Crochet Owl Family Amigurumi Pattern

Owls seem to be popular these days and I'm not complaining! I love seeing cute little owls everywhere. I even decorated little brother's room in an owl theme. So it was time to make some cute little crochet owls. These were actually made for Adrianne and her daughter Raya from Happy Hour Projects (Adrianne, Hope you guys like them!). Fortunately I wrote down the pattern as I went along so I could share it with all of you :o)

Daddy Owl Pattern:

Materials:
Vanna's Choice Yarn (Barely)
Loops and Threads Impeccibale Yarn (Aqua)
Black buttons (or safety eyes) for eyes

Hook Size: G (4.0)

Start with blue yarn

Magic ring, Chain 1, 6 SC in making ring, do not join
Work in rounds and use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds
Round 2: 2 SC in each, around (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, around (18 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC, SC in next 2, around (24 SC)
Round 5: 2 SC, SC in next 3, around (30 SC)
Round 6: 2 SC, SC in next 4, around (36 SC)
Round 7-15: SC around (36 SC)
Change color to brown
Round 16: SC around (36 SC)
Round 17: SC decrease, SC in next 4, around
Round 18: Sc decrease, SC in next 3, around
Round 19: Sc decrease, SC in next 2, around, slip stitch to join

Stuff, sew top edges together

When you press the top edges together, it naturally creates a slight bend that forms the owl ears. Sew them together using a whipstitch. You can make two whipstitches in both ends to create more of an ear. See pictures:

Wings (make 2):
Work in rounds
Magic ring, chain 1
SC 6 in magic ring,
Round 2: 2 SC in each (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC, around (18 SC)
Round 4-9: Sc around
Round 10: SC Decrease, SC, around

Don't stuff, sew shut and sew onto sides of body where the two colors meet. I always like to try to cover up the area where I changed colors. 

You will want to sew on the bottom part of the wing as well. I did this by weaving my yarn through the wing and out the bottom of the wing, then sew the bottom of the wing onto the body and weave in ends.

Eyes (Make 2):
Magic ring, chain 1
8 sc in ring ,pull tight, join, chain 1

Change color
Round 2: 2 SC in each, join, leave long tail.
Weave in all other ends, attach button in center. Sew onto body, centered on color change line.

Nose:

Chain 4, 

Slip stitch in second chain from hook,

SC in next

HDC in next

Fasten off and sew on to body.

Mommy Owl Pattern:

Materials:

Vanna's Choice Yarn (Barley)

Vanna's Choice Yarn (Light Pink)

Black buttons (or safety eyes) for eyes

Hook Size: F (3.75)

Start with pink yarn
Magic ring, Chain 1, 6 SC in making ring, do not join
Work in rounds and use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds
Round 2: 2 SC in each, around (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, around (18 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC, SC in next 2, around (24 SC)
Round 5: 2 SC, SC in next 3, around (30 SC)
Round 6: 2 SC, SC in next 4, around (36 SC)
Round 7-12: SC around (36 SC)
Change color to brown
Round 13: SC around (36 SC)
Round 14: SC decrease, SC in next 4, around
Round 15: Sc decrease, SC in next 3, around
Round 16: Sc decrease, SC in next 2, around, slip stitch to join
Stuff, sew top edges together. Follow instructions above for sewing ears.


Wings (make 2):
Work in rounds
Magic ring, chain 1
SC 6 in magic ring,
Round 2: 2 SC in each (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC, around (18 SC)
Round 4-7: Sc around
Round 8: SC Decrease, SC, around

Sew shut and follow instructions above for sewing wings on.

Eyes (Make 2):
Magic ring, chain 1
8 sc in ring ,pull tight, join, chain 1

Change color
Round 2: 2 SC in each, join, leave long tail.
Weave in all other ends, attach button in center. Sew onto body, centered on color change line.

Nose:

Chain 4, 

Slip stitch in second chain from hook,

SC in next

HDC in next

Fasten off and sew on to body.

This little one would also make a nice keychain!

Baby Owl Pattern:

Materials:

Vanna's Choice Yarn (Barley)

Vanna's Choice Yarn (Red Heart Super Save Orange)

Black buttons (or safety eyes) for eyes

Hook Size: F (3.75)

Start with orange yarn

Magic ring, Chain 1, 6 SC in making ring, do not join
Work in rounds and use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds
Round 2: 2 SC in each, around (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, around (18 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC, SC in next 2, around (24 SC)

Change color to brownRound 5-8: SC around (24 SC)
Change color to brown
Round 9: SC decrease, SC in next 2, around

Round 10: SC decrease, SC in next, slip stitch to join
Stuff, sew top edges together. Follow instructions above for sewing ears.

Wings (Make 2):
Magic ring, SC 4 in magic ring,
Round 2: 2 SC in each around, (8 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next,  (12 SC)
Round 4-6: SC around (12 SC)
Round 7: SC Decrease, around

Sew shut and follow directions above for sewing on wings.

Eyes (Make 2):
Magic ring, chain 1, 6 SC in magic ring, join, chain 1
Change color
2 SC in each around (12sc), join, leave long tail

Weave in all other ends, attach button in center. Sew onto body, centered on color change line.

Nose:

Chain 3, 

Slip stitch in second chain from hook,

SC in next

Fasten off and sew on to body.

Update 9/14/12: I made another set of these and found that it is easier to sew on the eyes and nose before stuffing it. Also, I recommend using safety eyes instead of buttons. They look better and are easier to attach (and safer too!).

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photo's as your own.***

Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneak peaks and when they will be available on my blog!

Pool Noodle Telescope

Ahoy there, Mateys! Come aboard and take a look through my pirate telescope!

We have become pirate fans this past month.

There is a show on Disney Junior called Jake and the Neverland Pirates. We haven't actually watched an entire show, but there are two pirate musicians that go by the names of Sharky and Bones who show up in animated form in each episode. Then between shows the two show up in their live-action forms, and perform an original song. This is the part we watch (or just youtube over and over again)! They have catchy little pirate-themed tunes that we like to dance and singalong to.

Here is one of our favorites:



And another favorite:


Ironically, Sharky and Bones are played by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson who were members of a family-oriented "pirate rock" band in Portland, Oregon. We LIVE in Portland, Oregon!!!! Why am I just now discovering these guys? I wish I would have known about them before they became big Disney stars and were performing their local concerts. ARGGGGHHH!!

So my boys have pirate hats that I found at Target for $2 each. And then when I was looking at my leftover pool noodle pieces from my latest craft project (pool noodle tic tac toe), I thought, hey, these would make great telescopes!

They are super simple to make and so much fun to role play with! I mentioned before, that pool noodles cut like butter. So I took a 12" piece of pool noodle (you can buy these at the Dollar Store) and a 2" round cookie cutter, and twisted the cookie cutter into one end of the noodle.

When it couldn't go any father, I used a bread knife to cut the outside part of the noodle off. Make sure you cut it where the cookie cutter sits. The cookie cutter will stop the knife from cutting any deeper than needed.

I kept twisting and cutting until I had about a 3" inches of skinny noodle sticking out.

At this point you pretty much have your telescope! Easy, right? I decorated mine with black electrical tape around the ends and used a sharpie to draw on a skull and bones.

If you want, you can do a reverse cut on the other end. Twist your cookie cutter in, but instead of cutting the outside of the noodle, cut along the inside. This proved difficult and unnecessary. But have at it if you'd like :o) Here is what the other end looks like.

Now all hands on deck! Grab a noodle and make your own pirate telescope!

Linking up to the Pool Noodle Craft Party!

Crock Pot Cheesy Hash Browns

I came across this recipe for Crock Pot Hash Brown Casserole and had to give it a try! The ingredients were simple and I was in the mood for breakfast for dinner. This recipe could be easily doubled for a larger crowd.


Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup dried onions
1/2 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 dash black pepper
1 cup corn flakes, crushed and divided

Directions:

1. Stir together butter, onions, hash browns, soup, milk, cheese, pepper, and 1/2 cup cornflakes.

2. Grease crock pot and pour mixture in, topping with remaining corn flakes (you could also top with more cheese or french fried onions)

3. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours (I cooked mine for 3.5 hours)

These hash browns turned out so flavorful and delicious! They would be perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And a great dish for a pot luck!

Crochet Football Earflap Hat Pattern

Here is a quick pattern for all you football fans! And if you're not a football fan, you could always make this earflap hat in the colors of your choice and it will still make a great winter hat for your little one. Enjoy!

Before I begin, I want to clarify what I mean when I say "Begin in the same stitch as chain 2." I always start my rounds in the same stitch as my chain 2. And DO NOT end my rounds in the same stitch as the chain 2. I will let the pictures explain this better:

When joining, skip over the chain 2, and join to the first DC. This will help hide your seams! 

Crochet Football Earflap Hat
Size: 3-6 months

Materials:
- Loops & Threads Impeccable Yarn Chocolate
- Vanna's Choice Yarn White
- Size H (5.0 mm) Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle

HDC= Half Double Crochet
DC= Double Crochet
SC= Single Crochet

Hat:
With brown yarn:
Magic ring, chain 2,
12  DC in magic ring, join, pull tight, chain 2
(Note: Begin your rounds in the same stitch as chain 2 for entire pattern)
Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join, chain 2 (24 DC)
Round 3: 2 DC, DC in next, repeat around, join, chain 2 (36 DC)
Round 4: 2 DC, DC in next 2, repeat around, join chain 2 (48 DC)
Switch to white yarn for Round 5
Round 5: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Switch back to brown yarn for Rounds 6-9
Rounds 6-9: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Switch to white yarn for Round 10
Round 10: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Switch back to brown yarn for Round 11
Round 11: DC in each around, join, chain 2 (48 DC)
Start on Earflap

Earflap 1:
Row 1: Starting in the same stitch as chain 2, HDC in next 10, chain 2, turn
Row 2: HDC Decrease, HDC in next 6, HDC Decrease, chain 2, turn
Row 3: HDC across, chain 2, turn (8 HDC)
Row 4: HDC Decrease, HDC in next 4, HDC Decrease, chain 2, turn
Row 5: HDC across, chain 2 turn (6 HDC)
Row 6: HDC Decrease across (3 HDC Decreases), chain 3, turn and slip stitch to first stitch in previous row, fasten off.

This should leave a chain loop at the end like this:

Earflap 2:
Join leaving approx. 19 stitches across the front, chain 2,

Row 1: In the same stitch as chain 2, HDC in next 10, chain 2, turn

Row 2: HDC Decrease, HDC in next 6, HDC Decrease, chain 2, turn

Row 3: HDC across, chain 2, turn (8 HDC)

Row 4: HDC Decrease, HDC in next 4, HDC Decrease, chain 2, turn

Row 5: HDC across, chain 2 turn (6 HDC)

Row 6: HDC Decrease across (3 HDC Decreases), chain 3, turn and slip stitch to first stitch in previous row, do not fasten off...

Continue to SC around the hat. When you come to the chain 3 loops at the at the end of each earflap, make 3 SC inside the chain 3 loop. It should look like this:

This will give you a nice place to tie on your braided tails.

I like to make my braided tails about 9-10" long. So I cut 8 pieces of approx. 40" long yarn. String it halfway through the loop on the end of the earflap. You will now have 16 strands to braid with. Tie a knot at the top, braid about 6" down, make another knot and leave 2-3" inches of fringe on the bottom. Of course you can customize this to your liking.

White Football Stitches:
With a tapestry needle, sew the white yarn in the placement of the stitches in this picture. I start with the vertical middle stitch and then sew the 3 horizontal stitches on top.

I hope you like this pattern! Let me know if you have any questions.

 Feel free to post a picture of your finished hats on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook page! 

Stenciled Adirondack Chair and Pillow

About a year ago, I found two child-size teak adirondack chairs a yard sale for $5! We already have teak outdoor furniture so these went well with our existing set and they were perfect for our two boys. The only problem was that they were in need of a little TLC. I knew I wanted to monogram them with my boys initials, but it wasn't until the Stencil Round of One Crafty Contest that I got the idea to stencil the chairs! So far, I have only completed one chair, because the second chair has a broken leg and needs more repairs than I can personally fix (need to get my hubby to help me with that one!).

This is how the chair started out. So I decided to sand it down and give it a fresh look. Then I chose where I wanted the monogrammed letter to go. I used the punch out of Martha Stewarts letter stencils and temporarily glued it on with Scotch removable adhesive spray.

Using Cutting Edge Stencils Wall Art Stars, stencil brushes, and exterior acrylic paint, I began stenciling layered stars around the letter. Cutting Edge Stencils are so easy to work with and wipe of clean when done. I started with the biggest star and then worked my way in. You need to use very little paint and just dab it on with your stencil brush. 

When the red paint was dry, the "M" stencil pealed right off!

Now I felt like this little chair need a mini matching pillow....a patriotic pillow!  I found weather resistant fabric in red and blue as well as a heavy weight, UV and weather resistant thread for sewing. Only problem was that I don't own a sewing machine (can you believe that?!). That needs to change soon! So I sewed this pillow together by hand. 

First, I cut the fabric to approx. 7x12 inches. Then I stenciled each side with the same Cutting Edge Stars, but this time mixed my acrylic paint with Martha Stewarts Fabric Medium. The paint takes longer to dry on the fabric so you have to be a little patient. Also, be sure you tape down the fabric and the stencils securely. You don't want the fabric to move while you are stenciling.

When the paint is completely dry, sew the stenciled side of the fabric together (leaving a small unseen hole) and then flip inside out. Stuff and whipstitch the small hole together.

Just for fun, I made one side, red and the other side blue.

And there you have it! A perfectly patriotic chair and pillow, ready for a night of 4th of July fireworks!

Pool Noodle Tic Tac Toe

Pool Noodle are fun for the pool, but you can do so many other things with them! I have seen noodles used for wreaths, race tracks, and croquet tunnels. Yesterday I jumped in on all the fun with noodles and made a Tic Tac Toe game out of our Dollar Tree pool noodles!

First you need to make your x's and o's. Using a bread knife (the noodles cut like butter!) cut 1" pieces for your o's and 5" long pieces for your x's. Once you cut a 5" long piece for your x, you will need to cut it in half, and then in half again. 

I used my hot glue gun to glue the x's together just one strip on top of the other. 

Or for a better fit, you can cut a notch out of one of the strips, and fit a second strip in the notch (you will still need to glue them together)

Using sidewalk chalk, I drew a Tic Tac Toe board on our patio and we played a game with our pool noodle game pieces!

But lets say you want to play this game in the pool (or bathtub!). All you need to do is make a pool noodle game board and you will have a floating Tic Tac Toe game!

Take two noodles and cut them in half. You will also need zip ties for this project.

Cut notches out of the two of the noodles. Just line up one noodle on top of the other to figure out how wide the notch needs to be. 

Lay the remaining two noodle on to of the notches and zip tie together.

Now you have a floating game board! (ok, the tub was a little small, but try to imagine all the fun this will be in a pool!)

For more pool noodle craft ideas head over to the Pool Noodle Craft Party!