Sunday, December 7, 2014

Free Pattern: Tree Ornament

I was feeling inspired last weekend, so I sat down with some Christmasy colored yarn and got to work. The first thing I came up with was this little Tree Ornament! I really like it plain, but I also think it would be fun to decorate. 
I'd love to see pictures if you make your own. You can share photos on my Facebook page, Ravelry group or use the tag #prochetpatterns on Instagram.
Enjoy!


Skill Level: Beginner

Materials Needed:
  ·      Small amount of each: green and brown yarn. This is a great project for using up scraps!
  ·      Crochet hook US H/8 (5.00 mm)
  ·      Stitch marker (optional)
  ·      Fiberfill
  ·      Yarn needle

Measurements: about 3.5 inches tall

Gauge: gauge isn’t essential for this project, just make sure your stitches aren’t too loose, you don’t want the fiberfill sticking out.

Abbreviations:
  ·      st= stitch
  ·      ch= chain
  ·      sc= single crochet

Notes:
  ·      The tree and trunk are both worked in the round.
  ·      Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning stitch of each round if desired.


Tree

Round 1: Using your green yarn, start with a magic ring and work 4 sc into ring.

Round 2: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc; repeat from * around. (6 sc)

Round 3: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around. (8 sc)

Round 4: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from * around. (10 sc)

Round 5: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 4 sc; repeat from * around. (12 sc)

Round 6: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc; repeat from * around. (14 sc)

Round 7: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 6 sc; repeat from * around. (16 sc)

Round 8-11:  sc in each sc around.

Round 12: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 7 sc; repeat from * around. (18 sc)

Round 13: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 8 sc; repeat from * around. (20 sc)

Round 14: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 9 sc; repeat from * around. (22 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff tree lightly and whip stitch bottom closed.


Trunk
With brown yarn, ch 4.

Round 1: work 1 sc in  2nd ch from hook and in next ch, 3 sc in last ch turning to work along the other side of chain,  work 1 sc next ch, 2 sc in last ch, end of round. (8 sc)

Round 2-3: sc in each sc around.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff very lightly and sew to bottom of tree.

Finishing:
Tie a short amount of yarn to the top of the tree to hang.

This tree would be so fun to decorate! Here are a few things I might try:
Pom-poms as ornaments
A long chain of sparkly yarn wrapped around as a garland
Sequins as ornaments
Small crochet star on top


It’s also cute as is and would make a great little gift topper. I’d love to see how you personalize your little tree ornament!


Copyright © 2014 Prochet By EAS, LLC. All rights reserved. This pattern contains material protected under copyright laws and may not be copied, distributed or sold.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

WIP Wednesday

I've had one order after another the past few weeks, so I've definitely been busy!
One of the orders I'm working on now uses this pattern from Lion Brand and it requires three steps.
First you crochet each piece, then you felt the pieces (I like hand felting them, but you can also use your washing machince), and finally you embroider the viens onto the leaves and sew them together.
Right now, my leaves are in the drying phase of step two and I'm just itching to finish it up!
My boys are so funny, they think these are treats because they're drying on the same type of rack as we use for cookies!


I'm also working on an order for a cat bed/nest using this pattern. It's a fun pattern, but I can only work a few rounds at a time with that bulky yarn because my wrists get tired quickly!

I submitted a pattern to KnitPicks for the Independent Designer Program earlier this week also, so crossing my fingers that I hear good news back!
Head over to Tami's Amis blog to see what others are working on. What are you working on this week?

Monday, October 13, 2014

Happy Fall, New Patterns!

I love fall and Halloween! It's such a great time of year. The trees are turning beautiful colors and we can finally wear our hoodies, scarves and boots again. I especially love decorating my house for the season. I don't go too crazy, but I have a few shelves and other spaces that get updated according to the season.

To celebrate the return of fall, I've just released two new patterns!
First up is my Frankenstein Head Ornament pattern. I just love how adorable he is and how versitile the pattern is as well. You could make him into an ornament to hang on a Halloween tree, but I've also used this same pattern with thinner yarn and attached a pin to the back for a cute little brooch. I've made a ton of these little guys and I'm thinking about stringing some of them on some twine to create a Frankenstein head garland!


Next is my Ruffle Tealight Holder pattern. I really love this pattern. These tealight holders make wonderful additions to the fall decorations I have around the house and the yarn used in the pattern (Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell) makes the perfect colors for fall. They also work great for other seasons, just change up the colors and you can have bright springy ruffles! :)

I'd love to see what you create with these patterns! Share with me in my Ravelry group, my Facebook page or use the hashtag #ProchetPatterns on Instagram.


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Housewarming, Birthdays, Dinosaurs & Washi

What a busy summer! We had weddings to attend, I had a minor surgery, my youngest son turned 3 and now we're getting ready for our oldest son to start pre-school! I have plans of blogging more regularly, but for now I thought I'd catch up on what's been happening in my world.

Remember that house-warming gift I was working on when I last posted? It has been gifted (to my cousin) and I can finally share pictures! I was really happy with how it all came together, and she loved it too. :)
I made a set of matching potholders, a trivet/hot pad & wash clothes in her favorite colors.
I had a lot of fun working on these and coming up with the perfect color scheme. I'll definitely be making more of these gift sets!


If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen pictures from my son's dinosaur birthday party, but I'll share them here too.
I got lots of ideas from Pinterest, and although his party was just a few days after my surgery, it went over pretty smoothly with lots of help from my wonderful family!
I made this dinosaur banner for the party! My son loved it and it's now up in his bedroom. :)

This past weekend I got the itch to just make something. I didn't have anything in mind when I started, I just knew I needed to satisfy an urge to make, so it had to be something that I could also finish that day. I love crocheting and other big projects, but you don't usually get that feeling of satisfaction until the project is complete and sometimes that could take days or weeks.
So I searched around in my craft supplies and remembered I had bought some blank coin pouches. Since I was still in dino-mode from the birthday party, I made a dinosaur motif, attached it to the blank pouch and then added beads. Simple, quick and satisfying! Not to mention cute, and my oldest son loved it!


While I had been searching thru my craft supplies I also came across my washi tape. I love pretty things and washi tape is definitely one of those pretty things! I have quite a few rolls and decided it's time to do something more with it. So, I grabbed a few cans from the recycling bin and taped them up to make pen holders for my desk at work! Then, since I couldn't just stop there, I also made some washi paperclips for my planner. Another simple, quick and satisfying project!


Do you ever get that undeniable itch to create? What do you make to satisfy the urge? I'd love to hear about your creations in the comment section! :)

Thursday, July 17, 2014

New Pattern & What I've Been Working On

Summertime is so busy! I feel like it's flying right by.

In June I participated in a swap with fellow crafters. As one of the gifts for my swap partner, I wanted to try out a pattern I'd been eyeing for a while. It's the Yes, Yes Shawl by Bernat. This is the first pattern where I've used the chart instead of the written instructions, and I loved it! It's one of those patterns that looks complicated, but once you have done a few repeats it's a breeze. And the results are beautiful! I decided to play around with colors a bit and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

I've also been busy working on a housewarming gift, but I can't share pictures just yet. Stay tuned, I'll post pictures once it's finished and has been received. :)

And finally, my biggest news this week: The pattern I submitted to KnitPicks was accepted and is now available for purchase here! This is one of the first patterns I designed back before I really knew what I was doing. I've held onto the idea and perfected it, and it's finally available for others to make as well. I used KnitPicks Dishie yarn and I really loved working with the yarn and the company! I've already started working on some more ideas to submit!

If you like these mug cozies, but crocheting isn't really your thing, I have some finished cozies available in my Etsy shop.


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Lesson Learned

It's been a while since I posted! Life has been hectic. The day job seems to be never ending. Not only did we find out our end dated will most likely be extended (AGAIN), but we've been working mandatory overtime on a special project. Not so much fun.

Anyhow, on to crochet news. 
First, I have a new item in my shop! I've had this idea for a pretty flower bunting for a while and finally had time to make some. I have 2 pre-made and ready to ship buntings so far and there is a listing for a custom bunting where you pick the rose color. I just love buntings and I have a few variations in the works that I'll hopefully be releasing soon too.




Second, no word from KnitPicks yet, but they said it could take 30 days for them to review my final submission. Crossing my fingers for good news!
Also, I mentioned that when I sent my submission to KnitPicks, I also submitted a pattern idea to a magazine. I was pretty excited about this one because I had this idea I had been working on that fit perfectly with what they were looking for. I made a swatch and a nice little sketch and was proud of my overall submission. With a lot of bigger publications you only hear from them if your pattern is accepted and even then it could take 30-45 days. I was pretty disappointed when the 45 days came and went and I didn't hear anything from them. 
Then, I went back to their website and read the guidelines about submission again. One of the big rules is about your file size. When you send your submission (with pictures which tend to increase file size), you have to make sure it is less than 2 MB. Wow, sure wish I would have paid more attention to that rule! It goes on to say that files larger than 2 MB will be automatically deleted by their server. 
Yikes! So the editor didn't even see my submission! Lesson learned: always read (and re-read) ALL guidelines.
I may try submitting my idea to another publication, or even self publishing. I'll keep you posted! :)


Thursday, June 12, 2014

KnitPicks Submission

I'm so nervous and excited! I just sent my pattern in to KnitPicks for the final submission! They accepted my initial submission, but this is where they review my pattern and my sample piece and decide for sure if they will accept my pattern to be sold on their website.
The process was pretty simple, but it left me anxious for when I'll actually have more time to devote to this. Thankfully, when I submitted my proposal, I already had the pattern mostly written. I just had to add a few final touches before sending it out to my testers.
This was my first experience with testers and I definitely learned a lot. Unfortunately one of my testers didn't come through, but the others did so it was an overall win. Next time I have testers I might write up a short questionnaire for them to fill out about the test. This way I can ask specific questions about their experience while working with the pattern.
I received yarn from KnitPicks to work up the sample piece. I hadn't worked too much with this specific line of yarn and it ended up being much thinner than I thought, so I had to make some adjustments to my pattern. Thankfully it all worked out and it didn't take me too long to work up the sample.
Then came the pictures...ugh. I didn't want the classic white background because I wanted my pattern to really shine! Just when I thought I had my camera figured out, turns out I'm not so camera savvy. I finally got my pictures figured out after a few days of playing around and I'm pretty happy with the final shots!
The final submission process could take up to 30 days, but I can't wait to share it with everyone!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

A New Beginning

Rewind to early December. I walked in to work thinking it was a normal day and  instead found out that my company was getting rid of a bunch of jobs (mine included). Of course, I immediatly panicked! This was supposed to be the company I worked for until I retired. The good news was I got to keep my job until May or June.

I have a bachelors degree in exercise science and my original plan was to continue schooling and eventually become a Physical Therapist. Life happened and my dreams changed. I met my husband and we started our family. My priorities changed from my dreams to our dreams and I realized I no longer wanted to continue going to school with my young son at home. So, I eventually found a full time job outside of the home.

This job; that I just found out I would be losing in a few short months. So now I had a big decision to make, go back to school or look for another job.

The very next day I was contacted by Michaels and asked to design a few crochet patterns for their spring & Easter photo shoot AND another company involved in the yarn industry (but this part is secret for now ;) ). It was like the universe was speaking to me! I had been researching crochet carreers and crocheting like mad for my Etsy shop for a few years, so it was an incredible opportunity.

This of course left me wondering,: should I work at this current job through my end date and try to make this crochet dream a reality or should I look for another day job? If I choose crochet, it could fail. In fact it could completely bomb and I could have to go out looking for a new day job again. But I'll never know unless I give it a shot.
Follow along with me on this crochet journey. Even if I have to go back to "a day job", I'll still crochet like mad because once you find your passion, you don't just let it go.

**This was originally my first post on the blog. I edited a few things due to typing errors and it republished the post.**

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Getting Down to Work

The skies are sunny and the blahs are gone!
On Friday I only worked a half day at my day job. I had to run a few errands before I could go home, but I did that as fast as I possibly could. When I got home I gathered up all my half finished things and all the items on my to-do list and got down to work. I had a solid 4 hours before we picked the kiddos up from daycare and it felt so great to get something done!
Remember that craft show I told you about? Well, I still have some things that I made for it that haven't been added to my Etsy shop. Yikes! So on Friday I took a TON of pictures and got some new items listed to the shop! I'm so in love with these rose pens. :)


I also got some crocheting done on patterns I plan to release soon. See, I told you all I had to do was push through and make myself work to get my inspiration back! I even came out of it with more ideas. :)

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen these pictures, but here are a few of my latest projects:


P.S. I kind of really like flowers.. ;)

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

I've Got a Case of the Blahhhhhs

Have you ever just felt...uninspired?
That's how I've felt lately. Sometimes I get this way when I have too many options; too many directions to choose, so I just don't choose any. Also, the weather here in Iowa the past few weeks has been super gloomy and that definitely doesn't help anything.

I have lots of ideas for patterns, I have some patterns already written up, and I have ideas for new items to sell in my Etsy shop. But I don't know whether to offer the patterns for free, for sale, or submit them to a magazine/yarn company. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when you're running a small business!

Another part of the uninspired-ness (yup, just made up a word!) is figuring out how best to use my time. With all these ideas, it's hard to pick which to work on. During the week, my only free time to work on business related stuff is after the kids are in bed at night and on my breaks at my day job. With such a short time to work, how do I decide which thing is most important? AND how do I get myself to stop working and get some much needed sleep? Some weeks it's hard!

Most of the time, when I feel uninspired or unmotivated, I just try to make myself forge ahead and keep working because if I don't do something, it just won't get done. Thankfully, the sun is shining now and the weather is warmer. I think a walk to clear my mind is just what I need to feel inspired again!

What do you do to motivate yourself when you're feeling uninspired?

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Basket Weave Easter Basket & Basket Buddies

I originally designed these patterns for Michaels, but they have since changed their website and it seems some patterns are not there any longer.
I've had a few people point out that these patterns are among those missing, so I thought I'd post them here for anyone interested.
I know Easter is pretty far away, but I think this basket could be worked up for a lovely spring decoration for your home. Even the egg (made in a different color?) and carrot buddies could be worked up as play food gifts for a little one.
Lots of possibilities! :)

My other pattern designed for Michaels, the Tulip Pillow, is still available on the website and is another great springy decor item!


Basket Weave Easter Basket
Designed By: Elizabeth Ann Smith



Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Materials Needed:  
  • Red Heart Super Saver: 1 Skein Café
  • Crochet Hook US I/9 (5.50mm) (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • Yarn needle
  • Stitch markers (optional)
  •  Ribbon (optional)
  • Fabric Glue/Fray Check (optional)
Measurements: Basket is 4.5” tall and 5” diameter. Handle adds 5.5” to height.

Gauge: 13 dc x 7 rows = 4”x 4”

Abbreviations:  
  • st= stitch
  • ch= chain
  • sc= single crochet
  • sl st= slip stitch
  • fpdc= front post double crochet
  • bpdc= back post double crochet
  • sc2tog= single crochet 2 stitches together (single crochet decrease)
  • yo= yarn over
Special Stitches:

  • Fpdc (Front post double crochet)= yo and insert hook from front to back around the post of the stitch in the row below, yo and pull thru, yo and pull thru 2 loops on hook, yo pull thru last 2 loops on hook. See Figure 1. 
  • Bpdc (Back post double crochet)= yo and insert hook from back to front around the post of the stitch in the row below, yo and pull thru, yo and pull thru 2 loops on hook, yo pull thru last 2 loops on hook. See Figure 2. 
Notes:

  • Basket is worked from the bottom up.
  • Bottom of basket is worked in continuous rounds without joining. Use stitch markers to mark beginning stitch if desired.
  • Joining rounds begin with the rows of post stitches as indicated in pattern.
  • Beginning chain on joining rounds does not count as a stitch.
  • Handle is worked back and forth in rows.


Basket:
Start with magic ring, or ch 3 and sl st to form ring.
Round 1: work 6 sc into ring (if using a magic ring, pull end to close ring).
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)
Round 3: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc; repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Round 4: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around. (24 sc)
Round 5: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from * around. (30 sc)
Round 6: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 4 sc; repeat from * around. (36 sc)
Round 7: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 5 sc; repeat from * around. (42 sc)
Round 8: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 6 sc; repeat from * around. (48 sc)
Round 9: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 7 sc; repeat from * around. (54 sc)
Round 10: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 8 sc; repeat from * around. (60 sc)
Round 11: working in back loops only, sc in each sc around. (60 sc)
At the end of round 11, join with a sl st to the first sc of the round. (you will continue
joining rounds while working the post stitch rounds)
Round 12: ch 2, fpdc in same st as join, fpdc in each of next 2 st, bpdc in each of next 3 st, *fpdc in each of next 3 st, bpdc in each of next 3 st; repeat from * around, join with sl st around post of first dc. (60 dc post sts)
Round 13: repeat round 12, sl st in top of first fpdc made. (60 dc post sts) Round 14: ch 2, bpdc in same st as join, bpdc in each of next 2 st, fpdc in each of next 3 st, *bpdc in each of next 3 st, fpdc in each of next 3 st; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first dc. (60 dc post sts)
Round 15: repeat round 14, joining with a sl st around the post of the first dc. (60 dc post sts)
Rounds 16-23: repeat rounds 12-15 two times.
Round 24: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 8 st; repeat from * around. (do not join at the end of this round, work continuous rounds again) (54 sc)
Round 25: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 7 st; repeat from * around.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Handle:
Leaving a long length of yarn for sewing, ch 51.
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across., ch1 turn. (50 sc)
Row 2-4: sc in each sc across. (50 sc)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.



Finishing:
Sew each end of the handle to the inside of the basket using a yarn needle and making sure handles are spaced evenly apart on opposite sides of basket. Weave in all ends.

Using a yarn needle and an 18-inch length of ribbon, thread ribbon through round 20 of basket weaving ribbon thru stitches. Tie a bow with ribbon on the front of the basket. You can use fabric glue to secure ribbon if desired. Leave ribbon off, or use other colors as desired for personalized baskets.

Figure 1 :

Figure 2:





Basket Buddies
Designed By: Elizabeth Ann Smith



Skill Level: Beginner

Materials Needed:

  • Crochet Hook US G/6 (4.25mm)
  • Yarn needle
  • Stitch markers (optional)
  • 4, 9mm black safety eyes
  • Fiber fill stuffing
  • For Carrot Buddy: Vanna’s Choice: Rust and Dusty Green
  • For Egg Buddy: Vanna’s Choice Baby: Duckie or Pink Poodle
  • Small amount of black yarn or black embroidery thread for mouth.

Measurements: Carrot: 4.75” tall including leaves. Egg: 3.5” tall.

Gauge: Gauge is not essential to this project. Just make sure there aren’t big holes between stitches for the stuffing to show through.

Abbreviations:

  • st= stitch
  • ch= chain
  • sl st= slip stitch
  • sc= single crochet
  • hdc=  half double crochet
  • dc= double crochet
  • sc2tog= single crochet 2 stitches together (single crochet decrease)


Notes:

  • Toys are worked in continuous rounds without joining. Use a stitch marker  to mark beginning stitch if desired.
  • Both toys are worked from bottom up.
  • Safety eyes may be a choking hazard for small children. Instead of using safety eyes you may also embroider the eyes on.


Carrot Buddy:

With Rust, start with magic ring or ch 3 and sl st to form ring.

Round 1: work 6 sc into ring (if using a magic ring, pull end to close ring).
Round 2: *2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around. (8 sc)
Round 3: *2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from * around. (10 sc)
Round 4: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 4 sc; repeat from * around. (12 sc)
Round 5: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 5 sc; repeat from * around. (14 sc)
Round 6: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 6 sc; repeat from * around. (16 sc)
Round 7: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 7 sc; repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Round 8: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 8 sc; repeat from * around. (20 sc)
Round 9: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 9 sc; repeat from * around. (22 sc)
Round 10: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 10 sc; repeat from * around. (24 sc)
Round 11: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 11 sc; repeat from * around. (26 sc)
Round 12: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; repeat from * around. (28 sc)
Round 13-16: sc in each sc around. (28 sc)
Round 17: *sc2tog, sc in next 12 sc; repeat from * around. (26 sc)
Round 18: *sc2tog, sc in next 11 sc; repeat from * around. (24 sc)
Round 19: *sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc; repeat from * around. (22 sc)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Finishing: Attach safety eyes between rounds 11 & 12 and embroider mouth. Stuff carrot and sew top closed using whip stitch.

Leaf top:
With Dusty Green ch 15.
Working in second ch from hook, *sc, hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st; repeat from *ch 1 and turn work 180°. Then working on opposite side of chain, *sl st, sc, hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc; repeat from *. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing: sew leaves to top middle of carrot, using picture as guide.

Egg Buddy:
With Duckie or Pink Poodle, start with magic ring or ch 3 and sl st to form ring.

Round 1: work 6 sc into ring (if using a magic ring, pull end to close ring).
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)
Round 3: *2sc in next sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Round 4: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around. (24 sc)
Round 5: *2sc in next sc, sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from * around. (30 sc)
Rounds 6-15: sc in each sc around. (30 sc)

At this point, you can attach safety eyes between rounds 12 & 13 and embroider mouth onto front.

Round 16: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 4 sc; repeat from * around. (25 sc)
Round 17: sc in each sc around. (25 sc)

Begin stuffing toy and continue stuffing as work progresses.

Round 18: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from * around. (20 sc)
Round 19: sc in each sc around. (20 sc)
Round 20: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around. (15 sc)
Round 21: *sc2tog, sc in next sc; repeat from * around. (10 sc)
Round 22: sc2tog around. (5 sc)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Using yarn needle, sew the top sts closed and weave in ends.



**Please note, this pattern is for personal use. Please do not copy, redistribute or sell this pattern. Thank you!**