Giant ninja

Having made a few Little Lady Ninjas recently, I wondered what it would be like to scale the pattern up and make a larger one.

I went off to the shed and found the chunkiest yarn I had laying about, which happened to be a super chunky called Lumio.  (this is a fun yarn, it has a reflective thread running through it!)

Using a 10mm hook, I got to work.  This is the crown of the head, compared to a proper sized LLN.

After quite a bit of stuffing, she was finished.  A big chunky magnificent orange ninja!  Shown with a regular one to show scale.

She went off to visit her friends in Hobbycraft too  ;)  But not for long as there was a little girl waiting to meet her.

Hope (granddaughter) seems to love her new orange friend.

Have you ever scaled up a pattern?

Little Lady Ninjas

This new pattern popped into Hobbycraft, where I work, recently.  I hate it when new things come in as it costs me a fortune - in fact I don't think I ever make any money at the end of the month working there, I seem to plough it all back into the business! .. Anyway.....

Just look how cute it is.  It is by Sarah-Jane Hicks and produced by DMC Creative.  The cotton used is DMC Petra.

I was asked if I would create some of the little cuties for display - well, of course I would.

So, off I skipped home with the cotton and the pattern and got to work.

Before long I had three little heads with shiny black eyes staring back at me.

And soon enough the first Little Lady Ninja was born.  And just how cute is she?

Then along came another one to keep her company.

And a third soon followed to make up the trio.

Off they went back to Hobbycraft to adorn the display.  They seem quite happy just hanging there, looking about.

Having watched me make these little cuties over the few days that I was busy with them, Hubby then asked if I would make him one for his desk at work, but he wanted it to be black and white.  (well actually, he wanted silver "throwing stars" , but he was too impatient to wait for me to buy silver cotton, so he settled for black & white.

 I loved doing these, they were so much fun.

Crochet Santa Bauble - free tutorial

Crochet baubles are so much fun to make, it is beneficial to know the basic crochet stitches before attempting these though, so have a look at the stitch explanations just below and have a play with those before you start.  The pattern is written in UK crochet terms.

Stitches explained:

Chain Stitch (CH) - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

Half Treble Crochet (HTR)- Yarn around hook (from the back) put hook through work and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook.

Treble Crochet (TR) - Yarn around hook (from the back) put hook through work and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook.

Slip Stitch (SS) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through work and the stitch on your hook.

You will need:

  50g PinkYarn

 WhiteYarn
Red Yarn

  Scraps of Black & Dark Pink Yarn

  4mm Crochet Hook

  Polystyrene Ball (70mm)

  Sewing up needle

SANTA HEAD:

Round 1. Using PALE PINK yarn, CH 2 then work 6x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook. Join into a circle with a SS into the first DC (6)

Round 2. CH 2 ** work 2 x DC's  into the next stitch, then 1 x DC into the next stitch. Repeat from ** all the way round and join with a SS (10)

Round 3. CH 2 then work 2 x DC's  into the next stitch, then ** 1 x DC into the next and 2 x DC's in the next. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (15)

Round 4. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next stitch, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next TWO stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (20)

Round 5. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next TWO stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next THREE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (25)

Round 6. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next THREE stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next FOUR stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (30)

Round 7. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next FOUR stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next FIVE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (35)

Rounds 8- 16. Work 9 rounds with no increasing, always beginning each row with CH 2 and ending each row with SS  (35)

Round 9. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next FOUR stitches, then **  skip a stitch and work 1 x DC in the next FIVE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (30)

Round 10. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next THREE stitches, then **  skip a stitch and work 1 x DC in the next FOUR stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (25)

Insert the ball carefully before continuing.

Round 11. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next TWO stitches, then **  skip a stitch and work 1 x DC in the next THREE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (20)

Round 12. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next ONE stitch, then **  skip a stitch and work 1 x DC in the next TWO stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (15)

Round 13. CH 2  **  skip a stitch and work 1 x DC in the next stitch. Repeat from ** until the hole is small, break of yarn and sew the hole closed.

BEARD:

Row 1. Using WHITE, CH 2 then 2 x DC's into 2nd CH from the hook. Turn.(2)

Row 2. CH 2, DC into the same stitch, then 2 x DC into the next. Turn.  (4)

Row 3. CH 2, 2 x DC into the next TWO stitches, then 1 x DC into the last. Turn.  (6)

Row 4. CH 2, 2 x DC into the next stitch, then 1 x DC into the next TWO stitches, 2 x DC's into the next ONE, 1 DC in the last one. Turn.  (8)

Row 5. CH 2, 1 x DC into the next TWO stitches, then 2 x DC into the next TWO stitches, 1 x DC's into the next THREE. Turn.  (10)

Row 6. CH 2, DC in each stitch across. Turn  (10)

Row 7. CH 2, 1 x DC into the next TWO stitches, then 2 x DC into the next ONE stitch, 1 x DC's into the next TWO, then 2 x DC's into next ONE, 1 x DC in last THREE. Turn.  (12)

Row 8. CH 2, DC in each stitch across. Turn  (12)

Row 9. ** CH 2, 1 x DC into the next FOUR stitches. Turn.  (5)  (work on these 5 only from here)

Row 10. SS into the first stitch, then 1 x DC in the next THREE, then 2 x DC's in the next TWO.  Turn (6)

Row 11. CH 2, 1 x DC into the next FOUR stitches.  Turn (5)

Row 12. SS into the first stitch, then 1 x DC in the next TWO, then 2 x DC's in the next TWO.  Turn (5)

Row 13. CH 2, 1 x DC into the next THREE stitches.  Turn (4)

Row 14. SS into the first stitch, then 1 x DC in the next THREE then break of yarn leaving a tail for sewing. (4)

With the beard facing towards you, join the yarn at the opposite end and work from Row 9. **

HAT:  Using RED.

Round 1. CH 2, then work 3 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook (3)

Round 2. CH 2 ** work 2 x DC's  into the next stitch, then 1 x DC into the next stitch. Repeat from ** all the way round and join with a SS (6)

Round 3. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next stitch, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next TWO stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (9)

Round 4. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next TWO stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next THREE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (12)

Round 5. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next THREE stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next FOUR stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (15)

Round 6. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next FOUR stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next FIVE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (18)

Round 7. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next FIVE stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next SIX stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (21)

Round 8. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next SIX stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next SEVEN stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (24)

Round 9. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next SEVEN stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next EIGHT stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (27)

Round 10. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next EIGHT stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next NINE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (30)

Round 11. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next NINE stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next TEN stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (33)

Round 12. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next TEN stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next ELEVEN stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (36)

Round 13. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next ELEVEN stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next TWELVE stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (39)

Round 14. CH 2 then work 1 x DC  into the next TWELVE stitches, then ** 2 x DC's  into the next and 1 x DC in the next THIRTEEN stitches. Repeat from ** and join with a SS (42)

Rounds 15-20. Work 5 rows straight in WHITE.

Turn up the hem of the hat before sewing onto the head.

HAT BOBBLE:

Round 1. Using WHITE, CH 2 then work 4 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook. SS to join (4)

Round 2. CH 2, work a DC into the base of the same stitch, then work 2 x DC's into each stitch across. SS to join (8)

Round 3. CH 2, work a DC into each stitch across. SS to join (8)

Round 4. CH 2, ** skip a stitch and work a DC into the next stitch, repeat from **across. SS to join (4)

Break of the yarn, stuff the bobble and sew the stitches closed with your needle.

EYES: (make 2)

Row 1. Using BLACK, CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook.

Break of the yarn and sew through the top of the 6 stitches and pull it into a ball (as shown on the right of the photo)

 NOSE:

Row 1. Using the DARKER PINK, CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook.

Break of the yarn and sew through the top of the 6 stitches and pull it into a ball.

EARS: (make 2)

Round 1. Using PINK, CH 2 then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook. SS to join (6)

Round 2. CH 2, then DC into the base of the CH 2 and then work 2 x DC's into each stitch across. SS to join (12)

Break of the yarn then fold the circle in half and over sew the edges.  Leave a long tail of yarn for sewing onto the head later.

HANGING CHAIN:

CH 26 and break off yarn, leaving a long enough tail to sew with.

ASSEMBLY:

Sew the eyes and nose onto the ball, then position the hat, turn the rim up and tack the hat all the way round to secure.

Next add the beard, touching the top ends of the beard to the rim of the hat and stitching only the top part, leaving the bottom loose.

Then add the ears, positioning them just behind the beard and just under the hat rim.

Finally add the hanging chain to the top of the hat, behind the bobble.

Display your Santa with pride!

www.soozintheshed.co.uk

For a free downloadable PDF version of this pattern, please visit:

www.soozintheshed.co.uk/santabauble.pdf

Pumpkin Pete - Crochet Treat Collector - free tutorial

Pumpkin Pete is a cute little treat carrier, ideal for Halloween.  His lid slides up and down the handle so will never get lost.  I made him in a chunky boucle yarn so he stands sturdy even when empty.

You will need:

  50g Chunky Orange  Yarn

  Scraps of Green  Yarn / Brown Yarn

  4.5mm Crochet Hook

  Sewing up needle

  Thread

Googly Eyes

Stitches explained:

Chain Stitch (CH) - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

Half Treble Crochet (HTR)- Yarn around hook (from the back) put hook through work and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook.

Treble Crochet (TR) - Yarn around hook (from the back) put hook through work and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook.

Slip Stitch (SS) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through work and the stitch on your hook.

Bowl.

Using the orange yarn, start with a slip knot then make 2 chain stitches. 

From here you will be working into the 2nd chain from the hook as shown by the thinner hook in the photo.

Row 1. So, into that stitch work 6 x DC's, then SS into the first stitch to join into a ring. (6 stitches)

Row 2. Chain 2, then DC into the SAME stitch.  Then make 2 x DC's into EACH following stitch, SS to join into first stitch.  (12 stitches)

Row 3. Chain 2, then DC into the SAME stitch.  Then make 2 x DC's into EACH following stitch, SS to join into first stitch.  (24 stitches)

Row 4. Chain 2, then make 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch, *then a single DC into the next stitches, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch*  repeat from * to * all the way round.  (you will end on a 2 x DC into the same stitch)  (36 stitches)

Row 5. Chain 2, then a single DC into the next stitch.  Make 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch, *then a single DC into the next TWO stitches, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch*  repeat from * to * all the way round.  (you will end on a 2 x DC into the same stitch)  (48 stitches)

Rows 6-18. Work 13 rows in straight rounds without increasing.  Each round should have 48 stitches.

Row 17.  Chain 2, then DC into the next two stitches.  * Skip a stitch and DC into the next 3.*  Repeat from * to * all the way round.  (36 stitches)

Row 18.  Chain 2, then DC into the next stitch.  * Skip a stitch and DC into the next 2.*  Repeat from * to * all the way round.  (24 stitches)  Break off yarn and sew in the ends.

Lid. Make the lid as in the start of the body, from Row 1 ending with Row 4. (36 stitches)

Row 5. Chain 2, then a single DC into the next stitch.  Make 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch, then a single DC into the next TWO stitches, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch. 

Chain 4, skip 3 stitches, * make a single DC into the next TWO stitches, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch *.  (Repeat from * to * 4 times.)

Chain 4, skip 3 stitches, * make a single DC into the next TWO stitches, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch *.  (Repeat from * to * 2 times.)   SS to join. (48 stitches)

Stalk.

Row 1. Chain 5, DC in the second chain from the hook then the next 3 chains to end (4 stitches)

Rows 2-7. Chain 2, DC in the next 3 stitches  (4 stitches)

Roll up the piece into a tube shape and sew it in place along the edges.

Leaf.

Row 1. Chain 9, DC in the 2nd CH from the hook and then again into the next CH. Work a HTR into the next TWO chains, then a TR into the next, work a HTR into the next TWO chains, then THREE DC's into the last chain.  (All in the same stitch).

Now working BACK UP THE FOUNDATION CHAIN put a HTR into the next TWO stitches, followed by a TR into the next, then a HTR into the next TWO, finishing with a DC into the next TWO.  SS to join and break of yarn,  leaving a good tail for sewing.

Strap.

Row 1. Chain 72, then DC into the 2nd CH from the hook and all the way across the foundation chain, to the last stitch.  Into the last stitch work THREE DC's, then work BACK DOWN the other side of the foundation chain, DC in every stitch.  SS to join.

Assembly.

Sew the stalk and the leaf to centre of the lid.

 Sew the googly eyes on the front of the bowl.

Sew one side of the strap to the inside of one side of the bowl, take care that your stitches do now show through onto the outside of the bowl.

Thread the strap through the slits on the lid before attaching it to the other side of the bowl.

Now go and collect some Halloween treats!

www.soozintheshed.co.uk

If you would prefer a printable PDF version of this pattern then you can find it here:

www.soozintheshed.co.uk/pumpkinpete.pdf