Happy New Year!

I just wanted to wish all my readers and friends a very Happy New Year - here's hoping that 2013 brings peace, good health and prosperity and creativity to all our lives. 

It's been a busy yet relaxing holiday with the kids...we've been blessed with snow, so the kids have been enjoying some tobogganing.  Although it's been quiet on the blog front for me of late, I do have one WIP to share.  I must have started this a couple of months back and have been squeezing it in between other projects.  Here's a sneak peak:



 

 
 
Look for a free pattern in the next month or so...

Holiday Crunch Time

Anyone else feeling the crunch of the holidays?  I'm a bit of a procrastinator and I always have overly ambitious ideas of what can realistically achieved in time for the holidays.  Cooking, decorating, baking, making gifts...not to mention shopping, cleaning, etc.  Well, I did manage to pump a set of dishcloths out as a gift.  They are so pretty and make a great hostess gift...


Free Pattern::Child's Slouchy Hat

Hello Friends...Well, it took some doing, but I've finally put down the pattern instructions for the children's slouchy hat.  Hope you enjoy, and if you run into any questions or difficulties, just let me know.



Free Crochet Pattern :: Child’s Slouchy Hat
Please kindly use this pattern for personal use only.  Please do not distribute with out my consent.  Pining of images are welcome, otherwise all images are copyright and may not be used without consent.  Thank you -- Alison, Modern Grace Design

Details:

Good for ages 5-8
Measures approx. 18” in circumference, or 9” when band is joined.
Measures approx. 9” from bottom of band to tip.

Materials Required:

1 skein of Patons Canadiana Medium weight yarn in Black ; approx. 187m /205 yds
sizes 4.5 mm and 5.0 mm crochet hooks
scissors
yarn needle

Required Crochet Stitches:
Chain (ch), Single Crochet (sc), Half Double Crochet (hdc) Slip Stitch (sl)   Note:  All crochet terms are U.S.
This hat is worked in rounds.  Finished hat fits a child ages 5-8 years.

Pattern Instructions:
Band –

Ch 5 with smaller hook,
Row 1 – Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across – 4 sc.
Rows 2 – 71 – Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.  Ch 1, turn and join band together by sl stitching first and last rows together.  Do not fasten off.  The band should measure appox. 18”, or 9” in circumference once joined.
Hat –
Round 1 –With the larger hook, ch 3 (counts as first hdc + ch 1).  Work 1 hdc + ch 1 evenly around the entire band.  This works out to 1 hdc for every other row of the band.  Join last ch 1 with a sl st to the ch 2 of your original ch 3. You should have 36 hdc’s, including the first ch 3.
Rounds 2 to 10 – Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, then ch 1.  *Skip 1 st, hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1*.  Repeat from * ending with a sl st to ch 2 of the original ch 3 at beginning of round (36 hdc’s).  Your work should measure approx. 5” from the bottom of the band.
Tip:  To avoid a seam that creeps around and up the hat, try turning your work after each round.  So, just ch 3, turn and proceed with the pattern instructions.  All you will be doing is just working in the opposite direction around.  This is optional, but then you avoid getting the curling seam all the way up.
Round 11 – Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1.  *(Hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1) 9 times.  Skip next ch 1 space, repeat from * this time with 11 hdc + ch 1’s.  You should have 3 groups of 11 hdc’s with 1 skipped st between each group. End with a sl st to ch 2 of the original ch 3 at beginning of round. (33 hdc’s)
Rounds 12 and 13 – Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1. Hdc + ch 1 in each ch 1 space around. Join with sl st to ch 2 of original ch 3 at beginning of round. (33 hdc’s)
Round 14 - Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1.  *(Hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1) 8 times.  Skip next ch 1 space, repeat from * this time with 10 hdc + ch 1’s. You should have 3 groups of 10 hdc’s with 1 skipped st between each group. End with a sl st to ch 2 of the original ch 3 at beginning of round. (30 hdc’s)
Round 15 – Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1. Hdc + ch 1 in each ch 1 space around. Join with sl st to ch 2 of original ch 3 at beginning of round. (30 hdc’s)
Round 16 - Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1.  *(Hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1) 7 times.  Skip next ch 1 space, repeat from * this time with 9 hdc + ch 1’s.  You should have 3 groups of 9 hdc’s with 1 skipped st between each group. End with a sl st to ch 2 of the original ch 3 at beginning of round. (27 hdc’s)
Round 17 - Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1. Hdc + ch 1 in each ch 1 space around. Join with sl st to ch 2 of original ch 3 at beginning of round. (27 hdc’s)
Round 18 - Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1.  *(Hdc in next ch 1 space, ch 1) 6 times.  Skip next ch 1 space, repeat from * this time with 8 hdc + ch 1’s.  You should have 3 groups of 8 hdc’s with 1 skipped st between each group. End with a sl st to ch 2 of the original ch 3 at beginning of round. (24 hdc’s)
Rounds 19 to 21 - Ch 3, hdc in first ch 1 space from previous row, ch 1. Hdc + ch 1 in each ch 1 space around. Join with sl st to ch 2 of original ch 3 at beginning of round. (24 hdc’s)
Cinch Top of Hat – Lie hat flat with the last st in the centre.  Sl st with the st directly across, without pulling all the way through.  Fold in half the opposite way and sl st the two centre points together in the middle.  Continue this way until the top of the hat is closed.  Weave in ends.
Flower Motif – Please visit snappy tots for instruction on how to make this beautiful flower applique.  Sew flower onto hat and weave in ends.



Child's Slouchy Hat


Hello Friends...

Word got around at my kids' school that I'm into crochet.  One of the mom's saw me in this hat and immediately asked if I could make one for her daughter, but slouchy, and with a cute flower.  I took on the challenge, and this is the final result:

 

Her daughter loves it and it looks sooo cute on her.  I do have a photo, but I am a firm believer of keeping the little ones faces off the Internet, but trust me, it's adorable on.  Fortunately I have a 6 year old daughter, so after some trial and error, I was able to ensure the fit was good.  This hat would be good for ages 5 - 8.

The original pattern can be found here, on the LionBrand website from which I modified for a child.  This one here is also slouchy with no pom-pom, so it looks quite different on.  Also, the gorgeous floral applique pattern can be found here.  This easy and fun to make beautiful flower is an original design by snapy tots.  Thank you to her for the perfect addition to my project. 


In case you're interested, I will be writing up the instructions for making this cute children's hat in the coming days, so do look for that free on my blog.  I also have a 2 year old niece whom I intend to make a version for as well.  Once I'm done, I'll post those modifications too.

Cosy Crochet Cowl

Hello Friends...it's been a cold week up here in Toronto, but nothing to complain about in terms of the week our neighbours and friends (in my case family) to the south of us have endured.  Our hearts and prayers go out to them in their time of need.

I feel I've been going a bit cowl crazy lately.  They really just seem to be everywhere...on the streets and in all the stores.  We've been seeing them in the crochet/knit community for a few years now, but they have really taken off with the general public.  Here's my latest interpretation:

 
 

 
 
I wrote up a PDF pattern for this as well.  If you're interested, please visit my shop.  Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend.

New Brunswick - Summer Trip Part 3

Well friends...I've finally finished pulling some of the better shots from the last leg of our trip out east this past August.  New Brunswick was breathtaking!   We stayed in a little cabin in the Bay of Fundy National Park.  Lots of trails, lots of greenery and of course, the Hopewell Rocks.  Take a look:

 
Hopewell Rocks
 

 
Tide out...the ocean floor looks like yummy chocolate.

 
Found items on a beach that visitors have collected.


 
Stairs from trail leading to beautiful beach.

 
Beach statue.

 
Our girls made this path.

 
Gorgeous stream along a trail in the woods.

 

Crochet Cowl with a Stripe

Hello Friends...As promised here is the other crochet cowl I've been working on.  I love the contrasting colour in the stripe.  This would look great is many colour combinations.  The yarn I've been using is Red Heart Soft Touch and as the name says, it is quite soft and cosy.  If you're interested in making this cowl, I have the pattern listed in my shop. Take a look:




 
 

Easy Crochet Cowl

Hello Friends...Thanks for popping in.  I've been squeezing in some really easy cowl patterns during my busy schedule.  This one, if you can believe, I started in the summer and just got around to taking photos yesterday:








The pattern for this lovely cowl can be found posted on my Craftsy and Etsy sites.  Look for a variation on this one to come in the next week or so.

The Maratimes - Part 2 (PEI)

Hello Folks...Check out some of our beautiful shots of PEI, Canada:

 
Sand dunes - the beaches are gorgeous here.

 
Red sand.


 
Near Cavendish

 

 
Church in Charlettown

 
Anne of Green Gables house in Cavendish.

 
Green Gables gardens.

 
East point drive.

 
Red sand sunset

 
Sunset

Modern Baby Blanket :: Free Pattern





Hello Friends...some of you may remember last srping I was working on a blanket for my new little niece or nephew to be.  As promised, I've finally gotten around to completing the pattern for the baby blanket.  It's a fairly simple and quick project as the blanket is stoller/crib sized.  Although it can easily be modified to whatever size you like. 

New: Video Tutorial now available!




 



Please kindly use this pattern for personal use only.  Please do not distribute with out my consent.  Pining of images are welcome, otherwise all images are copyright and may not be used without consent.  Thank you -- Alison, Modern Grace Design



Required Materials:
  • 2 skeins of Bernat Softee Baby in Antique White; 140 g / 5 oz ;approx. 331m /362yds each
  • 1 skein of Bernat Softee Baby in Mint; 140 g / 5 oz ;approx. 331m /362yds
  • size 4mm crochet hook
  • scissors
  • yarn needle

Required Crochet Stitches:

chain (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc)
Note: All terms are U.S.

*A note about gauge: This pattern can easily be adapted to any size you wish. If you prefer a larger blanket, simply chain a multiple of 3 + 2 sts. Measure to desired width and add multiple rows for desired length. The following pattern should make your finished blanket approx. 21`` x 26``, which is a good size for a stroller or car seat.

Main Blanket:

ch 62,

Foundation Row - In 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc into each ch across (61 sts.)

Row 1 - ch 2, in first sc (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1, dc), skip next 2 sts, *(1 sc 1 hdc, 1 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts, repeat from * across, ending with a sc in last st, turn.

Row 2 - ch 2, in first sc (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1, dc), *skip next 2 sts, (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc) in next sc, repeat from * ending with 1 sc in top of turning ch, turn. You should have 20 little sc, hdc, dc groups. Tip: You are always making your group in the sc stitch from the previous row.

Repeat row 2 until your piece measures appox. 22”, or until desired length is reached. 
Note: your last row of repeating row 2 should be done on the wrong side. Turn.

Final Row - Ch 1, and sc in each st. across (60 sts). Do not fasten off.
Note: This final row should have the right side of the blanket facing you.

Edging:

Round 1 -  Loosely ch 2, (first top left corner made), sc evenly down the side of your work. Loosely ch 2, (bottom left corner made), 1 sc into each sc across bottom. 
Loosely ch 2, (bottom right corner made), work up last side with sc evenly.
Loosely ch 2, (top right corner made), 1 sc into each sc across top. 
End with a slip st. into first corner. Here you can join your contrasting colour, do not fasten off.

Round 2 - With contrasting colour, 1 sc , ch 2, 1 sc into corner Sc into each sc down the side. When you reach the corner repeat 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc into the corner. Continue this way around until you reach the first corner. Slip st. into first corner, completing the sl st. by bringing up your original colour.

Round 3 - With original colour, ch 1 and then repeat round 2. Slip st. into first corner, completing the sl st. by bringing up your contrasting colour.

Round 4: Shell Border - With contrasting colour, ch 3, 4 dc into corner. Skip 1 st., sc in next st., skip 1 st., 5 dc in next st. Continue this way around , with 5 dc into all corners. If you get to a corner and you have an extra st., simply add another sc so that you can do the 5 dc in the corner.

French Translation

Dutch Translation


UK Version


Spanish Translation


German Translation


Swedish Translation


















































The Maritimes - Part 1


Hello folks -- we just got back last week from our summer vacation where we travelled to the east coast of our beautiful Canadian country.  We visited Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick.  Check out some of our gorgeous photos from Nova Scotia:


 
Beautiful flower on the grounds of a B&B we stayed in - Annapolis Royal, NS.
 

 
Lunenberg, NS

 
Halifax, NS

 
The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS

 
The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS


The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS


The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS


The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS

 
The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS

 
Pretty, huh?

 
Enjoying a Lobster dinner...yum.