Yo-yo bunny!

When I found this pattern for the Yo-Yo Bunny. I downloaded it and waited for the right yarn to come my way.  I like the bunny, but it looks kind of sad in the picture for the pattern.  I decided I wanted my bunny to be colorful and happy!

I decided I wanted red boots to match the red in the yo-yos.  I also opted to use the same yarn and the G hook for collar.  I think it makes him look less formal, and more fun.  I also opted out of using blush on his ears...who needs that mess?!

Either way you make it, this bunny is really fun and incredibly CUTE!!

Free pattern for a hanging hand towel using 1 ball of cotton

One of my goals this year was to write a pattern that could be understood and used by others.  I do not believe in charging for a crochet pattern, no matter what it may be for.  It is my belief that I am unable to make the item for everyone who might want one.  I believe that by sharing my "discoveries" with you only enhances both of our crocheting lives.

Below, is a pattern that was intended for Peaches and Cream's Stripes cotton yarn.  It was also tested on the Stripes from Sugar and Cream....and of course, it will work with any and all other cotton yarn.  Please enjoy this pattern.  My intent is too hang these in my guest bathroom, using an antique drawer handle in place of a towel bar.

Hanging Hand Towel

Materials:

1 ball of cotton yarn (I prefer Peaches and Cream Stripes, or Sugar and Cream stripes.) Please see note at bottom.

Size H crochet hook

1 button to match yarn -  1/2 to 1 inch, but Row 53 can be modified to fit any button...We all know how it feels to find JUST that right button, but it is the wrong size.  For smaller buttons DC in place of TR.  

Gauge:

17 rows = 4 inches

15 stitches = 4 inches

Chain 37.

Row 1:

SC in second chain from hook. * Chain 1. Skip next stitch in foundation chain and SC in next stitch.*     

Repeat from * to *, SC in last stitch of foundation chain.  Chain 1 and turn. (the last 2 foundation chains should

have SC in them) (36)

Row 2: SC if first stitch.  Chain one.  *Sc in chain 1 space of previous row.  Chain 1.* Repeat from * to * , SC in last stitch of row. Chain 1 and turn. (36)

Rows 3 through 40:

Repeat Row 2.

Row 41: SC decrease across, chain 1 and turn (18)

Row 42: repeat row 41 (9)

Row 43:  SC decrease in the first 2 stitches,  SC in the next, SC decrease in the last 2 stitches (5 stitches total)

Row 44: SC across; chain 1 and turn (5 st)

Rows 45 through Row 52: Repeat row 44

Row 53: HDC, DC, (TR,TR), DC, HDC (6 stitches total), chain 1 and turn

Row 54 : SC across (6st), chain 1 but do not turn.

Edging: SC evenly down side and around towel, sl st into first SC of Row 54.  Fasten off. 

Note: I have come to the conclusion that all balls of yarn, even by the same brand, are not created equal.  I created 7 towels before now.  All 7 were made by me, using the same hook.  The first 6 towels are identical, down to the amount of tail left to tuck at the end.  Towel 7 ended on a sad note, with the yarn not quite reaching the top of the second side of the towel. 

Yarn! Smell it before you buy it!?

Who would have ever thought to SMELL yarn before you buy it?  We all look at the color, and then we look at the texture.  Then we feel the yarn between our fingers and we either buy it or put it back!  Smelling yarn would most certainly get a few odd looks, right?!

Well, smelling before I buy is likely going to become a practice for me!  I just pulled a ball of cotton from my bin, to make a hat.  The cotton was brought home in the bin, since the bin was purchased the same day.

I was sitting here with the yarn next to me, smelling this odd perfume-like smell; nothing like anything around the house.  I kept wondering what I was smelling.  I picked up that yarn to start on a hat, and I got a very strong whiff of the smell.  I still didn't connect the smell to the yarn, yarn doesn't smell like THAT!!

So I sat here happily crocheting away, all the while wondering what on earth was I smelling!  I reached up to adjust my glasses, and realized my HAND was smelling like the strange smell.  STILL not connecting the dots, I became a bit confused.  Suddenly it hit me that maybe it was the yarn.  I picked up the yarn and smelled...not the dainty little sniff, sniff, but the all out SNIIIIFFFF!!

WHEW!!  It almost knocked me out!  It isn't a bad smell, just a very strong smell.  My yarn smells!!  Well, let me just say that in MY opinion my yarn stinks...

Oh well, nothing a good shower for me and a spin through the washer for the hat won't fix, but SMELL BEFORE YOU BUY!!  :-)