Mar 31: Bunny Egg Cozy - COMPLETED

Pattern #90: Bunny Egg Cozy

How cute is this little guy? I love his ears... And the tail?? Oh it's killing me! too stinking cute!

Mine is definitely not as cute as Lion Brand's, but here is my attempt:

Mar 30: Carrot Egg Cozy - COMPLETED

Pattern #89: Carrot Egg Cozy

This is another egg cozy from Lion Brand. I told you, they are cute! This would also be really cute if you closed up the bottom and turned it into a rattle! I may just have to do that!

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Updated 1/31/2011
I finished this egg cozy up real quick on Friday.  I was at my coffee and crochet date and decided to just go for it.  Nevermind that I still needed to finish both a doily and a blanket!!  This took less than an hour to make and is super cute!

[And yes, I did create the Ravelry pattern page for this project, thanks for asking! haha]

Mar 29: Little Lamb Egg Cozy (Easter) - COMPLETED

Pattern #88: Little Lamb Egg Cozy

Apparently little egg cozies (or egg covers, as I call them) are all the rage for crochters. At first, I did not see the appeal, but they started to grow on me. And this one is perfect because it is a lamb. My mom and grandma are big Easter lamb fans (Jesus = Lamb of God), so this it fitting. And adorable. Thanks to Lion Brand for this pattern.

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Updated 3/23/2011:  I now have three little Easter egg cozies.  So exciting!  Here are a few closeups of the little (black) sheep!

Mar 28: Mini Easter Baskets (Easter) - COMPLETED

Pattern #87: Mini Easter Basket


I love Easter. It is the time when Jesus is at the forefront of our minds as we remember his death for us. I participated in a traditional Passover meal last year -- that was awesome. And when I was 13, I went to a Presbyterian church and we did the whole Ash Wednesday service and giving things up for Lent. Now, I don't usually give anything up for Lent. Sometimes I think about it -- but usually I do not.


I also loved new dresses for Easter morning and the big Easter ham and egg hunt at Mama's house afterwards (well originally at the Florys). Recently, traditions have changed as the kids have grown up. We haven't had any Easter egg hunts in awhile (I wanted to hide some for Davis last year -- he did not find that amusing haha), but I still love Easter baskets. Matthew does not get it, but know that I am just going to do Christmas stockings & Easter baskets for us -- until we have kids. Then the kids get all the goodies (okay, we will still have our own stockings!). Anywho, I needed some Easter decorations. Actually, I have some. An "egg tree" that I got (well my mom got it for me) while in Austria. I need to put those out. Anywho, I wanted mor Easter decor. So for the next 2 weeks you will see all things Easter. And yes, most will be commercialized (bunnies, baskets, eggs) things and not the real reminders (cross, lambs) because those are much harder to find! I hope you enjoy this Easter season with me!

Our first pattern is from Marilee at Blogless Knitting. I bet these would be super fast. Maybe I can finish these for this Easter... And here is her picture:

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Updated June 16, 2014: As you notice, the pattern at the top of this page is crossed out. That is because when I first blogged about it, it was a free pattern, and it is now available for purchase. One of the things I did with this blog (unintentionally, but maybe because I'm a cheapskate) was only post free patterns. Occasionally I would post a link to a cool pattern for purchase, but all of my challenge patterns were free. So I have replaced the above pattern with this one.

Mini Basket

And as you can see. It's cute. Crocheted in two strands for a sturdy little basket, I found the pattern delightful! They will be perfect next Easter!

Mar 27: Sweet Dreams (Blanket)

Pattern #86: Sweet Dreams

This is another pattern from Dayna A (she designed Tuesday's Arches Squares). I think this would also make a cute pillow cover. Maybe I can make it in brown & green, for our front room!

Picture from Dayna:

Mar 26: Mandala (Blanket)

Pattern #85: Mandala


This beautiful pattern is another one from Chris Simons. If you recognize the name, it is because she also designed Waldo's Square -- Sunday's pattern. This square would be beautiful if joined with other squares into a blanket, or I imagine it would make a gorgeous pillowcase (for a couch)!


Picture from Chris Simons:

Mar 25: Little Girls Favorite Throw (Blanket)

Pattern #84: Little Girls Favorite Throw

This is another Lion Brand pattern. It's another easy one from them, using a v stitch as the main focus. What color shall I make this in?

Picture from Lion Brand:

Mar 24: Little Star Afghan - COMPLETED

Pattern #83: Little Star Afghan

This is the coolest pattern ever. Well at least, I think so! Beth made this really cool star afghan, but Melissa at Inner Child Crochet came up with a very cool variation on the original. I'm not sure which one I will make for this blog, but I LOVE Melissa's! This is another baby blanket pattern, but I think it would make a cool throw. And if you check out the page on Ravelry, you can see some other cool variations...

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Update on September 13, 2014 - I LOVE how this blanket came out. I didn't add the extra stars, but I didn't want to. I like the simplicity of the star (sun), sky, and clouds. I started this last year, for my nephew, but needless to say, he didn't get it (he will be one next month)! For now, this will go into the closet. It may end up going to a friend with a new baby, or staying around til I have kiddos of my own. We shall see...

Mar 23: Arches Square - COMPLETED

Pattern #82: Arches Square

This pattern from Dayna A is just incredibly cool. It is intricate and beautiful. You can crochet this in multiple colors or just a few. This would make a beautiful blanket!

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Updated 9/29/2011:  I found out that DEbbie Macomber (one of my favorite authors) lost her grown son a  few months back.  The "Good Yarn" (her book series on knitting) group on Ravelry is creating  a blanket for her.  I wanted to do my share and send some love her way.  I made a couple granny squares and this arches square.  I had to stop a row early to make it 5", but I love it anyways.  Super cute.  I think I should do it in a different yarn, because it looks kinda funky!  The pattern is great though!

Mar 22: Chocolate Covered Cherries Afghan - COMPLETED

Pattern #81: Chocolate Covered Cherries Afghan

I found this pattern over at Lion Brand awhile back. It looks easy and VERY cute! Love it!

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Updated April 10, 2012: This is basically a giant granny square. I used two colors of teal and variagated teal that I had sitting around. I finished it with a simple SC around the edges. Simple. Sweet. Perfect for a kid to run around with.

Mar 21: Tiramisu (Blanket) - COMPLETED

Pattern #80: Tiramisu Blanket

This blanket by Alicia would be perfect for any new baby in your life. Can you imagine the joy that a new mother would experience when seeing this adorable thing for her child? And I know a few of you have requested baby patterns and blanket patterns - so here is a combo of the two!

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Updated 11/21/2011: I finally finished up this cute little blanket a few days ago. I love that it can be made for either a boy or a girl, and all you have to do is change the ribbon! So fetch! My one complaint about this pattern is that the blanket turned out super small. I probably should have gauged it, but yeah. It will be a great snuggly blanket. Or whatever the blankets are called that babies snuggle up to. Plus the ribbon adds some fun texture!

Mar 20: Waldo's Puzzle (Blankets)

Pattern #79: Waldo's Puzzle

Well, I got tired of Irish patterns, a day early. So I decided to switch over to Blanket week on a Saturday. hahaha Next week is blanket week, but it's now starting today! I love many of Chris Simon's patterns, and this one in particular. It looks like a challenge, but it's gorgeous! What do you think? What colors would you crochet it in? And would you make a bunch of them to make a blanket or do something else with them?

Picture from Chris Simon via YarnCrazy:

Mar 19: Four Leaf Clover -- COMPLETED

Pattern #78: Four Leaf Clover

After all of those 3 leaf shamrocks, I thought we needed a real four leaf clover! I found this pattern over at Crochet Spot. What do you think?
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Updated June 10, 2013: This project was QUICK. It was totally what I needed to just check something off of my list! It's cute too. I guess I could use it as a coaster for St. Patrick's Day. Right? Actually, it would probably be really cute in a little picture frame. I think that's what I am going to do!

Mar 18: Shamrock Granny Square (St Patricks Day)

Pattern #77: Shamrock Granny Square

This pattern from Jackie Karp is super festive. I cannot see myself making a whole blanket with this square... but wouldn't it be cool to have a month - by - month blanket? I can see it now. This one for March. The heart for February. Now what can I use for the other 10 months??

Picture from Karp Designs:

Mar 17: Shamrock Garland (St Patrick's Day) - COMPLETE

Pattern #76: Shamrock Pin / Garland

Happy St Patricks Day! I hope you are wearing green today! My plan is to make a few of these single shamrocks into pins - then no one can pinch me! hahaha I want to make a small garland to hang over the mantle as well. This pattern is from Suzie, who made the hearts that we used for our heart garland. This does have a similar feel to it, doesn't it?

First, I made a tiny version (my own knockoff of her pattern) using a C hook for a necklace charm. Of course I forgot to put it on a jump ring & black corded necklace last night, so I cut a paperclip apart and just attached it to my gorgeous green necklace from my mom.



Here is a comparison of my regular sized one (followed pattern) and my little tiny one.



The pile of shamrocks so far (Can you tell which one is different and why?):



I finished the project! I used a very lightweight yarn, so the shamrocks are much smaller than hers. I had to go down to a G hook as well. I like the small, quaintness of it. To see another version of the chain, check out Skip to My Lou's.

Mar 16: Pot O Gold - COMPLETED

Pattern #75: Pot O Gold

If only this pot came filled with gold! haha This would be a fun little thing to have sitting around the house for St Patricks Day! I bet you can get fake gold coins at the DT (that's dolla tree), to make it look just right!

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Updated 2/14/2011 - The challenge for this week's Iron Craft was GOLD.  I was not sure what to make, then remembered this pattern.  I thought that I could crochet the "gold" pieces to go in the cauldron.  I messed up the handles, but am too lazy to go back and fix them.  It's not my favorite project in the world, but I do love the way the gold pieces turned out.  I used Super Saver in green for the cauldron and in gold for the coins.  I added a sparkly gold crochet thread to most of the coins.  I also crocheted one tiny coin out of just gold.  Very cute.  We have standing St Patrick's Day celebrations with another couple (this year will be year 5, I think), so this will be some of the decor in the entry way of our home!

The pattern calls for a margerine tub to use as the base.  I don't have one that small (nor have I seen one), so I just made it without anything holding the inside.  I think it turned out just fine!

Mar 15: Cape (St Patricks Day)

Pattern #74: St. Patrick's Day Cape

This cape, designed by Laura, [and here on Ravelry] is super cute. How fun would this be for a little kid on St. Patrick's day? To complete the cape, you will need to make the octagon first, followed by the cape.

Here is Laura's picture:

Mar 14: Leprechaun Hat -- COMPLETED

Pattern #73: Irish Greeting Sign

What better way to start of St. Patrick's Day-Week than with a greeting sign? How cute is this thing?? It is designed by Jocelyn Sass and can be found in Crochet! Magazine, online.

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Updated April 12, 2013: Sometimes patterns disappear between now and when I first found it (in 2010). That is the case with this. I originally found a door greeting sign, but now it is nowhere to be found. So I replaced it with this Leprechan Hat. Fun. Right? It goes perfectly with my Pot of Gold!

Mar 13 : Summer Garden Granny Square

Pattern #72: Summer Garden Granny Square

This is one of the cutest patterns that I have seen in a very long time! I love the simplicity of it - and that it looks like a flower! This new addiction of mine, to granny squares, is going to be my demise... I can already tell! haha I love the way that Lucy (from Attic24, the designer of this square) takes each step and breaks it down with amazingly simple pictures. It makes it so anyone can do it. Are any of you going to make this square?

Picture from Lucy:

Mar 12: Mittens

Pattern #71: Mittens

Another reader requested mittens, on the giveaway post. So here is a fun mitten pattern... there are 2 other projects on the page that you might also enjoy! At the bottom is the pdf download for the mitten pattern.

Here is the picture from Shepherd's Hook Crochet:

Another Random Post

I just wanted to share this link with you. If you have not seen it before, you must check out this page from Lion Brand. They made a jungle of knit & crochet animals. Their flickr pool shows some pretty cool before & after pics! Enjoy!

The lion is my favorite:

Mar 11: Ladybug Hat & Rattle - COMPLETE

Pattern #70: Ladybug Rattle

This pattern is a reader request. Brooke wanted me to make "something ladybug" for her new niece. I thought this rattle was just the cutest thing ever... until I found this hat! I decided a complete set was in order -- and that means you all get 2 patterns today!

I finished the rattle already. How cute is it? Too cute, I tell ya!



And the beanie (first picture with it on is of a 3 month old, the latter 2 are of a 1 year old -- so you can see the size thing). Thanks so much to my good friend Lauriana for taking the pics on the kids. Once she gets her photo blog up, I will post a link! I ended up creating my own pattern for this. I found the pattern from Care Wear too confusing; so I am creating my own, to be posted later.

Mar 10: Handbag

Pattern #69: Handbag

I always thought of crocheted bags as weird -- like they would be one panel stuck to another and rather bland. This sweet bag from Lion Brand definitely changed that opinion of mine! It does look a little 2004, but that's okay. I still think it is cool, and I will definitely be keeping this one for myself!

Picture from Lion Brand:

Mar 9: Prayer Shawl

Pattern #68: Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl

I found this pattern awhile back and wanted to make it for my grandma. She was hit pretty hard when my grandpa died a couple of years ago. Well, we all were. Anywho, I thought she might like this. It may be late, but I know she would still appreciate it. Plus, we are all still healing. And who doesn't need to pray?

You can find my first post about his "going with the big man upstairs"here, a year later, and a few pictures of the loft house my family & I built in his memory (check out www.handsofmercy.org for more info on the loft house ministry)

Picture from Lion Brand: