

Crochet hook size J

Yarn needle

Directions:

Row 1: Ch 25, dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as dc and ch 1), *sk 1 ch, dc next ch, ch 1* repeat from *.

Row 2: Ch 4, *dc in ch-1 space, ch 1,* repeat from * across. Dc in ch-4 space.

Repeat Row 2 until scarf measures 60”.

Last row: Ch 1, turn. Sl st last row and 1st row together.

Fringe: Cut 12” lengths of yarn. Insert hook in end of row from top to bottom and pull through 3 pieces of yarn and knot.

I hope your mother enjoys wearing it as much as you’ll enjoy making it!

Wishing you all a happy Mother’s Day and happy crocheting!

More Mother’s Day Ideas

Zebra Coin Purse

Mother’s Day Handbag Blog Hop

Poodle Eyeglass Holder

Sugar Skull Jewelry

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in Crochet