Crochet Baby Moccasins

!!!IMPORTANT!!! THIS BLOG HAS MOVED! HURRAY! CLICK HERE TO FIND A MORE ORGANIZED VERSION OF THIS PATTERN :) LOVE YOU FRIENDS!

I finally have some free crochet time on my hands now that I finished my girls fall sweaters. I had to rip it out and start over twice! All the while these little shoes were tickling my brain saying "make me!" Well, here they are... the cutest little moccasins ever! Here is the free pattern, enjoy!


Supplies:
Size H crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna White in Honey)
Small beads
Tapestry needle
Super glue (optional)

This pattern is for size 3 months. To make them smaller, go down a hook size. To make them larger, go up a hook size. This pattern is worked in the round. No chaining and no turning.

WARNING: beware small parts

Instructions:
Ch9

Rnd 1: Work 2 sc into 2nd chain from Hk. Sc 4. Hdc 2. Work 8 Hdc into last chain. Working across other side of chain, Hdc 2. Sc 4. Work 2 Sc into last chain. (24)

Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into the first sc from previous round. Work 2 sc into the next stitch. Sc 7. Work 2 sc into each of the next 6 stitches. Sc 7. Work 2 into the next two stitches. (34)

Rnd 3: Sc 2. Work 2 sc into the next. Sc 10. Work 2 sc into the next two stitches. Sc 4. Work 2 sc into the next 2 stitches. Sc 10. Work 2 sc into the next stitch. Sc 2. (40)

Rnd 4: Sc around in BLO (back loop only) (40)

Rnd 5-6: Sc around (40)

Rnd 7: Sc 14, (sc2tog, sc) four times, Sc 14 (36)

Rnd 8: Sc 13, (sc2tog, sc) three times, Sc 14 (33)

Rnd 9: Sc 9, (sc2tog) seven times, Sc 10 (26)

Rnd 10: Sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog three times, sc 8, sc2tog. Slip stitch to finish. Tie off and weave in end. (21)

Fringe:
Wrap yarn around your flattened hand many times. Cut one edge, this will leave you with a bunch of strands.

Insert hook from outside pointing in through the top stitches, and pull through a loop. Put cut ends through loop and pull tight. For security, place a drop of super glue on the backside of your fringe. You wont see it or feel it but it will keep the fringe from coming undone.

After you finish all the fringe, give it a 1" hair cut.

Bow:
Cut a long length of yarn and tie a bow around the very front sc column. Knot it three times.

String beads and tie each end off with three knots on top of each other to keep the beads from being pulled off. You can also use your superglue on the knot as well.

Voila! Please pardon my awful photography... a new camera is on my Christmas list!

Ellie the Elephant Sewing Pattern

I am so excited to share with you my first ever PDF pattern! I have had so much fun making and selling these adorable little elephants and now I feel it's time I stop hogging this beautiful creature and let you make some! The pattern is available in my shop and is ready and waiting for you to create!

Pattern Includes:

Large and small sizes
Full color photos and crystal clear instructions
Lots of ideas on customization!

I hope you enjoy Ellie as much as I have!

The Great Pattern Hack Challenge

This disaster of a week would not be complete without a day-late entry in to a fun sewing challenge. After two toddlers with diarrhea, a growing sore throat, and a nauseous pregnant belly, I just done. I worked my booty off to finish these sweet tops in time, and actually thought I was finishing two days early! NOT! That's okay though, that's life and I was thankful for the chance to get my sewing machine in motion. So without further ado... here is my hack!

I decided to hack the Izzy Top from Climbing the Willow. It was free, and since that's my favorite number it worked out perfect! I got rid of the back opening and instead added a "v" to the front and embellished it with some blanket stitching and sweet handmade tassels! I also changed the hemline from straight to curved and added some pom pom trim. So sweet don't you think? Now to get this brain fog under control!

Crochet: Toddler Swim Cover

I am excited to share with you this fun pattern! I bought a whole bunch of Cotton yarn to make swim covers for my girls months ago... and like normal I got side tracked. Well, now that they are turning into fantastic swimmers, I decided it was time! This turned out so cute and it was really quick to make. This pattern will  fit a size 18-3T. My girls are 2.5 and these will fit this year and next! For a smaller and larger size you can use a smaller or larger hook. If you have any questions feel free to ask or email me at thislovelylifeblogger@gmail.com

Supplies:
Cotton worsted weight yarn- I used Sugar n' Cream and had to use one and a half skeins
Size L hook
Tapestry needle

Stitches:
CH- chain
DC- double crochet
SC- single crochet
SS- slip stitch                          

Note: the body of the cover is done with *DC, CH 1* repeated across to get the open spaces.

Instructions:
Leaving a really long tail before your slip knot, CH 32.
Rnd 1: DC in 5th chain from hook, *CH 1, DC in next* Repeat to end of round. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 2-15: DC on top of previous DC, *CH 1, DC* Repeat to end. CH 3 and turn.
Now you will be working the shoulder:
Rnd 16: *DC, CH 1* 5 times ending with another DC. CH 2 (only two this time) and turn.
Rnd 17: DC on top of previous DC, *CH 1, DC* to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 18-19: *DC, CH 1* 4 times to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 20: *DC, CH 1* 5 times with last two placed together in the last st. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 21: *DC, CH 1* to end. Tie off.
Now working other shoulder:
Tie yarn onto outside of round 15.
Rnd 16: CH 3, *DC, CH 1* 5 times. CH 2 (only two this time) and turn.
Rnd 17: DC on top of previous DC, *CH 1, DC* to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 18-19: *DC, CH 1* 4 times to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 20: *DC, CH 1* 5 times with last two placed together in the last st. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 21: *DC, CH 1* to end. CH 7, continue across other shoulder *DC, CH 1* to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 22-35: *DC, CH 1* to end, ending with a DC. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 36: *DC, CH 1* to end, ending with a DC. Tie off and leave a really long tail. You will use it and the beginning chain tail to stitch up the sides.
Using your tapestry needle, stitch the sides together, making sure you are lining it up correctly, and ending 2 rows under the neckline. Weave in ends. This will give you armholes.
Tie yarn onto one of the hem side seams and CH 3.
Rnd 37: *5 DC into the next CH 1 space. SS on top of next DC* repeat around for a scallop edge. Tie off and weave in ends.

TA- DA! Wasn't that easy???

*This is a free pattern. Please do not re-post or distribute pattern in whole or part. You may sell what you make from this pattern! By using my pattern and selling your items, you are also agreeing that you will give credit by adding a link to my original blog post in each individual listing, or on your tags. Please DO NOT use my photos to sell your items! Thank you!

Crochet Cactus

I am so excited to share with you this fun project! I love quirky things. I also kill plants regularly. I have a black thumb. I even managed to kill the three beautiful succulents I got as a wedding favor with a tag that read "Let Love Grow"... I let love die.

Here we are at the solution to my problem. Crochet cactus'! Why not right? Below you will find the pattern for these two cacti and I am working on a couple more varieties as we speak!

Supplies:
G hook
Worsted weight yarn
Tapestry needle
Stuffing
Small terracotta pots
Hot Glue

Terms:
Ch- chain
Sc- single crochet
Dc- double crochet
BLO- back loop only
Ss- slip stitch

Tall Cactus:

Chain 27
R1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook. Sc across. Ch 1 and turn (26)
R2-28: Sc across in BLO, chaining 1 and turning at the end of each row.
Fold in half and SS the long side together.
Using your tapestry needle, run some yarn around one open end. Pull tight like a drawstring. Tie a couple knots to secure.
Turn right side out and stuff till mostly firm.
Drawstring the other end closed.

Arm:
R1: Sc 10 into magic circle. Ss to first sc. Ch 1
R2-9: Sc around
R10-15: Sc 5, ss 5. It will get thick where the ss are, that's the way you want it.
R16-17: Once you have a right angle, continue with only sc. Tie off and use tail to attach to cactus with needle.

Cactus needles:
Using a tapestry needle and white yarn, locate the "ribs" going up the sides of the cactus. Whip stitch around them all the way to the top then back down another "rib". Make sure they are evenly spaced.
Tie off as base of cactus.

Flower:
Ch 4 and ss closed to form a circle.
*Ch 2, 2 dc into circle, ch 2*
Repeat * for 4 or 5 petals. Tie off and use tail to attach to top of cactus.

Short Cactus:

Chain 17.
R1: Dc in 2nd ch from hook. Dc across. Ch 2 and turn.
R2-13: Dc across in BLO.
Fold in half and ss long side together.
Drawstring close one end like you did before. Turn right side out.
Stuff then close the other end.

Flower outer:
R1: Sc 12 into magic circle. Pull tight.
R2: *Ch 11 and ss in next stitch*. Repeat * for 12 petals.
Tie off.

Flower Inner:
R1: Sc 6 into magic circle. Pull tight.
R2: *Ch 8 and ss in next*. Repeat * for 6 petals.
Tie off. Stitch both flower pieces to top of cactus.

Attaching cactus into pot using hot glue.

*This is a free pattern. Please do not repost or distribute pattern in whole or part. You may sell what you make from this pattern! By using my pattern and selling your items, you are also agreeing that you will give credit by adding a link to my original blog post in each individual listing, or on your tags. Please DO NOT use my photos to sell your items! Thank you!

To my fellow lazy bloggers...

Today I put the girls down for a nap (and they went to sleep right away, for once!) and got on the computer to post a crochet pattern to my blog. I found myself an hour later accomplishing nothing but staring at the screen at Pinterest post after Pinterest post on how to better my blog... make it more profitable... make it look professional.... how to master SEO... I ended up with a headache. Too long have I put time into making this blog awesome.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE blogging. In fact, I love it so much that I dream about fun projects just to share with you, my dear readers. But I have to put the mouse down and remind myself that I cant be perfect (ouch). This is reality, I have two children... two TWO YEAR OLDS. You know, the kind that poop on my ottoman and wipe boogers on my couch, and that is just today. They wont nap everyday no matter how much I try. And when they do I am afraid they will hear me and come knocking on my office door. Oh yes and I forgot to mention. I have this thing called a house. A house that seemingly is always dirty.

I just don't have time to invest my life into being an awesome blogger/computer genius. Now don't get me wrong, I seriously applaud those of you who have awesome blogs. Those of you who do creative things that inspire others. All while making that six figure income. I don't know how you do it. You are the ones I have looked up to to get my blog where I thought it should be.

I receive 60,000+ views a month. That's a whole hell of a lot! And I am so thankful! I love knowing that my fun projects catch your eye and inspire you. Having a famous blog wasn't my original intent. I started this merely to document my pregnancy and post pics of the girls to show family. But it grew into something beautiful!

I would love to make money from my passion. How amazing would it be to be able to assist my family in paying off debt (thanks school loans)? And maybe soon I will, with the launch of my totally awesome pattern line.

You may not know this, but I have my bachelors degree in Fashion Design. I love to sew. But the thing is, I love to sew for my girls. To make something sweet and original. But I simply can not seem to find the time to finish much of anything. You also may not know that I love the Lord. He knows the desires of my heart, and if he wants this blog to become something even more amazing, it will. Until then, I need to spend more time pouring love and creativity into my two amazing children who, after all, are my biggest fans. I vow, here and now, to stop the madness.

 So here we are, fellow lazy bloggers. I applaud you too. You took an idea or dream and turned it into a great outlet for yourself. Does it fill you up? My blog sure does. Even without perfection. You are doing awesome!

Marigold Top PREVIEW

Hello all! These last couple weeks have been a whirlwind! Finally I have some down time and am able to finish up some projects that I left hanging.

Isn't this little outfit the cutest? I wanted to make something super adorable yet modest and easy to play in. I have graded the pattern to fit sizes 0-5T. Now all I have to do it get my brother over here to install my Adobe Photoshop and I can digitize it for you! I hope to have that done by next week.

As a bonus, and because I love you dear readers so much, I will offer the smallest size free so you can try it out!

The bubble shorts pictured will also be available for free download and contain sizes 0-5T!

Come back soon to check it out!

Rhianna

The Joys of Spring

Spring finally showed up. A month late but its finally here and that's all that matters. We were lucky enough to take advantage of some awesome sun before we were hit with the Spring storms. You just can never win living in Texas!

While hubby was busy (doing something I cant remember) I took the girls down to my sister to enjoy her very large resort style pool. This thing puts out rectangle, one depth pool to shame. It really is sad. I'm not quite to that "I will swim in the birdbath, its so hot" mentality. When that happens I will see my sad pool as a gift from God!

DIY Night Night pom pom pillows

I have been a busy bee lately! This last Mother's day weekend (yes, I deserve a whole weekend) was a dousy! The finale was a lovely tornado that hit out city on Sunday afternoon. As panicked as I was, the exhileration was exciting! I snapped an awsome shot of it that landed on the front page of the paper. Now im a photojournalist too I guess!

Thank you for allowing me a moment to brag. Anyways! On to the tutorial!

You will need:
16x16 pillow form
White fabric 17"x17" (2 for each pillow)
Pom Poms- about 2 yards
Fabric Paint or Fabric Markers
Print out of words
Light table or bright window

Instructions:

1. Print out the PDF file here. Cut and tape the words together so they fit nicely on the pillow and are centered with each other.

2. Tape the words to either your light table or a bright window and tape your fabric nicely over it so it is centered.

3. Use your marker to draw the words or use a pencil to roughly trace them and go over with your fabric paint and a small brush after you take it down. Allow to dry completely.

5. Pin your trim down with the pom poms facing in and with the start of the flat tape just under 1/2" mark. Stitch down center of tape. It is easiest to cut the trim at each corner rather than trying to turn it.

6. Place the backing fabric on top of the words making a sandwich and pin in place, leaving an opening around 6 inches at the bottom. Stitch down at 1/2".

7. Turn your case right side out and gently stuff it with your pillow form. Hand stitch the opening closed.

Voila! A cute little piece of humor to adorn your bed! I feel like I need to bring something like this into my bedroom as well. Do you have any ideas for a funny use of words? -Rhianna

DIY Baby Shower Guestbook

Whew! The month of baby showers is finally over! Lots of fun was had and lots of blessings given. Through most of the showers, my responsibility was to make the guest book! I love these kind of projects and the latest was my favorite! Although I wish I was equipped with something better than my iphone for pictures! Here I will share with you how I made this lovely floral one:

11x14 frame
Gray (or chosen color) acrylic paint
Paint brush
Poster board cut to 11x14
Small flowers
Elmer's glue

The frame was $10 from Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon. The flowers were also from Hobby Lobby in the scrap booking section; I used two packs

Step one: Dry brush your frame with the gray paint. Make sure to keep it uneven so it looks aged.

Step two: Print out your large letter and tape it to a sunny window (or use a light table). Tape your cut poster board over top with the letter centered in the middle.

Step three: Glue your flowers over the silhouette letter. Elmer's glue works really well if you use just a little bit per flower. Allow to dry.

Let people sign it using silver or black pens before you put it in the frame. Do not put the thick back on the frame if you are using the glass as it wont fit with the layers of flowers. You can use it (if you want to stand it up on a table) without the glass and it still looks great!

The mama-to-be will love this pretty time capsule of blessings!

Tinkerbell slippers free pattern

!!!IMPORTANT!!! THIS BLOG HAS MOVED! HURRAY! CLICK HERE TO FIND A MORE ORGANIZED AND UPDATED VERSION OF THIS PATTERN! LOVE YOU FRIENDS!

We watch Tinkbell almost everyday. It is the girls favorite! They call her "Bika" and I have no idea why.... but its freaking cute! I figured the girls would love a pair of slippers to wear while they watch Bika save Pixie Hollow!

The pattern below is in toddler sizes 4,5,6,7. You will find the stitch counts in parenthesis. Where there is no parenthesis there is no change. No turning.

Crochet Toddler Tinkerbell Slippers:

Worsted weight yarn
Size G hook
White pom poms (2)

Instructions:

Rnd 1: Chain (16,17,18,19), 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, dc (11,12,13,14), 6 dc in last ch. Working on other side of chain, dc (11,12,13,14), 2 dc in last ch (the chain that has 2 dc from other side), ss to top of chain 3. (34,36,38,40)

Rnd 2: Chain 1, hdc in same stitch as ch 1, 2 hdc in next 3 stitches, hdc (6,7,8,9), dc 3, 2 dc in next 8 st, dc 3, hdc (6,7,8,9), 2 hdc in next 3 stitches, ss to first hdc. (47,49, 51,53)

Rnd 3: Chain 1, hdc in same stitch as ch 1, hdc around, ss to first hdc. (47,49,51,53)

Rnd 4: Chain 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1, sc around, ss to first sc (47,49,51,53)

Rnd 5: Chain 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1, sc in next st, sc2tog, sc (9,10,11,12), hdc 2, dc2tog 10 times, hdc 2, sc (8,9,10,11), sc2tog, ss to first sc. (35,37,39,41)

Rnd 6: Chain 1, hdc in same stitch as ch 1, hdc in next st, hdc2tog, hdc 2, sc (6,7,8,9), hdc 1, dc2tog 6 times, hdc 1, sc (5,6,7,8), hdc 2, hdc2tog, ss to first hdc. (27,29,31,33)

Rnd 7: Chain 1, sc in same stitch as ch 1, sc (10,11,13,15), sc2tog 4 times, sc (8,9,10,11), ss to first sc. (23,25,27,29)

Tie off and weave in ends

Using white thread, securely attach pom pom to front of shoe.


If you see any mistakes please let me know. I wrote this while my head is in a fog so hopefully it came out alright!

*This is a free pattern. Please do not repost or distribute pattern in whole or part. You may sell what you make from this pattern! By using my pattern and selling your items, you are also agreeing that you will give credit by adding a link to my original blog post in each individual listing, or on your tags. Please DO NOT use my photos to sell your items! Thank you!

Crochet Fawn Amigurumi

My sweet friend Olivia's baby shower is coming up. One thing I always love to give are crochet gifts! Seriously, who can resist a sweet pair of booties or a fuzzy animal. But scouring the internet for the perfect creature turned up nothing. I was looking for a simple fawn pattern. Something sweet that I could make girly. Nope! Nowhere to be found and definitely not for free! Alas I decided that I would do what I do best and wing it.

I purchased this reindeer pattern from Melichrous on Ravelry. I figured, hey... a reindeer is close, right? I could work with that for sure. You will have to buy the pattern on Ravelry ($4.99) but I have included the steps that I have changed in order to create this little lady!

On the head, body, arms and legs, where the instruction say to use your medium brown, instead use your dark (still light as this is a fawn) brown. NOTE: Use black embroidery floss to create 3 lashes on each eye before adding safety eyes.

The stomach, nose and hoofs I did in the same color, instead of different colors. This was done in my medium brown

Ears: Start with your dark brown and follow instruction. When it say to switch to "light brown", you will use medium brown instead but ONLY in round 7. The final round you will use your lightest yarn. Complete ear as stated in the instructions.

Tail: I could NOT figure the tail out, it was way too small for me to change colors so often. So instead I followed her directions, but started with my medium brown  for rounds 1 and 2. Then changed to my dark brown for the rest.

Spots: I used my lightest (white) yarn to create the spots. Using a tapestry needle, create little "V"s evenly on back.

Flower: Cut 5 circles out of felt, using a quarter as a template. Using matching embroidery floss (with a knot at the end) and a needle, fold the circles in half and feed onto needle about 1/3 of the way down.

Once all are on the needle push down to your knot. Spread out the petals and run your needle through the first circle to complete and pull tight. Adjust your petals and tie a knot. Leave a good length of the remaining floss to stitch onto your fawn.

Cut a simple leaf shape out of your green felt. I did not have a lighter green felt so instead I used a dark green and light green floss to create the details. For a simple leaf, use a lighter green felt and no details with the floss.

Position flower and leaf on your fawn and hand stitch it down really well. Mine won't even budge I stitched it down so much.

e, voila! A beautiful little fawn!

DIY Ombre dyed duvet Part 1

As you may well know, my obsession with finishing the girls room as become over the top. They are moving into their "big girl" beds this weekend! Either I am crazy, or just impatient. They arent climbing out, they arent unhappy... I just think they would look cute in big beds! Not to mention we bought them these beautiful 4 poster beds off Craigslist (all cheapos say "here!") when they were only 6 months old. So of course I have been DYING to put them together.

I have spent the last month looking for the perfect duvet cover/blanket/quilt/comforter. Seriously there was nothing that stood out in any category. So whats a DIY inclined girl to do? Make one (or two) of course!

I purchased two white cotton duvet covers from Ikea for $14.99 each. I figured at that price I could take a chance on my (crazy) idea to ombre dye them. Now I will be honest, I spent way too much money on this but it is totally my fault. Instead of thinking things through, I like to wing it. In doing so I ended up having to buy way more dye ($2.99 each) than I should have if I just gave it some thought. I am going to share with you my mistakes and explain to you the right way!

Mistake #1: I should have dyed it all in one tub. I watered down the dye too much. As you can see in the first picture the water is pretty transparent. So if you are dying two of these, use one tub with the amount of water shown. And if you are dying one, use half the water you see pictured.

Mistake #2: This caused me to go buy more dye. I originally used two Dylon packets per tub, and it did an okay job but the color just wasn't intense at all. There was an ombre line but it wasn't what I wanted. If you want a good intense color and a strong ombre then I would use 4 for one duvet. I ended up going back to Hobby Lobby and buying two more (that's all they had left) then combining them into one tub and dying the bottom 2/3 again (that's why you only see two colors on the final one). I would have continued to dye the bottom third but my girls were cranky and I was already at my parents 8 hours working on this.

The right way:
1. Wash your duvet. Don't use any fabric softener. Leave damp.
2. Fill you tub with water to about 5 inches for one duvet.
3. Following the direction on your dye packet, add the salt and the dye mixture it asked you to create.
4. Stir it well!
5. Wear gloves (seriously I still have pink hands) and dunk you fabric all the way, keeping track of the TOP of the duvet (the side without buttons).
6. Swish it around for a few minutes until it is light pink (or other chosen color). The lighter the top the more noticeable ombre you will get. This can happen fast so watch out.
7. Pull your material out evenly and let it hang or sit on the grass.
8. Leave the next part in about 15 min or until you like the color.
9. Pull it out some more (if dying an ombre in thirds, this will be the last shade) leave it in until you like the color, or about 30 min if final color.
10. If you are going for one more, pull it out again after about 15 and leave in another 30 min.
11. Carefully wring your fabric out and transfer it to your washer and rinse on cold.
12. Wash on warm and tumble dry!

I plan on dying the bottom third again soon... when I get up the nerve. But for now I am pleased with the outcome! Let me know if you give this a try. I would love to see how yours turns out!!!

Child-proof Door Knob Covers

I have been waiting forever to share this pattern with you! We had clouds for weeks and I couldn't get a good picture.... finally the sun came out!! This is an awesome little pattern that is a great stash buster. It whips up in minutes, which is great if you want to make a bunch (like I did)! These make great baby shower gifts and your friends will be super jealous of all your sweet knobs.

I like my house filled up with color. The walls are brown and since we are renting, I have to put color elsewear. We got a couple of the standard child proof covers a couple months ago but they are bulky, noisy and down right ugly! Not to mention I don't want my daughters to be able to get to the lock. I'm tired of being locked out. I knew there had to be a better solution!

I have included some notes and changes to suit the pattern to your particular knobs.

Child Proof Door Knob Covers:

Size H hook
Worsted weight yarn

NOTE: For a larger knob, dc 9 into magic circle and follow the rest of pattern.
For a shorter knob, change last dc row to a sc row, or remove row altogether.

Round 1: dc 8 into magic circle. Tighten circle, ch2 (8)
Round 2: 2 dc in each st around, ch 2 (16)
Round 3: *2 dc in first st, 1 dc in next* Repeat around, ch2 (24)
Round 4-5: 1 dc in each around (24)

Tie off and weave end into the inside.

To finish:
Cut a length of yarn and weave it through the last row.
Slide cover over knob and tie three tight knots to fasten to knob. Snip ends close to knot.
The cover will feel tight but loosen up as you use it.