Crochet teacher gift idea

Just a quick update!   We gifted our crayon to my daughters teacher!  She absolutely loved it!  The other 1st grade tescher wanted one too haha.  Anyway I threw in some favorite colored writing supplies, like sharpies, highlighters and dry erase markers.  We bought a cheap $1 plain gift bag and wrote in big letters "thanks for making my year so COLORFUL!"    This could be adapted for different times or situations.    Hope you get a chance to make a Snuggly Crayon!

Just another idea, you could do this same saying and make a colored version of the Snuggly Pencil! It works up a little smaller than the crayon.    If you do make one, use #bsquarecrochet or tag me on any of my social media accounts.    I also regularly view the projects people made on Ravelry, so you can share it there too.  

Here the items and links for the items we used!  We tried to make sure we used colorful items to go with our bag.    I think a box of crayons or washable markers would be great too, especially since teachers always are running out of them. 

These are affiliated links so if you happen to make a purchase I will receive a very small commission.  

Mighty the Alligator - FREE Crochet pattern

Whenever I get inspiration for a project or imagine what it would look like in crochet, I need to jot it down in my handy dandy notebook! (I feel a little like Steve from Blue's Clues, I just need a thinking chair).   Anyway,  my best ideas have been inspired by my kids or by their request.  They usuallyl come up with things they want me to make them. Once I finish their toy, I let them name the pattern.    It's been a fun way to include them in my hobby and I know they will love and cherish the things I make for them because they helped in ways.   

Which brings me to my latest pattern, Mighty the Alligator inspired by my 3 year old!     If you know someone who is into reptiles, they will love this one.   He is another pillow friend that will lay nicely on a bed but still fun to play with.    I love these flat character, not only because they look really cool, but they are easier to store and snuggle.   

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links.   If you make a purchase through the links I share, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission.  Thanks for your support and understanding.   

If you would like the AD FREE PDF version of this pattern, it is available for purchase through Ravelry HERE.    And even if you don't purchase, I would LOVE it if you added it to your favorites!   

MATERIALS:

1 Skein of Green Yarn

Scrap of White yarn

12 mm safety eyes

Poly-fil

4 MM hook

TERMS:

Ch-  Chain

SC- Single Crochet

P-  picot (Ch 3, ss in 1st ch)

DEC- Decrease

SS- Slip Stitch

FO-  Finish Off

MIGHTY THE ALLIGATOR

*Chain 1 and Turn at the end of each row*

LEGS (4 panels needed)
1- Ch 5, SC in 2nd chain from hook and across (4)
2-10 - SC across (4)
Finish off.

Repeat rows 1-10 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off. Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together. To create the toes on the bottom of the leg: SC in first stitch, PICOT (Ch 3 SS in 1st chain), SC in 2nd stitch, PICOT, SC in 3rd stitch, PICOT, SC in 4th stitch. Continue SC around leg. Lightly stuff before finishing.

Complete all steps again for 2nd leg.


ARM (2 panels, 4 if you want an arm on the back side.   I chose only one on front and flat on back)
1- Ch 5, SC in 2nd Chain from hook and across (4)
2-12 - SC across (4)
Finish off.

Repeat rows 1-12 for 2nd panel but DO NOT finish off. Use your working yarn to SC the two pieces together. Use the same steps as the legs to complete the toes for the arm.


TEETH (using white yarn)
1- Ch 13. SC 2nd ch from hook. **SC next chain, PICOT, SC in next ch.** Repeat pattern til the end of chains. You will have 6 PICOTS (teeth)
Finish off, leaving long tail for sewing on later.

TAIL (2 panels)
1-Ch 21. SC 2nd Ch from hook. Ch 1, turn. (20)
2-SC 18, DEC in last two stitches.
3-DEC in first two stitches, SC 17.
4-SC 16, DEC.
5-DEC, SC 15.
6-SC 14, DEC.
7-DEC, SC 13.
8-SC 12, DEC.
9-DEC, SC 11.
10-SC 10, DEC
11-DEC, SC 9
12-SC 8, DEC
13-DEC, SC 7
14-SC 6, DEC
15-DEC, SC 5
16-SC 4, DEC
17-DEC, SC 3
18-SC 2, DEC
19-DEC, SC 1
20-DEC
Finish off.

Repeat rows 1-20 for 2nd panel, DO NOT finish off. Use working yarn to SC around two panels. On the slope of the tail ONLY, **SC, SC, SC, PICOT**, repeat ** until bottom and then continue SC around. Stuff and Finish off. Leave a few inches of yarn to tac on to body later during assembly.

BODY (2 panels)
*Chain 1 and Turn at the end of each row*
1- Ch 17. SC in 2nd Chain from hook and across (16)
2-7 -SC across (16)
8-SC across, ch 17. (16sc 17chs)
9-SC in 2nd Ch from hook and in the next 15 chains, SC across the 16 sc (32 total sc)
10-25- SC across (32)
26- SC 16 stitches, ch 1 turn.
27- 66- SC across (16)

Finish off panel 1. Place safety eyes between rows 9-10 and 7-8 and 5 st apart. Sew teeth on between rows 17- 20. Sew arm (top only) at row 30. Tac tail and feet in place using the yarn tails from pieces. (You can pin pieces instead of tacking them in place)

Repeat Rows 1-66 for 2nd body panel. DO NOT finish off. Place panel 1 on top of panel 2. Using the working yarn, SC around the body.  When you reach the top of the head, stuff the mouth. To create the spikes along the top of his back, use the same PICOT pattern as the tail (sc, sc, sc, PICOT). When you reach the tail, SS through panel 1, tail, panel 2. Finish off when you reach your first SC. Sew in tails.   You're done! 

If you make a Mighty Alligator, please share a photo of him with me, via social media or on Ravelry.   I love seeing others work so tag Bsquare Crochet or use #bsquarecrochet.   You are welcome to sell your work from my patterns but I ask that I am credited with the design.  Please do not copy or post this pattern in part or in whole. 

I'm so thankful for the wonderful crochet community for the encouragement and support I get each time I create something new!   I've been working hard trying to make this blog work out, so thank you so much for being patient with me while I figure it out and make changes as I go. 

B2

Llama Pillow Friend

Life sometimes gets in the way of getting things done when we want them to be done. I originally had intended to post this pattern before Valentine's day. Although I guess it is better late than never, right? At least when it comes to pattern sharing.  

I love this little pillow friend, and so does my daughter. I gave it to her for Valentine's day and she was over the moon! I named it after my late grandmother, who had a double L's at the beginning of her name too, so I thought it would be a fitting name for my Llama. So without any further delay, I introduce to you the Lloyal Llama!

Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you choose to purchase by clicking through that link. 

Lloyal Llama

Before you begin:

SC-   Single Crochet

INC. – Increase (2 single crochets in same stitch)

DEC – Decrease (1 single crochet over 2 stitches)

MC-  Magic circle

Although it isn't written, chain 1 and turn at the end of each row.

Gage is not important in this pattern.

Materials. 

4 mm hook 

Regular worsted weight yarn. (I used Red Heart Super Saver that I had laying around)

Poly-fil

Yarn needle for sewing

Body panels,  Make 2
1. Chain 25, SC in 2nd chain from hook.  SC across (24)
2. Inc.  in first stitch, sc in the next 22, inc. in last.  (26)
3. Inc. in first stitch, SC in the next 25, INC in last  (28)
4. SC across (28)
5 - 16 SC across  (28)
17.  SC 26, DEC in last two (27)

START NECK

18. Dec, SC 24 (26)
19. DEC, SC 10 (11)
20. DEC, SC 9 (10)
21.  DEC, SC 8 (9)

22- 32. SC 9, turn ch 1 (9)

33. INC, SC 8  (10)
34. INC, SC 9 (11)
35. INC, SC 10 (12)

36- 42.  SC 12  (12)

43.  DEC, SC 8, DEC (10)
44.  DEC, SC 6, DEC (8)
45.  DEC, SC 4, DEC (6)

LEGS
Working on body panel  head facing down. Attach yarn to bottom left, working right

1. SC 11 across.

2.  DEC SC 7 DEC (9)
3.  SC 9
4.  SC 9
5.  DEC SC 5 DEC
6.  SC 7
7.  SC 7
8.  DEC 3 DEC
9.  SC 5

REPEAT rows 1-9 for 2nd leg working on opposite side.      Tie off and complete same steps for 2nd body panel.

 

EARS make 2

1.  SC 6 in MC
2-6. SC in each stitch (6)

Tie off.   

Mouth

Using a lighter contrasting color.   Do not join and work in continuous rounds.  Use a stitch marker if helpful.
1. SC 6 in MC 

2. Work 2SC in first stitch, 3SC in next, 2SC, 2SC, 3SC, 2SC (14)
3.  Work 1SC in first stitch, SC in next, 2SC in next, SC, 2SC, SC in next 4 stitches, 2SC, SC, 2SC, SC.

Tie off and embroider mouth/nose with black embroidery floss.  

Assembly.   

Embroider two eyes on top panel. Sew mouth just below eye. I then took a long piece of the lighter yarn and made random V shapes around the body. Tack or pin ears on top panel. Line up the two body panels, then beginning at the bottom of the back of the neck, begin SC around the body. When you get to the ears, slip stitch through panel 1, ear, and panel 2. Continue SC around. Repeat steps for ear 2, then continue SC around body. Stop when you have finished crochet around entire neck and stuff, then continue around body. Place 2SC in corners or around feet if needed (if your work is curling too much or you crochet tight). When you have about an inch left to crochet, finish stuffing body. SC the rest of the way and slip stitch to close.

I don't have a pattern for a blanket right now. But I've seen some adorable recreations of the Lloyal Llama where they make a rectangle and add tassels on the bottom. It is adorable. Another idea is to make a circle and fold it in have and sew it so each side has a half circle blanket. Remember to tag #bsquarecrochet on social media posts or TAG me so I can see your lovely creations!

Please let me know if you find mistakes or anything that might not make sense. I ask that you do not copy this pattern and claim it as your own. You can, however, sharing this link with all your crocheting friends and social media would be appreciated!  

A Whole Llama Love

Introducong the Lloyal Llama! 

This isn't the first time I've made this style of crochet animals (check out all the Spin A Yarn projects I've done), but this is the first one I have designed.   It turned out so cute I wanted to share it with you!!!   

I'll be posting the pattern on Ravelry and Etsy soon.   

Lion Brand Mandala Yarn

Are you curious if the new Lion Brand Mandala Yarn lives up to the hype?     Well I'm here to tell you my thoughts on it!

** Disclaimer, I am in no way affiliated with Lion Brand or Walmart.  I bought the yarn and just want to give you my honest opinion of the product and my experience.

Last week while casually strolling through the yarn isle at our local Walmart (who are we kidding I run straight there), I came across this awesome end cap!   Fellow  "yarnies" have been posting about these for weeks.   I'll be honest, I have been stalking ours for a while, but then I found out that only 500 stores had them.  Being in a very rural area I lost hope of finding any in our store, until last week!  

  

My initial thoughts were " WOW these are bigger than I thought!"   and "Sigh these colors are to DIE FOR!" and "Boy these have been pretty picked through thoroughly already!"   

 I grabbed a few and went home to try them out.    

I knew I needed to make my kids some ponchos after the one I just made for my niece and these would be perfect for them.    Here are the completed projects (I'm going to post a pattern review later on the Shell Poncho from Cre8tion Crochet)

Pattern Credit Cre8tion Crochet - Children's Shell Poncho
Lion Brand Mandala in Pheonix

Pattern, my own.  I'm still debating on writing it up.
Lion Brand Mandala in Spirit

So what are the final thoughts on the yarn?  The cakes have 590 yards to them which was more than enough for the girls poncho, and I only used half on the toddler sized boy poncho.   The Spirit (blue and grey) had some color imperfections where there was light blue specks in the darker colors, it didn't look bad but not what I was hoping for.   I still love the long color changes though, perfect for these ponchos or a blanket.   It is a 3 weight yarn which I don't love. It split easily with my hook if i wasn't paying attention, and when frogging there was a point I was ready to just cut it and take my loss because it snagged so much.   It takes longer to finish a pattern (which I get bored easily if it takes too long) even with a 6.0 mm hook.  It will be nice to wear in spring since it is thinner.   It's pretty soft and I didn't find it scratchy to touch.  The price was less than $5 at my Walmart, although it is more on the Lion Brand website (but you aren't limited on color selection).

Overall I think it was still a great buy.   Not often can you get that much yarn and beautiful colors for that great of of price.   I'm on a SAHM on a budget so I think the price point is what will bring me back to this yarn for future projects.  

Have you used this yarn?    I'd love to see your projects and know your thoughts  :)      Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @Bsquarecrochet or like my page on Facebook 

You're the Balm!

Here is one that you can get it done in 20 minutes or less.

The other day I had this fantastic idea for my daughter's teacher for Valentine's Day.   You know those cute lip moisturizers that are round, the EOS lip balm, they would be perfect inside a little Bomb pouch.  I would pair it with a "You're the Balm" card.   So cute and original right?  Wrong?!  Apparently the "You're the Balm" slogan has been done lots of time and I'm not that original.  I still love the saying and this it is adorable for a teacher's gift, so I'm going for it anyway with my own crochet style.  

Materials:

4.5 mm hook
Black yarn, worsted weight
Small amount of yellow yarn
Small amount of orange yarn
1 EOS lip balm

**Do not join rows, this pattern will continue in the round, use stitch markers if needed.

Rd 1: Start with 8 sc inside a Magic Circle (or the ch 2 method)
Rd 2: Crochet 2 SC in each stitch [16]
Rd 3-12:  SC in each stitch [16]
   *You may need to add additional rows if it isn't long enough to cover your Balm.  

At this point I finish off with a long chain of 18 to 20 stitches.  I leave a 2-3 inch tail to attach a pom pom.  Using a darning needle, weave the chain in and out  of row 11 every 3-4 stitches to make the drawstring.  

 I used 2 colors for the pom by wrapping both orange and yellow yarn at the same time around a fork.  Tie a strand of yarn around the middle between the middle prongs and then slide off and cut the loops.  Attach the pom to the end of the chain and cut any long strands.

Create your own card using this image I created.   

I am not affiliated with EOS in anyway. I am a normal consumer and happen to like their product and thought it would be great for this project.

Photos and graphics used in this post are my own, so please do not copy or use them without permission.   You may not copy and paste this pattern in part or whole to post online or share with others without written consent of Brittany Bentley.  You are welcome to sell items from this pattern and use your own photos, I do ask that if you sell online that you credit Bsquare Crochet as the designer and link back to the original pattern.    Thank you! 

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Plaid Hat by Whistle and Ivy

Today is National Flannel Day!!   What is more flannel than a plaid print?  I recently finished the Plaid Slouchy Hat by the very talented Bethany at Whistle & Ivy.    I loved this pattern!    It's really easy and works up quick!

I wanted to share my color alternative with you and tips if you want to add more color variation to it. I just used scraps from my stash.   I used a Black, White, Grey, and 3 shades of green.     Here is the color change pattern I repeated:  

row 1:   Black,  Green 1, Grey
row 2:  Grey, Green 2, White
row 3:  Green1, Green3, Green1

Repeat those 3 rows through the pattern.   Also because I used 6 colors instead of 3 carrying the colors up through the work didn't really work with out causing major tangles, so I cut 2 of the 3 colors each row.  I didn't cut the grey from the first color row because I used it in the next row, and so on.  

This would work with really any colors you want to substitute, but the green is great for St. Patty's day coming up!

Check out all the great plaid projects from Whistle & Ivy HERE!


Crochet on!