"Recycled Crayons"

We made some new crayons using old crayons, thanks to the help of this blog post at Lil Blue Boo:
http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/recycled-crayons-a-tutorial.html

We had WAY more broken and unwrapped crayons than I thought.  For this entire project, I only used about half of what I ended up with here.

These silicone ice cube trays come in fun shapes and can be found for only $1! I also put foil underneath on the cookie sheet since it was one of my "good" ones. Don't forget to preheat the oven. I used the lowest setting on mine, which was "warm".

Little Miss R just had to peel more wrappers off. It was good help since she really wanted pink crayons.

 

I used a sharp knife and carefully cut the crayons into very small pieces. I think next time I try slightly larger pieces to see how the finished product looks.  They key, either way I think, is to put colors together that can go together.  Too many colors = brown crayons. Also, the washable ones leave a white wax on the top of each crayon, so I tried to mix washable with regular.

 

I tried to heap a pile in each spot, but in the end I could have used even more.  They really melt down, so pile it in there!

 

I checked on these often and left them in the oven until I couldn't see any more un-melted chunks. Once they were all liquid, I SLOWLY put the cookie sheet on  cooling rack until they were...

 

CRAYONS!

 

 

Pattern: Short Order Toddler Mittens

Short Order Toddler Mittens
By Erica Knudson

www.handmadebyerica.blogspot.com

One day, my little girl told me she needed some rainbow mittens. These mittens are the result of the order she put it.  It’s a great project for using up some scrap yarn, but can require a LOT of weaving in ends if you choose to do the whole rainbow, like I did. It’s definitely worth it in the end! 
Otherwise, you can choose whatever color combination you’re in the mood for, though I think a minimum of three colors would make them look the coolest. I’m looking forward to making a pair of these with only three colors soon.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn in a bunch of colors – seven if you’re doing the whole rainbow (photo here in Vanna’s Choice) – You should only need 10 yards total of each strip color.  For the color of the cuff and thumbs, let’s say another 10 yards.  A little goes a long way on little hands!
Size 7 DPNs
Waste Yarn
Tapestry Needle
Stitch marker, if desired, to mark the end of the round

I’m going to make notes on color changes in the pattern. Adjust to whatever scheme you choose. For the example, shown in the photo, here are the colors I’ll reference;

Pink [A],   Orange [B],   Yellow [C],   Green [D],   Blue [E],   Indigo (dk. blue here)[F],   and Purple [G]

Instructions (from the Cuff [bottom] - up):

Cast on 24 sts in [A]. Join, without twisting, in the round.  If you prefer to use a stitch marker to mark the end of the round, place it here and move it up with each row.

Work k2, p2 ribbing for 10 rounds. – 24 sts

Next row, knit around. – 24 sts

Hand, Setting the thumb sts, and Fingers/Shaping:

 

Repeating the chart above across each round, you will knit in stockinette for the remainder of the hand. 

Choose which color is the main color of each stripe (empty squares in chart) and which is the color for the flecks (black squares in chart), and then make sure to rotate the colors through as you move up.  You may see the photos of the finished mittens as reference. Please notice that every other row is simply knit around in the main color of that particular stripe.

It’s a lot of stranding, but hang in there!  The end result is awesome and it’s good to have the stranding close since little fingers aren’t used to navigating those flyers inside. Also, don’t cut your yarn too soon as you’ll use the main color from the previous section for the flecks of the next section. - Just trying to save you some sewing in the end.

So…

Starting in pattern, use [G] for the main color and [A] for the flecks. Complete 4 rows total, which is the same as once through the chart.

Then, using [F] for the main color and [G] for flecks, complete 4 more rows, the same as once through the chart.

Then, using [E] for the main color and [F] for flecks, knit the first 3 rows of the chart. On the fourth row,

Right Mitten: Knit in pattern until 5 sts remain. Knit last 5 sts onto waste yarn, transfer the sts back to your left needle and knit those 5 sts in pattern. You should be at the end of the round.

Left  Mitten: Knit 7, knit next 5 sts onto waste yarn, transfer the sts back to your left needle and knit those 5 sts in pattern.  Then continue in pattern to the end of the round.

Sometimes I make the “right” and “left” versions of a mitten and find that they could have saved time and said, “make the second mitten identically.” If you’d rather save the hassle, just make both mittens the same way.  If you’re familiar with stranding or striping, you may be able to see the seam where the rounds change, which is why I made a right and left mitten. A toddler probably won’t mind either way.

Continuing on, using [D] for the main color and [E] for flecks, complete 4 more rows, the same as once through the chart.

Then, using [C] for the main color and [D] for flecks, complete 4 more rows, the same as once through the chart.

Using [B] for the main color and [C] for flecks, complete 4 more rows, the same as once through the chart.

Finally, using Using [A] for the main color and [B] for flecks, and in pattern with the chart:

                Row 1: Knit 10, k2tog, k10, k2tog

                Row 2: Knit 3, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k3, k2tog, k4, k2tog

                Row 3: Knit 7, k2tog, k7, k2tog

                Row 4: (k2, k2tog) 4 times – 12 sts remaining

With [A], (k2tog) around. – 6 sts remaining

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a tapestry needle, pass tail of yarn through all remaining 6 sts and pull tight. I like to pass it through all the stitches a second time, too.

Thumb:

Pick out waste yarn at space set for thumb and put them back onto needles – 5 sts at the top of the space and 5 sts at the bottom. Also, pick up one st from each side. – 12 sts total.
I then moved them around to be on three needles, 4 sts each, because my brain likes it that way.
With [F], knit around 8 rows. – 12 sts each

Next row: (k1, k2tog) 4 times. – 8 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a tapestry needle, pass tail of yarn through all remaining 6 sts and pull tight. I like to pass it through all the stitches a second time, too.

Finishing:

Weave in ends, ends and more ends, reinforcing the sts or spaces around the thumb.

Block if desired.

Enjoy!

Key:
k = knit
k2tog = knit 2 together, a method of decreasing
St, sts = stitch, stitches

My finished product, unblocked and un-stretched, fits a toddler or small child…

5.5-inch circumference around the hand and 4.5 inches from fingertip to the end of the palm. If it helps, the thumb fits a 1.5-inch length thumb.

 

A view indside...

Pattern: Baby Nolan's Hat

Baby Nolan’s Hat

By Erica Knudson

www.handmadebyerica.blogspot.com

This is just a quickly-knitted baby hat, made in-the-round, that’s easily personalized with stripes, a monogram, shape, or simpl

y with a favorite color. I believe it is a 3-6 month size.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn (photo here in Vanna’s Choice) – Half a skein should be enough for this size
Size 6 DPNs
Tapestry Needle
Stitch marker, if desired, to mark the end of the round
Graph paper, if desired, to design monogram or shape for stranding
Yarn for monogram or design

Instructions (from the bottom up):

Cast on 60 sts. Join, without twisting, in the round.  If you prefer to use a stitch marker to mark the end of the round, place it here and move it up with each row.

Work k2, p2 ribbing for 8 rounds. – 60 sts

Next row, (k28, k2tog) twice. – 58 sts

Knit around. – 58 sts

Knit 15 rows in stockinette (knit around, every row), incorporating your monogram if desired. – 58 sts

I started my chart after 2 plain rows of stockinette. I simply completed one row of the chart and finished each row by knitting around in the main color.

Here is an example of a monogram, the chart I used for the letter “N”:

 

Next row: (k2tog, k13, k2tog, k12) twice. – 54 sts

Knit around. – 54 sts

(k7, k2tog) around. – 48 sts

Knit around. – 48 sts

(k2, k2tog) around. – 36 sts

Knit around. – 36 sts

(k2, k2tog) around. – 27 sts

Knit around. – 27 sts

(k1, k2tog) around. – 18 sts

(k1, k2tog) around. – 12 sts

(k2tog) around. – 6 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a tapestry needle, pass tail of yarn through all remaining 6 sts and pull tight. I like to pass it through all the stitches a second time, too.

Finishing:

Weave in ends.  Block if desired.

Enjoy!

Key:
k = knit
k2tog = knit 2 together, a method of decreasing
St, sts = stitch, stitches

My finished product, unblocked and un-stretched, was 6 inches tall and about 12” circumference at the brim.

It's a Boy! and "I Love You" Hearts

Our little boy was born in October.

Baby sweater I knit early this fall.  It turns out the blue striping paid off, considering we had a boy.

"I Love You" hearts that I made for our little girl to carry in her pocket while we were away having a baby at the hospital.  I left an envelope of these at home for the Grandmas to hand out at their discretion.

I used fabric scraps, quilt batting scraps, and roughly sewed them with just a needle and thread.  Each heart is only about the size of a quarter.

 

I hope you're enjoying what is left of the fall weather. 

Me, I'm dreaming of Christmas lights and gingerbread cookies already - which is not a normal thing for me, but is something that I'm ok with. 

This week, I found a zippered pouch that I'd stored away and decided to personalize it a little.  It's made of duffle bag material, but a regular sewing needle went through it easily. I used 3 strands of embroidery floss and decided on a monogram for the "design".

 

First, I measured out the center and drew my "K" on the front with a ball point pen.  (I knew I'd be embroidering over it, so it wasn't a big deal to me.

 

I did a main outline in a light brown (above) and follwed in the empty spaces with light silver.

I finished with another solid line of dark silver... Ta-dah!

 This will be a good, manly diaper pouch for when my man takes our little girl to the park...

36 Weeks and Counting

36 Weeks Along Now

Leaves, More Fun than Ever

Pumpkin Beanies for Volunteer Project
(Pattern Here)

More Busy Summer Photos

We've been getting in as much fun time this summer as we can... I haven't had much time for pattern designing, but I have been working on projects like crazy to try and get everything finished before Baby arrives (in approximately 5 weeks or less).  




Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Sasqauatch Knitting Party that a Friend and I hosted...
A LOT of fun.

 

Baby Gift for a Friend

 

Playtime Ideas

My little girl likes to sit with me and pretend she's putting on make-up when I do, so I saved some old compacts, scraped out the makeup, and put a coat of acrylic paint on the inside.
 
I thought she'd feel like she has the fancy stuff.  Too bad she noticed I scraped all the old crusty make-up out. Apparently she liked that part...

Anja's Baby Hat

By Erica Knudson


This pattern is for babies 0-3 months. ** I've edited this page to add notes for making larger sizes -  at the bottom!

Materials used: Size H hook, worsted weight yarn, and a stitch marker to mark the start of each new row (if desired).

Anja's Baby Hat
By Erica Knudson

1. Chain 7 + 2 = 9 for base chain.

2. Dc in third ch from hook and across – 7

3. Turn, sl st across – 7

4. Turn, ch 2, dc in back loops across – 7


Rows 5 – 42: Repeat rows 3 & 4 until 13 inches long (21 dc rows total).


43. Sl st both ends of band together with RS facing out.

44. Sc 42 sts around edge of brim (in the same color as the brim). Sl st to join. – 42

45. Ch 2, dc around, sl st to join the round. Sl st to join. – 42

46. Repeat row 45 – 42

47. Repeat row 45 – 42

48. Ch 2, (dc in next 5 sts, dc2tog) around. Sl st to join. – 36

49. Ch 2, dc around. Sl st to join. – 36

50. Ch2, (dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog) around. Sl st to join. – 30

51. Ch2, (dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog) around. Sl st to join. – 24

52. Ch2, (dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) around. Sl st to join. – 18

53. Ch2, (dc in next st, dc2tog) around. Sl st to join. – 12

54. (dc2tog) around Sl st to join. – 60

55. Dc2tog around until satisfied with the closure, between 3 and 5 times.

56. Fasten off. Weave in ends.


Key:

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
RS = right side
dc2tog = double crochet 2 together, a method of decreasing


**Please do not sell this pattern.

**If you wish to make a larger size,  you'll find this link helpful:  

http://anniespictureperfect.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-properly-size-crochet-hats-chart.html?m=1 

For example,  if you'd want a 3-6 month size,  you'd  make your band 15 inches long.  You'd seam it according to the pattern and then pick up about 49 single crochet stitches  around for the body of the hat.  For this size,  the height of the hat would need to be at least 6 inches finished to cover those little ears.  When you can see you'd reach that height including the decreases,  just decrease evenly  until you reach the tip. I liked this hat just a little longer and pointier,  but you'll see what you like when you're making it.   

Toddler Striped Shrug

Toddler Striped Shrug
Erica Knudson

The example in the photo was made with worsted weight yarn and a size I crochet hook. (I changed yarn color for each stripe and used a single color for the border.)

Chain 70 + 2 for base chain – 72

1. Dc in third ch from hook and each st across – 70

2. Turn, ch 2, dc in each st across – 70

3. Repeat row 2 twelve (12) more times for a total of fourteen (14) rows or stripes.

4. Border:

Continue, as in last rows, with a ch 2 and dc across, but continue on around the entire border of the shrug. *I crocheted dc along the long edges and hdc along the short edges, which will be the arm holes. So, in each corner, I used 3 hdc to make it smooth.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

5. Seams:

Bring together long sides of rectangle with the “right side” facing out. One side at a time, on the long edges you brought together, sc 12 sts in from the end towards the middle. (Do this on the other side, also.)

Sl st, fasten off, and weave in ends. *I recommend using the same color to seam that you used in the border.


Key:

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
st = stitch
sl st = silp stitch


**This pattern is for personal use only.

I'm Still Here - Sock Bunny

Sorry about the delay in posting (again).

Here's a great sock bunny I made for my girl.  You can find instructions at a great blog called Lil Blue Boo.

Erica Knudson

It's Been a While

I just realized I haven't made a post in almost a month. Sorry!

In early February, I discovered that I'm expecting.  Yipee! The first few weeks of pregnancy have found me pretty tired, and I haven't really crocheted or knit in weeks. I do have a couple of projects I'd like to wrap up, though, including making some Chemo Caps for a volunteer project I found on Ravelry: http://www.skrapyram.com/2012/01/please-join-me-for-special-project.html. The photo here is one of the hats I finished for the project.






Since I don't have any new patterns to share, I thought I'd post some recent photos:

By Erica Knudson

By Erica Knudson

By Erica Knudson

(Mississippi River)
By Erica Knudson

From Another Blogger...

Check out these Pocket Hearts (here)- I think it's a wonderful idea for kids.

Pattern: Bulky Yarn Baby Hat



Bulky Yarn Baby Hat
Erica Knudson

I'm really happy with how this one turned out.  The little "brim" is the perfect accent to take this from a plain hat to a unique one.

It's also great for using up some of that soft, bulky yarn that many of us have laying around.

Hope you enjoy!


Bulky Yarn Baby Hat
By Erica Knudson

This pattern is a simple hat for babies 6-12 months and can be made for a boy or girl. It is crocheted in the round.

Materials used: Size K hook, bulky weight yarn (3.5 oz skein is more than enough), and stitch markers. Optional: buttons, sewing needle and thread.

Hat:
Start with an adjustable ring.

1. Hdc 8 into loop. – 8

Place st marker and move up with each round.

2. (2hdc) in each st across – 16

3. (2hdc in next st, hdc in next st) repeat around – 24

4. (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) repeat around – 32

5. (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts) repeat around – 40

6. (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts) repeat around – 48

7. Hdc around – 48

8. Hdc around (Same as Row 7) – 48

9. Hdc around (Same as Row 7) – 48

10. Hdc around (Same as Row 7) – 48

11. Hdc around (Same as Row 7) – 48

12. In front loops only, sc around – 48

Place st marker at stitch 24, halfway across the hat. The two stitch markers you now have in place will mark each end of the “brim”.

13. In both loops, 4 sc, 2 hdc, 12 dc, 2 hdc, 4 sc

14. Accent: Sl st in next st, ch 1, turn (so that the “right side” or outside of the hat is facing you and the top of the hat is downward), sc across loops that were left from row 12 (when you worked in the front loops only) which is about 24 sts across), ch 1, sl st to edge of hat to make it look like the other side.

15. Fasten off and eave in ends.

16. Optional: Attach buttons using sewing needle and thread.



Key:

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
sc = single crochet

**Please do not sell this pattern.

In Case it's a Girl... Attach a Flower

Making a gift for someone who doesn't know what they're having?  This is a spin-off of an idea I saw called, "In case of girl, attach bow." I can't seem to find that pattern again, but if I do, I'll come back and link it.

Anyway, the trick here is to make something that could work for a boy

...and then making a nice flower that the mom-to-be can attach easily if she finds she's had a girl.

This is a fun way to get out of the normal colors we sometimes feel stuck with when we don't know whether it's a boy or girl - not that I have anything against those colors.  It's just nice to have choices! It also makes the piece a little more unique because it is given in pieces and you can make a neat little card if you want (see pattern below).

In Case it’s a Girl… Attach a Flower
By Erica Knudson

Materials Used: The example flower in the photo was made with worsted weight yarn, size J crochet hook and a blunt needle.

Larger Flower:

1. Ch 4, sl st in first ch to make ring.

2. 12 sc in ring, sl st to join.

3. *Ch 3, skip one st, sl st in next st* around. At end, join with sl st.

4. Ch 1, *7 sc in ch-3 space* around. At end, join with sl st.

5. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Smaller Flower:

6. Ch 4, sl st in first ch to make ring.

7. 12 sc in ring, sl st to join.

8. *Ch 3, skip one st, sl st in next st* around. At end, join with sl st.

9. Fasten off and weave in ends

Finishing:

10. Fasten flowers together with coordinating yarn and blunt needle.

11. Attach 10-12 inch piece of coordinating yarn to back of flower piece.

12. Include a note or tag – “In Case it’s a Girl… Attach a Flower”

Key:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
*…* = repeat

**Please don’t sell this pattern.

Baby Ripple Hat

Baby Ripple Hat

Baby Ripple Hat
Erica Knudson

By Erica Knudson

This pattern is a simple but textured hat for babies 0-6 months and 6-12 months (more sizes coming soon!). It can be made for a boy or girl by choosing one finishing row or the other (explained below).

Materials used: Size J hook, worsted weight yarn, and a stitch marker.

All sizes start the same and you will see instructions for varying sizes in the pattern.

Start with an adjustable ring.

1. Hdc 8 into loop. – 8

Place st marker and move up with each round.

2. In the front loops only, (2hdc) in each st across – 16

3. In the front loops only, (2hdc in next st, hdc in next st) repeat around – 24

4. In the front loops only, (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) repeat around – 32

5. In the front loops only, (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts) repeat around – 40

6. In the front loops only, (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts) repeat around – 48
**For size 0-6 months, proceed to step 9. For larger size, continue with step 7.

7. In the front loops only, (2hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts) repeat around – 56

8. In the front loops only, hdc around.

9. In the front loops only, hdc around.

10. In the front loops only, hdc around.

11. In the front loops only, hdc around.

12. For 0-6 month size: In the front loops only, (hdc2tog, hdc in next 4) – 40

For 6-12 month size: In the front loops only, (hdc2tog, hdc in next 5) – 48

13. In both loops, hdc around.

14. In both loops, hdc around, sl st in last st.

“Finishing Row”(could be changed to a standard sc around for boys):

15. (Ch 2,sl st in next st) around. Sl st to end.

16. Fasten off and eave in ends.

**In the photo here, the pink and white hat was made using the Finishing Row.  The smaller multicolor hat was finished using a single crochet border only.

Key:

ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
sc = single crochet

**Please do not sell this pattern.

Vintage Toddler Hat



Vintage Toddler Hat
Erica Knudson

Vintage Toddler Hat
By Erica Knudson

This 20’s-inspired hat is crocheted in-the-round and was made with Aran weight yarn, a J hook, 2 stitch markers, and blunt needle (buttons, sewing needle & thread optional). The flap is crocheted back-and-forth.

Start with an adjustable ring.
1. 8 hdc into ring – 8
Place stitch marker and move up with each round.2. 2 hdc into each st around – 16
3. (2hdc in next, hdc in next) around – 24
4. (2hdc in next, hdc in next 2) around – 32
5. (2hdc in next, hdc in next 3) around – 40
6. (2hdc in next, hdc in next 4) around – 48
7. (2hdc in next, hdc in next 5) around – 56
8. (2hdc in next, hdc in next 6) around – 64
9. (2hdc in next, hdc in next 7) around – 72
10. Hdc around – 72
11. Hdc around – 72
12. Hdc around – 72
13. Hdc around – 72
14. Hdc around – 72
15. Hdc around – 72
16. Hdc around – 72
17. Hdc around – 72
You could fasten off hear for a simple boys’ beanie (without flap).


Vintage Toddler Hat
Erica Knudson


 Flap:

Place the second stitch marker in the 36th stitch, half way around the hat.18. Hdc in next 18 sts, dc in next 14 sts, hdc in next 3 sts. Turn.
19. Skip 1 st, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 14 sts, hdc in next 17 sts (to st marker).
20. Skip 1 st, hdc in next 16 sts, dc in next 14 sts, hdc in next, sl st. Turn.
21. Skip 1 st, hdc in next st, dc in next 17 sts, hdc in next 11 sts, sl st.
22. Continue on to sc around the entire hat.
23. Fasten off and weave in ends.
24. Sew flap up with yarn and attach buttons if desired.

Key:
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch

**Please note handmadebyerica.blogspot.com on your finished items and do not sell this pattern.

TODDLER COWL



Toddler Cowl
By Erica Knudson

This toddler-sized cowl is an attempt to avoid a bulky scarf while still keeping my girl's neck warm this winter. **Please see safety note in row 12.

Toddler Cowl
By Erica Knudson

The example in the photo was made with worsted weight yarn and a size N (9mm) crochet hook.

(In the photo, I changed yarn color for stripes on rows 3, 6, and 9.)



Chain 63

1. Dc in fourth ch from hook and each st across. Turn – 60

2. Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in next and in each st across until 2 sts remain. Dc2tog. Turn – 58

3. Ch 3, dc2tog two times, dc in next and in each st across until 4 sts remain. Dc2tog two times.

Turn – 54

4. Ch 3, dc2tog four times, dc in next and in each st across until 8 sts remain. Dc2tog four times.

Turn – 46

5. Repeat row 4 – 38

6. Ch 3, dc in each st across. Turn – 38

7. Repeat row 6 – 38

8. Repear row 6 – 38

9. Ch 3, dc twice in the next 2 sts, dc in next and in each st across until 2 sts remain, dc in next two sts. Turn – 42

10. Repeat row 9 – 46

11. Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st across – 46

12. Bring seam together with “wrong sides” facing. Sl st across seam.
**For safety reasons and for quick removal in case of an emergency, you may choose to forego this step and; create a tie at the ends, use a button, or simply leave the ends and wrap it - whatever would work best in your case.

13. Fasten off. Weave in ends.





Key:
ch = chain

dc = double crochet

st = stitch

dc2tog = (yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull over loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops) 2 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook. A method of decreasing by 1 stitch.

sl st = silp stitch



**Please don’t sell this pattern.