Crochet iPad Mini Sleeve

The craziness of Christmas is over. Well, not really sine there's still wrapping paper and toys everywhere. My husband had to run errands and I'm finally sitting down with ice on my back. I suppose my lower back pain is now "chronic". I avoided the "c" word for awhile. It's so hard some days to live normally and take care of my 3 little boys without aggravating it. :(

Anyway, my husband bought me an iPad Mini 2 for Christmas and I wanted to buy a case right away but I've had my eye on a larger iPad and he says to just test it out and if I don't like the size, we'll switch it for the larger one. yay! So, for now, I decided to crochet a sleeve. 

This crochet sleeve uses super bulky yarn so it works up very quickly. I wanted extra padding so bigger yarn was the better choice. I started right before we left for dinner at my in law's house. I crocheted on the way there and finished up at the house. It took just over 30 minutes! Those are my favorite projects! Quick and fast!

It's a pretty simple sleeve. The sleeve uses single crochets and is worked in the round so there's no need to sew anything together (my other favorite thing!) I like mine snug so I crocheted it just large enough to fit the iPad Mini. I added a button and loop from the other side to secure the top.

SUPPLIES:

Super Bulky Yarn - I used Red Heart Mixology in Retro Print (I think these are discontinued)
N/9mm Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Abbreviations:

ch - Chain
sl st - Slip Stitch
St(s) - Stitch(es)
sc - Single Crochet

PATTERN:

1) ch12 or as long as you need to get desired width. I chained just slightly longer than the width of the iPad Mini (see photo below). 
2) sc into the 2nd ch from the hook and all the way down (see photo below). 2 sc into the last st.
3) Working on the other side, sc back around (on the opposite side). 2sc on the last st (24 sts).

You will now work in a continuous round. 



1sc into the first sc (see photo above) and continue 1sc in each st around (and around) until you reach the desired height. I stopped at 8.25". I basically measured by sliding the iPad Mini in and stopped when I was happy with the size. I didn't use a stitch marker because I decided I was just going to stop on the side of the sleeve when I was happy with the height. 

End on the side doing 2 sl st(s) in the last 2 st(s) on the side of the sleeve. Meaning, not front or back of the sleeve where it's more visible.

Button and Loop

I positioned my button where I want it and sewed it on.
On the opposite side, pick the middle st. For me it was 11 sts across so I started my loop on st 5. Attach yarn here and and ch as many chains as you need to go around the button and back around to the st you attached your yarn. sl st to the same st you started on. Fasten off and weave in ends.

For me it was 10 chains but I can't stress enough that you have to measure this on your own since it depends on your tension and where you attached your button.

Crochet Lily Slouch Hat

This post is waaaaay overdue. The holidays have been crazy! Anyone else feel like crawling in a hole and hibernating until next year?

I recently opened an etsy shop (Handmade by Phanessa) and shortly after, decided to put my patterns out there. The feedback and support I received was so overwhelming that I really dove into it! I'm having so much fund design crochet and knitwear!

The Crochet Lily Beanie was one of my first few designs I released. I love this pretty design that I made a pair of fingerless gloves and boot cuffs to match! Visit my shops for the pattern!

Etsy: Handmade by Phanessa
Ravelry: Designs by Phanessa
Craftsy: Designs by Phanessa

Shortly after, I received yarn from Wool and the Gang and of course, I wanted to make the Lily Beanie. I absolutely love the Wool me Tender yarn they gave me. The Blue Lagoon color is absolutely gorgeous! I've never worked with 100% wool yarn prior to receiving their yarn. I also received their size K crochet hook. Love! Love! Love it all!

I definitely will be purchasing more yarn from them.

Click here to sign up for their newsletter: Wool and The Gang Newsletter

Chunky Chelle Ponytail/Messy Bun Hat

I've been cranking out gifts (last minute)! I can't believe Christmas just crept up on me! One of the ladies I'm making a hat for never puts her hair down. Okay, I saw it down ONCE. lol I figured this ponytail messy/bun hat would be perfect!

Worked with super bulky yarn, it's a quick project. I used 2 different colors but you can easily just use one color. Mainly, I was trying to use bits of yarn up since it was piling up!

This Beanie measures 23-24" circumference & fits an average adult. I have a small head but I made this one slightly larger to fit the person I'm giving it to.

SUPPLIES

Super Bulky Yarn - Lion Brand Hometown USA (or any Super Bulky)
9mm Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Tape Measure
Scissors

Abbreviations:

ch - Chain
sl st - Slip Stitch
st(s) - Stitch(es)
sc - Single Crochet
BLO - Back Loop Only
hdc - Half Double Crochet
hdc2tog - Half Double Crochet 2 together
sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 together

Special Stitches:
hdc2tog - Half Double Crochet 2 together - Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on hook.

sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 together - Insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Pattern notes: The chain 1 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch. You will always start your first stitch in the same stitch as the ch1. You can skip the "knit stitch" on rounds 4 & 7 and just do a regular hdc if you want.

PATTERN

BRIM

With desired color for brim, start with a slip knot. ch 8 or as tall as you'd like your brim. sc into the 2nd stitch from the hook and in each st all the way across. (7 sts)

Row 1: ch1, sc into the BLO across (7 sts) 

Handmade by Phanessa: How to Crochet into the Back Loops Only (BLO) 
Please do a single crochet (even though the video does hdc) It's for demonstration purposes only.

Repeat Row 1 for a total of 32 rows (or until it measures the desired length of brim when stretched) For my tension, 32 rows is 23-24" 

SEAMING the Brim. With short ends of the brim held together, sl st the two ends together. Flip inside out so seam is on inside.

Handmade by Phanessa: How to seam the band

HAT

Round 1: ch1, sc into each st all the way around brim. sl st to the top of first sc.

Note: You should have just about the same number of single crochets as the number of rows for your brim (give or take 1-2 sts). My brim was 32 rows, I ended up with 33 sts around the brim. 

Round 2-3 (switch colors now): ch1, 1 hdc into each st all the way around, sl to the top of the first hdc

Round 4: Working in the back of the 3rd loop in each st, ch1, hdc into in each st all the way around (knit stitch). sl st to the top of first hdc.

Here's an awesome video from Moogly: How to Crochet HDC into the third loop

Round 5-6: ch1, hdc into each st all the way around. sl st to the top of first hdc.

Round 7: Working in the back of the 3rd loop in each st, ch1 *1 hdc in the next 3 sts, 1 hdc2tog in the next 2 sts (decrease), Repeat from * all the way around (knit stitch). sl st to the top of first hdc.

Round 8: ch1, *1 hdc in the next 2 sts, 1 hdc2tog in the next 2 sts (decrease), Repeat from * all the way around (knit stitch). sl st to the top of first hdc.

Round 9: ch1, 1 sc in the next 3 sts, sc2tog (decrease), Repeat from * all the way around. 

Note: If you like your hole larger, Skip Round 8 & 9 OR just 9. Play with it....

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Crochet Chunky Gwen Headband

One of my co-workers will be retiring at the end of the month. I'm so happy for her (even though I wonder if I'll ever get there!). She loves working in the garden and so my boss has put together a garden theme gift basket for her. I was asked to make a headband with flowers on it. Since I didn't have too much time (and it's the crazy holidays), I whipped up something with some super bulky yarn and a giant flower!

If you'd like to add the flower, I used someone else's pattern but using a 9mm hook and super bulky yarn and only did 2 layers of petals. Go bigger if you'd like! You can get the pattern here: Mary Jane's Mary Jane

The Headband (ear warmer) is 3.5" tall and the circumference is 21-23"

Supplies

Super Bulky Yarn (1/2 skein) - I used Lion Brand, Wool Ease, Thick and Quick in Barley
US N/9mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle with large eye
Scissors
Tape Measure

Abbreviations

ch - Chain
sl st - Slip Stitch
sc - Singe Crochet
dc - Double Crochet
st(s) - Stitch(es)

Instructions

Ch 36 - or any even number of chains. I used my own head to measure and ended with 36 chains. Sl st to the first chain, careful not to twist your stitches.

Round 1: Ch1, 1sc & 1dc into the same stitch (it is important that you do this in the same stitch as the ch1). *skip a st, 1sc & 1dc into the next. Repeat from * all the way around, sl st to the top of the first sc st.

Round 2: Ch1 & TURN YOUR WORK (I'm not yelling, it's that important! lol), 1sc & 1dc into the same stitch *skip a st, 1sc & 1dc into the next. Repeat from * all the way around, sl st to the top of the first sc st.

Note: When you skip a stitch, you're skipping the previous DOUBLE CROCHET and you are doing your crochets into the SINGLE CROCHET stitches from the previous round. The space/hole in the single crochet stitch from below will be larger (like a hole) than the double crochet stitches (which has a longer stitch).

Repeat round 2 for a total of 6 rounds or as tall as you'd like. 
Fasten off and weave in all ends. 
Thant's it!

 

Crochet Chunky Cowl with Pom Pom

I made this Chunky Cowl 2 years ago and I wore it a lot then. Somehow it got lost in my craft room! I started cleaning the room to make some space for my sewing machine (which I had to put away because my yarn was taking over!)

This is one of the first few patterns I designed so it's not difficult for a beginner. It uses half double crochet stitches worked back and forth (instead of the round). 

For this cowl, I used 2 strands of worsted weight yarn however you can use 1 strand super bulky yarn.

Crochet Chunky Cowl
Child (Adult) Size (easily adaptable for child size)
Measurements (approx): 19 (29) Inches Circumference |  7.5 (10.5) Inches Tall

Materials:

2 Strands of Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Red Heart in GOLD) or 1 strand of Super Bulky yarn
9mm Crochet Hook
Scissors
Yarn Needle
Tape Measure 
Pom Pom Maker

Abbreviations:

sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
st(s) - stitch/stitches
hdc - single crochet
fpdc - front post double crochet
bpdc - back post double crochet

Pattern Instructions:

With 2 strands of worsted weight yarn OR 1 strand of super bulky yarn:

Starting with a slip knot
ch 46 (60) or any even number of chains as you'd like until you reach desired circumference measurement. Join with a sl st to the beginning ch, careful not to twist your work.

ch1 (does not count as hdc)

Round 1-10 (14): hdc into the same st, hdc into each st all the way around. sl st to the beginning ch1, ch1 & turn your work.

Round 11-12 (15-16) : ch2  (does not count as a double crochet), bpdc into the same post as the ch2, *fpdc into the post of the next post, bpdc into the back of the next post, Repeat from * all the way around ending with a fpdc. Sl st into the top of the first bpdc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Cord & Pom Pom

Chain a long piece that is approx. 5-7" longer than the circumference of your cowl (or longer if you like). My adult cowl is 29", so I made a cord by chaining until my piece measured 36" (29" + 7" = 36"). Be sure to leave a tail when you start the slip knot and when you cut off the other end to tie to the pom pom. 

Using a yarn needle, weave the cord through the 11th (15th) (middle of ribbing edges) round of the cowl. Make sure the seam is in the back. I used a contrasting color cord to show you where it should go in the below photo (iPhone photo makes it look brighter yellow).

Using a large (or whatever size you prefer) pom pom maker, make 2 pom poms and use the tail ends of the cord to tie it. For the child size, I used a smaller pom maker and super bulky yarn. It's really your preference!

Crochet Basic Chunky Beanie with Pom Pom

I wanted to use some of my leftover yarn from other projects. So I grabbed a couple of my favorite colors. The Graphite is the latest (and greatest) from Lion Brand and the Butterscotch is an old time favorite. I was running late for work so I just grabbed the next one which was Fisherman (white).

After I posted it on my Instagram Account, I received a lot of feedback and interest in the pattern so I thought I'd share it here. It's pretty simple since it's measured to fit and it's mostly single crochets with some decreases. The hat is worked from the bottom up and in a continuous round. If you change colors, fasten off and then reattach the new yarn (pattern does not provide instructions to switch yarn).

Supplies:

Super Bulky Yarn - I used all Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick 
9mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle with large eye
Stitch Marker
Scissors
Tape Measure
Pom Pom Maker 

Abbreviations:

ch - chain
st - stitch/stitches
sl st - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (decrease) - insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern:

1) Chain as many chains until it measures the circumference needed: (when stretched) 

Toddler: 18-19 inches
Child: 20-21 inches
Teen/Adult: 22-24 inches

If you don't have a head to measure, lay the chain flat and stretch it. Don't over stretch because you don't want the brim that tight. As you start working, it will tighten slightly. All this really depends on your tension too.

2) Join Chain careful not to twist the chain.

3) Ch 1 and sc into the same st and into every st all the way around. Do not sl st to the first sc. Instead, sc right into the first sc and place a stitch marker here. Move marker up as you start each round. 

4) Continue to sc in a continuous round until the hat measures:

Toddler: 6 inches
Child: 7 inches
Teen/Adult: 8 inches

This beanie has a slight slouch. If you want it fitted, stop sooner and if you want it more slouchy, continue for another inch or more. 

Decrease Rounds:

Round 1: *sc into the next 3 stitches, sc2tog. Repeat from * all the way around
Round 2: *sc into the next 2 stitches, sc2tog. Repeat from * all the way around
Round 3: *sc into the next stitch, sc2tog. Repeat from * all the way around
Round 4: sc2tog all the way around 

Repeat round 4 until you have a few stitches left or you can no longer do sc2tog (due to tightness).

Cut yarn leaving tail and using yarn needle, weave through remaining stitches and cinch up. Secure and weave in ends.

Make a pom pom using a pom pom maker and attach to top of the hat. I used Clover's XL to make mine. I'm sort of obsessed with the over-sized pom poms :)

You can easily adjust hook sizes to make this beanie. This gold one was made using a 12mm crochet hook:

It looks great in one color or a combination of colors! ♥ 

You may sell products using ©Handmade by Phanessa Patterns, but please give credit and link back to the patterns. Please send me a message if there are errors to the pattern handmadebyphanessa@gmail.com. Thank you!

Crochet Crop Top

Okay, I really wish I can wear one of these... maybe one day? LOL I wanted to try and design one and I have a few friends with girls. So, I came up with a simple pattern. 

I was not entirely happy with how these turned out so I need to work on the details of what didn't work this time around. 

I used a sizing chart for the girls ages and it seemed to fit them nicely. Two of my boys were about the same size as the girls. I couldn't wait so I tried it on one of them HA-HA

When I finally got it on the girls, I was so excited (probably more excited than them!).

Chunky Crochet Star Cowl

I work with a lot of crochet hats and chunky yarn is not my first choice but I do love chunky scarfs, cowls and blankets! Now, if i'm knitting, my go-to yarn is super bulky or bigger! Funny how that works out!

One of my favorite stitches is the star stitch. It's so pretty. I've made a Crochet iPhone Bag using this stitch and I absolutely adore it!

When I first learned the star stitch, I remember it was so difficult and I was having so much trouble. Now that I'm more seasoned, it's not all that bad. 

I chose to use 3 different colors for this cowl. I originally wanted to use a darker grey but I decided to go with a lighter shade and I'm so glad I did although I don't think the darker color would have looked bad!

To purchase the pattern or completed cowl, please visit me ion etsy: Handmade by Phanessa 

Star Stitch: This stitch is made by inserting your hook into 6 different stitches and leaving the yarn on hook for a total of 6 loops on hook. Then you yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on hook. chain 1 to secure. See instructions below.



You'll need to chain an even number of stitches + 1 more. For this cowl, I chained 43 (42 + 1 more). It was 10.5" across and 8.5" tall.