SpongeBob - Free Crochet Pattern/Recipe

This is a gift I made for a nephew who LOVES SpongeBob SquarePants. I wanted something small, so I came up with my own pattern. It's a bit fiddly, and I might have to rework the pattern a bit if I ever make another one, but I took notes as I made this one, and if you should want to make one of your own, and are capable of guessing how a pattern should go, you shouldn't have much of a problem with this one. And of course, if you should have ANY questions about any part of the pattern, feel free to leave a comment, or send me a message on Ravelry, username smscreen

MATERIALS
Yarn: WW yarn in yellow, dk brown, white, black, and red (tiny amounts of each)
Hook: E
stuffing, yarn needle

HEAD
ch 13 in yellow
Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 12 across, ch1, turn.
Row 2-3: sc 12 across, ch1, turn
Row 4: sc 11 across, sc 2 in last sc
Working down sides of rows, work 3 sc, then 2 sc in corner. Continue working around, on opposite side of foundation chain, work 10 sc across, 2 sc in corner. Work 3 sc across short end, with two sc in corner.
Begin working in rounds
Rnd 1: in BLO, work sc in each sc around (35)
Rnd 2 - 13: sc in each sc around
FO
Add facial details, eyes, eyelashes, nose, smile, etc
EYES
with white:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring
Rnd 2: 2sc in each sc around
attach to head with black yarn to make pupil and eyelashes.

NOSE
Ch 6
Row 1: sc 5 across, turn
Row 2: work sc into same stitch as previous row (double up your first sc row)
FO by weaving tail through length of nose to beginning tail, and use tail to tie nose onto face.

PANTS
In brown
Rep instructions for head through rnd 4.
FO
JOINING body pieces:
After stuffing both halves, I joined the two pieces with one round of sc. Going in the top edge of the pants, from outside to inside, then on through the top piece from inside to outside, and doing the sc in this manner.
Depending on your preference, you can either begin/end at the center back, to the side, or at the center front (to make an open collar look)
Doing the sc join in this way made the look of a "collar" around the top edge of his shirt, and I really liked the looks of it.


LEGS (make 2)
In black
ch 4, turn, sc 2 across, then 4 sc into last ch to begin a turn and work into opposite side of foundation ch.
sc across bottom of foundation ch with 4 sc in last st.
Mark beginning of rnds if you want, although it's not important.
Here's where the pattern gets a bit "recipe"ish. As I didn't take notes on the legs, since I made these up while in the car waiting for my son to get out of school. 
Rnd 1: sc along side of "shoe", and make 2 inc in toe end. sc back around to back of foot.
Rnd 2: sc along side of shoe, and make 2 dec in toe end, sc back around to back of foot.
Rnd 3: sc around, making 2 more dec in toe end of shoe.
change to white, and sc around evenly for 5 rnds.
work 6th rnd of white in BLO
change to Brown
attach yarn to first unworked front loop from last rnd of white.
sc around 3 rnds
Stuff very lightly, or just stuff with extra tails from yarn changes. Fold edges together flat, and attach to front edge of bottom of body through the unworked front loops at the bottom corner edge of the pants.

ARMS (make 2)
in Yellow
ch 14, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, (makes first "finger")
ch 3, sl st in first ch of ch 3,  (makes second "finger")
ch 3, sl st in first ch of ch 3, (makes third "finger"), sl st back down length of chain, into "bumps" on bottom of foundation ch.

Attach to body under collar of shirt.

Stitch up a little tie using red yarn, and attach it to front of body under collar of shirt.
I did a simple ch 4, then pulled the yarn through, and wrapped it around the last stitch about 4 times to create a bit of a bulge at the end. I attached it using the tails at the top of the tie, and at the bottom of the tie.

I hope I explained the pattern well enough so that you can make your own SpongeBob buddy if you want to.
This little guy measures about 7" tall from top of head to bottom of foot.

Bella Swan's La Push Hat (edited version)

So I found this great pattern for a hat with cabling that looked awesome. Just as an added bonus, it was a copy of the hat from the Twilight movie that Bella wore.

With the pattern in mind, I took off to my LYS and found some yarn that I loved. Lion Brand Yarn Jiffy solid in Espresso. I finally started the project late Saturday evening, and made quite a bit of progress before going to bed. I picked it up the next day to work on while watching Eclipse, which my wonderful hubby had just picked up for me. Early Christmas gift that will never make it under the tree.

Trying to concentrate on a pattern using a new technique (fpdc, and bpdc) while watching a new movie is NOT recommended, by the way.

The pattern was fairly simple, 22 rows. After finishing row 17, I was out of yarn. No problem, I had two more skeins, but wait, how does it fit? I tried it on, and looked toward my husband, whom I could no longer see as the hat came way down over my eyes. Yay! this meant I could adjust the pattern to finish out with just one skein instead of using a tiny bit from another one.

So I adjusted the pattern down to be 17 rows total, and moved the ribbing down a few rows here and there to even them out. (Shout-out to the designer, I would be more than happy to share my adjusted pattern so you can offer a one-skein hat) Finally gave up working on it that night, and finished it off this morning while waiting for the school bus to come by. I actually had it completed in time to wear outside while walking my 7yo son to the bus. Loved it! So warm and soft.

Here are a few more pics of me modeling the hat.

If anyone loves this hat enough to make one for themselves, you can find it on Ravelry.com
Bella's Beanie

Happy Crocheting, everyone!

Mini Stuffed Football - Free Crochet Pattern

Mini Stuffed Football

Materials:
WW yarn in dk brown and white, or team colors of your coice.
Hook E
Stuffing (either polyfil or strips of fabric for extra weight)
Abbreviations:
INC = Increase
DEC = Decrease
sc = single crochet
rnd = Round
Special Instructions: Repeat instructions between * *
Increase by working 2 single crochet in same stitch.
Decrease by inserting hook into front loop on stitch, draw up a loop, insert hook into front loop of next stitch, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook.
Lacing: worked with one strand of white yarn, draw yarn through starting point and leave a long tail running the length of where you will work. make each stitch crossing the tail twice before moving to the next stitch. Tuck both tails to the inside when finished, and tie together to secure.

Notes: this is worked in a continuous spiral, do not join rounds.

Pattern:

Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic circle  (8)
Rnd 2: INC in each sc around  (16)
Rnd 3: sc in each sc around  (16)
Rnd 4: *sc in next 3 sc, INC* around  (20)
Rnd 5: sc in each sc around  (20)
Rnd 6: *sc in next 4 sc, INC* around  (24)
Rnd 7: *sc in next 3 sc, INC* around  (30)
Change color to white
Rnd 8: *sc in next 4 sc, INC* around  (36)
Rnd 9: sc in each sc around  (36)
Change color back to brown
Rnd 10: *sc in next 11 sc, INC* around  (39)
Rnd 11: sc in each sc around  (39)
Rnd 12: *sc in next 12 sc, INC* around  (42)
Rnd 13: sc in each sc around  (42)
Rnd 14: *sc in next 13 sc, INC* around  (45)
Rnd 15: sc in each sc around  (45)
Rnd 16: *sc in next 14 sc, INC* around  (48)
Rnd 17: sc in each sc around  (48)
Rnd 18: *sc in next 15 sc, INC* around  (51)
Rnd 19 - 20: sc in each sc around (51)
Rnd 21: *sc in next 15 sc, DEC* around  (48)
Rnd 22: sc in each sc around  (48)
Rnd 23: *sc in next 14 sc, DEC* around  (45)
Rnd 24: sc in each sc around  (45)
Rnd 25: *sc in next 13 sc, DEC* around  (42)
Rnd 26: sc in each sc around  (42)
Rnd 27: *sc in next 12 sc, DEC* around  (39)
Rnd 28: sc in each sc around  (39)
Rnd 29: *sc in next 11 sc, DEC* around  (36)
Change color to white
Rnd 30: sc in each sc around  (36)
Rnd 31: *sc in next 4 sc, DEC* around  (30)
Change color to brown
Rnd 32: *sc in next 3 sc, DEC* around  (24)
Rnd 33: *sc in next 4 sc, DEC* around  (20)
Stitch laces on body of football, first cross lace beginning 3 rounds from white stripe, last cross lace ending 3 rounds from other white stripe, with 8 laces total. Stuff
Rnd 34: sc in each sc around  (20)
Rnd 35: *sc in next 3 sc, DEC* around  (16)
Rnd 36: sc in each sc around  (16)
Stuff a little more
Rnd 37: *DEC* around  (8)
Stuff a little more if possible.
Weave tail through last 8 stitches and pull to close. FO

I used about 2 of my husband's old socks, cut into strips to stuff my football, It's a bit heftier than if I'd used regular polyfil.

A Little Birdie - Free Crochet Pattern

A Little Birdie

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Country Blue and Pale Yellow (or colors of your own choice).
Hook: E
Stuffing
Black yarn, small safety eyes, or floss for eyes
Finished size: About 4 1/2" tall

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
INC = Increase (work 2 single crochets in same stitch)
DEC = Decrease (insert hook in front loop of stitch, draw up a loop, insert hook in front loop of next stitch, draw up a loop. Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook)
st = stitch
rnd(s) = Round(s)
slst = slip stitch
FLO = front loops only
BLO = back loops only

BEAK (in yellow)
ch 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd st from hook, DEC, ch 1, turn
Row 2: DEC, slst, pull yarn through, pull to tighten the st, then weave in tail. Use beginning tail to attach to head.

HEAD (in blue)
Rnd 1: 6sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: INC in each sc around (12)
Rnd 3: *sc in next sc, INC* around  (18)
Rnd 4: *sc in next 2 sc, INC* around (24)
Rnd 5-8: sc in each sc around
Rnd 9: *sc in next 2 sc, DEC* around  (18)
Attach beak between rnds 6 & 7
Attach eyes appropiately depending on what you are using.
Rnd 10: *sc, DEC* around  (12)
Rnd 11: sc in each sc around
Rnd 12: *sc in next sc, INC* around (18)
Stuff head
Rnd 13: *sc in next 2 sc, INC* around (24)
Rnd 14: *sc in next 3 sc, INC* around (30)
Rnd 15-19: sc in each sc around
Rnd 20: *sc in next 3 sc, DEC* around (24)
Rnd 21: *sc in next sc, DEC* around (16)
Rnd 22: *sc in next sc, DEC* 5 times, sc (11)
Stuff body
Rnd 23: DEC 5 or 6 times, until hole is small enough to close off. Finish stuffing body, weave tail through remaining stitches, and pull to tighten and close. Weave in tail.

FOOT (make 2) (in yellow)
Rnd 1: ch 2, 6 sc in 1st ch.
Rnd 2: INC in first sc, INC in next sc, sc, ch 1, turn
No longer working in rnds.
Row 1: Make Bobble*, slst to next sc, ch 1, make Bobble, slst to next sc, ch 1, make Bobble, slst in same st, pull yarn through and tighten. Weave end in.
Use beginning tail to attach to bottom of body.

*Make Bobble: wrap yarn over hook, insert hook into st and draw up a loop, yarn over, and pull through 2 loops on hook. wrap yarn over hook, insert hook into same st and draw up a loop, yarn over, and pull through 2 loops on hook. Wrap yarn over hook, and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

LEFT WING (in blue)
Row 1: Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each st across. Ch 1, turn
Row 2: In BLO, sc 6, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: In FLO, slst 2 times, then sc 4 times. Ch 1, turn
Row 4: In BLO, sc 4, ch 1, turn
Row 5: In FLO, slst across to end of row, ch 1.
Row 6: working down sides of rows, work the following:
sc, (hdc, dc), (dc, hdc), sc
FO and attach to body.

RIGHT WING (in blue)
Row 1: Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each st across. Ch 1, turn
Row 2: In FLO, sc 6, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: In BLO, slst 2 times, then sc 4 times. Ch 1, turn
Row 4: In FLO, sc 4, ch 1, turn
Row 5: In BLO, slst across to end of row, ch 1.
Row 6: working down sides of rows, work the following:
sc, (hdc, dc), (dc, hdc), sc
FO and attach to body.

TAIL (in blue)
Row 1: Ch 6, starting in 2nd ch from hok, work 5 sc across. (One tail feather made)
Row 2: Repeat Row 1 (Second tail feather made)
Row 3: Repeat Row 1 (Third tail feather made)
Row 4: Turn so "feathers" are hanging down, you will be working across the ends of these rows.
Ch 1, sc in first ch of third feather row
sc in first ch of second feather row
sc in first ch of first feather row, ch 1, turn
Row 5: sc across 3 sts. Ch 1, turn
Row 6: sc across 3 sts. FO & attach to back of body between rnds 18 & 19

Getting Behind

Still working on projects for Christmas. And I just taught myself how to knit. I don't have any knitting needles though. One of the little projects I was doing had the pattern for a tiny knit scarf, so I decided to use the wrong ends of two H hooks. Knitting is fun!

I know, I probably just made knitters cringe in horror, but don't worry, I plan on getting myself some knitting needles very soon. :)

I have a job interview today, so I might have less time to spend on my crafts if all goes well at the interview. But less time for crafting evens out with more money to spend on yarn, and supplies. :D

I've completed 3 small projects for my nephews. Still have my niece, another nephew, and my son to finish up. Plus two other nieces if I can find the time. I've got a lot to do!

Fuzzy Kitty - Free Pattern

Made up this pattern for my daughter, because she wanted a kitty cat, and the yarn I wanted to use wasn't compatible with any pattern I found already available, so I made it up as I went along. I jotted down notes so I could share the pattern. ;)

Materials:
Yarn: Yarn Bee Soft Illusion Super Bulky
Hook: I/9 (5.50mm)
Safety Eyes/Nose (or button, or floss to embroider)
Fiberfill or other stuffing

HEAD
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 3: 1 sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc around (18)
Rnd 4: 1 sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc around (24)
Rnd 5: 1 sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc around (30)
Rnd 6-11: sc in each sc around
Rnd 12: 1 sc in next 3 sc, dec around (24)
Rnd 13: 1 sc in next 2 sc, dec around (18)
Rnd 14: 1 sc in next sc, dec around (12)
At this point, attach eyes/nose, add facial features. Stuff head
Rnd 15-16: sc in each sc around
Continue for BODY
Rnd 17: 1 sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc around (18)
Rnd 18: 1 sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc around (24)
Rnd 19-23: sc in each sc around
Rnd 24: 1 sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (28)
Rnd 25-26: sc in each sc around
Rnd 27: 1 sc in next 5 sc, dec around (24)
Rnd 28: 1 sc in next 2 sc, dec around (18)
Rnd 29: 1 sc in next sc, dec around (12)
Stuff body
Rnd 30: dec around (6)
Stuff body, close opening.

LEGS & ARMS (make 4)
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8)
Rnd 3: 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc around (12)
Rnd 4-5: sc in each sc around
Rnd 6: 1 sc in next sc, dec around (8)
Stuff paw
Rnd 7-18: sc in each sc around

TAIL
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8)
Rnd 3-24: sc in each sc around

EARS (make 2)
Ch 5
Sc in 2nd ch from hook
(hdc, dc, tr) in next ch
(dc, hdc) in next ch
(sc, sl st) in last ch
Pull yarn through on last sl st, cut long tail for joining ear to head.

Assembly:
Attach arms, legs, and tail in same manner.
Press open edges at top together and sew through both thicknesses to attach to body.
Attach ears to head, leaving a slight curve at bottom of ear.