AnnaVirginia Fashion

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Euro Pillows

This month’s post is about my new Euro pillows. Yeah, I realize that I’m only posting about once a month… sorry about that. I have so many ideas of what to post about, but finding a moment to collect my thoughts and make a post seems to only happen once a month!
Alright. We got a new bed set-up this past year. We made a platform bed for king size (yay! So much nicer than the full size we were using!), and got that all worked out. I wanted a headboard, but it’s not in the budget now, and I really can’t pinpoint a specific headboard that I would like to make or buy. My ideas change too much! So, for now, I decided to make a watercolor picture set and have a pillow arrangement to add the flexible touches that I crave.
First, a close up of the watercolors – I’m not a professional by any means, but I like using watercolors. I just use the cheap $1.00 watercolor set, but maybe someday I can have nicer, more expensive watercolors. I decided to do a leaf theme. I wanted it to represent an exhibit of five types of leaves. The leaves are maple, oak, quaking aspen, raspberry and fig. I thought they were all unique patterns from each other!

Next, the pillows. I didn’t have the access to euro pillow forms, so I made them. I cut out fabric to make 26x26 inch (66x66 cm) pillows. I used four standard size pillows (20x26 inch or 50x66 cm) to make the stuffing for the three euros. Then I got to work crocheting. Since there are three pillows, there were six large squares needed (for front and backs). I used patterns from various locations. They all turned out beautiful and so unique! The yarn I used was Bernat Super Value, which is actually pretty soft for a worsted acrylic. I used the Aqua color, and I purchased it through Joann’s during their coupon commotion! It took about 8 skeins!

Here are each of the pillows, fronts and backs.

What do you think? I thought that the various patterns were unified by using the same yarn and color between them. I really love them as the background and foundation for the rest of the bed. And do you think we have enough pillows? Lol, I didn’t mean to collect so many!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Granny Square Ottoman Cover

Here is a blog-post version of my Piggy Peeps baby shoes pattern. You may print a copy of this post. Click on a photo to enlarge. The pattern is also a free PDF via Ravelry. You will need the latest version of Adobe to open the PDF. Please do not sell or redistribute pattern as your own. Since I sell these shoes, please do not make them for personal profit.

Granny Square Ottoman Cover

I’ve been meaning to post about this for months, but it’s finally happening! I’m proud of how this turned out, and I think some of you out there might like to create a cover, too.

I found a couple of pictures online of crocheted ottoman covers, but there aren’t a whole lot. And less with patterns. In fact, I didn’t find any with a free pattern that was like this. So, I’ve prepared a pattern for your use.

Supplies:

Hook: 5.0 mm (H) or size to get square dimensions needed

Yarn: Worsted weight

3-4 skeins of main color (ei: White)

Various colors of yarn (doesn’t take much

Other: Measuring tape

Yarn needle

Ottoman to cover!

First, you will need to take measurements of the ottoman. For mine, I divided the measurements by four. This way I would get 4x4 squares on each side.

If it’s a cube, then it will be easy to figure out how to divide the squares up. If it’s a rectangle, then maybe you’ll want to do it differently. Here is what a side of the ottoman would look like:

Divide the dimensions of the ottoman by the number of squares that you would like (ei: my ottoman is 14 inches wide, so I divided that by 4 squares. Then I get 3.5 inch individual squares). This measurement is how big you'll want to crochet your squares.

You’ll then want to figure how many colors you’d like to use. I had eight colors, and with 16 squares per side, that meant using the color twice on each side.

Then, multiply the number of each color by 5 so that you get how many overall squares of each color. In my case, that was 2 (colors per side) by 5 (sides) meant that I needed 10 squares of each color for the entire ottoman.

Okay, so once you’ve figured that all out, you can

Start crocheting!

Note: starting ch counts as dc

For each circle, use a Color.

Rnd 1: Ch 4. 11 dc in first ch. Sl st to top of first ch. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3. 2 dc in each st. Sl st to top of first ch. (24 dc)

Switch to White.

Rnd 3: In any st, attach new color and ch 3. In same st: (1 dc, 1 tr, 2 dc). *Dc in next 5 sts. In next st: (2 dc, 1 tr, 2 dc). Repeat from * 2 more times. Sl st to top of first ch. Fasten off.
Make sure the square adds up to the measurement you need (mine was 3.5 inches, if you remember from above)
If this doesn’t add up to the size you need, then you may want to modify a bit. Add more rows to get a bigger square. If you need a smaller square, then do Rnd 3 in hdc or sc instead.

Create as many squares as you calculated that you’ll need in each color.
Next, start sewing!

Arrange the squares according to color as you prefer. Here’s how I did mine:

Sew each square to each other. I recommend sewing in long lines as follows: Attach squares together in a continuous line running vertically (ei: purple arrows below). Then close gaps by attaching squares in a continuous line in the horizontal direction (ei: green arrows below). I only stitched through back loops (second picture below) because it adds a little texture, but you can sew through both loops if you prefer.

Complete square sewing each square arrangement for each side of the ottoman (5 sides).

Crochet border!

Attach White in a st on side of square. Sc around entire border, doing 3 sc in each corner (shown in second picture below).

Make a cube!

Next, attach each large square to another square to make a cube. I crocheted each portion together using sc. If you don’t want the ridges made by sc attachment, then you can sew the sides together.
Start by attaching squares together by crocheting (or sewing) around in a continuous line following pink arrows in first image. This is done by arranging each of four large squares lining up a side around one large square. Then attach from each corner down the sides (blue arrows).

Finishing!

Attach White to stitch to bottom of cube line. Sc crochet in each st around. Add extra rows if ottoman doesn’t quite reach the floor. Weave in loose ends. Pull on your ottoman and admire!

Let me know if there are any mistakes or if anything needs to be clarified. I’d also love to see your finished projects!

If you used and appreciated this or any other free pattern on my site, please consider donating or purchasing from Shop or Pattern. Thanks!

This pattern is licensed for personal use only.

No item made using this pattern may be sold.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Fleece Blanket with Crochet Edge

After the holidays, all fleece fabric goes on sale at the fabric store. I’ve been wanting to make my two kiddos coordinating blankets for a while, so I gathered my coupons and headed to the nearest sale!

I found cute, matching prints at Joann. Not exactly what I had in mind, but it was good enough! Then I picked up “Fashion Crochet Thread” at Walmart in black and brown.

I cut the fleece fronts and backs to match each other and then marked and poked holes (using a seam ripper, since that’s what I had on hand) about 1/2” apart. Then I used a tiny hook (size 7) to pull the thread through the holes while doing a single crochet all around. After that, I used an F hook (3.75mm hook) to do the shell stitch.

My daughter’s favorite animal is a penguin, so I stitched up a penguin applique and then attached to the blanket. My son’s favorite is a monkey, so I made a monkey applique for him. Only I put the bow on the penguin instead of the monkey!

My kids love their new blankies!

Details: Green dots has a green back. Crochet edge in brown crochet thread (size 3). Monkey made of worsted cotton yarn in cream and brown.
Pink dots has a cream back. Crochet edge in black crochet thread (size 3). Penguin made of worsted cotton yarn in cream, black and pink.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Crochet Nativity

Here is a blog-post version of my Piggy Peeps baby shoes pattern. You may print a copy of this post. Click on a photo to enlarge. The pattern is also a free PDF via Ravelry. You will need the latest version of Adobe to open the PDF. Please do not sell or redistribute pattern as your own. Since I sell these shoes, please do not make them for personal profit.

“Peg” Nativity Pieces

I’m excited to share with you this Christmas post!

I have two little ones in the home for Christmas this year, and they love to touch everything! Sounds like a typical 3-year-old and 18-month-old. I want them to learn about the meaning of Christmas; that we celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I let them look at my nativity scenes to show “Mommy Mary,” “Baby Jesus,” and “Daddy Joseph.” Naturally, they were pretty excited about the figures, and wanted to hold them forever!

Of course, those nativity pieces are for mommy. But I decided that I could whip up some more durable and plush nativity pieces for each of them. I was considering making the out of wooden peg pieces, but I was trying not to buy any extra supplies. I have a lot of yarn on-hand, so that was the best choice! With a little bit of poly fiberfill, I could make pieces that are “peg” style without any of the risks of them actually being wood (like my furniture getting dinged because my boy loves pounding things).

In this set, Joseph stands at 4 inches (10 cm) tall, Mary is 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, and Baby Jesus is 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) long. I came up with the three pieces (and made two sets!) in one evening. It doesn’t take much yarn, either!

I’m going to provide a free pattern for your use. I hope other children can enjoy learning about Jesus’ entrance into this world and the sacrifices made by Mary and Joseph to ensure God’s will. Merry Christmas!

Supplies:

G hook
Yarn: Skin color (ex: tan), Clothing color (ex: purple), Veil Color (ex: cream)
Poly Fiberfill
Beans (optional, helps Mary and Joseph stand up)

MARY: Start with Skin Color. Ch 2.
     Rnd 1: 5 sc into the first ch. (done in amigurumi style, so don’t sl st to first)
     Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st. (10 sc)
     Rnd 3: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next. Repeat around. (15)
     Rnds 4 - 6: 1 sc in each st. (15)
     Rnd 7: sc2tog, 1 sc in next. Repeat around. (10)
     Rnd 8: sc2tog. Repeat around. (5)
     Rnd 9: 2 sc in each st. (10)
   Change yarn to Clothing Color.
     Rnd 10: 1 sc in each st. (10)
     Rnd 11: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next. Repeat around. (15)
     Rnd 12: 1 sc in each st. (15)
     Rnd 13: 2 sc in first st. 1 sc in each of next two sts. Repeat around. (20)
     Rnd 14: 1 sc in each st. (20)
     Rnd 15: 2 sc in first st. 1 sc in each of next three sts. Repeat around. (25)
     Rnd 16: 1 sc in each st. (25)
     Rnd 17: sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next three sts. Repeat around. (20)
   Fill doll with poly fiberfill.
     Rnd 18: sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next two sts. Repeat around. (15)
     Rnd 19: sc2tog,1 sc in next st. Repeat around (10)
   Put in beans now, if desired.
     Rnd 20: sc2tog. Repeat around. (5)
   Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a sting long enough to sew hole closed. Sew hole closed and hide yarn inside doll.

Veil (Granny Sqaure): Using Veil Color, ch 4 (counts as ch 1 plus dc)
     Rnd 1: 2 dc in first ch. Ch 2. *Continue in same ch sp: (3 dc, ch 2). Repeat from * two more times. Sl st to top of first ch-4.
     Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1). *In next ch-2 sp: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Repeat from * two more times. In next ch-2 sp (same as starting ch): (3 dc, ch 2, 2 dc). Sl st to top of starting ch. Sl st into ch-1 sp.
     Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc). In ch-1 sp: 2 dc, ch 1. *In next ch-2 sp: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1). In next ch-1 sp: 3 dc, ch 1. Repeat from * two more times.   In last ch-2 sp: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1). Sl st to top of starting ch.
   Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a tail about 10 inches (25.5 cm) long to use to attach veil to MARY’s head. Center granny square over head and attach. Tie off and weave in loose ends.

JOSEPH: Start with Skin Color. Ch 2.
     Rnd 1: 5 sc into the first ch. (done in amigurumi style, so don’t sl st to first)
     Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st. (10 sc)
     Rnd 3: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next. Repeat around. (15)
     Rnds 4 - 6: 1 sc in each st. (15)
     Rnd 7: sc2tog, 1 sc in next. Repeat around. (10)
     Rnd 8: sc2tog. Repeat around. (5)
   Change yarn to Clothing Color.
     Rnd 9: 2 sc in each st. (10)
     Rnd 10: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in next. Repeat around. (15)
     Rnd 11: 2 sc in first st. 1 sc in each of next two sts. Repeat around. (20)
     Rnd 12 - 20 : 1 sc in each st. (20)
     Rnd 21: sc2tog, 1 sc in each of next two sts. Repeat around. (15)
   Fill doll with poly fiberfill.
     Rnd 22: sc2tog,1 sc in next st. Repeat around (10)
   Put in beans now, if desired.
     Rnd 23: sc2tog. Repeat around. (5)
   Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a sting long enough to sew hole closed. Sew hole closed and hide yarn inside doll.

BABY JESUS: Start with Skin Color. Ch 2.
     Rnd 1: 5 sc into the first ch. (done in amigurumi style, so don’t sl st to first)
     Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st. (10 sc)
     Rnds 3 – 4: 1 sc in each st. (10)
   Change yarn to Clothing Color.
     Rnds 5 – 11: 1 sc in each st. (10)
   Fill doll with poly fiberfill.
     Rnd 12: sc2tog. Repeat around. (5)
   Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a sting long enough to sew hole closed. Sew hole closed and hide yarn inside doll.
Swaddling Clothes (Half Granny Sqaure): Using Veil Color, ch 5 (counts as ch 1, dc, ch 1)
     Row 1: In first ch: 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc. Turn.
     Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1). In ch-1 sp: 3 dc, ch 1. In ch-3 sp: (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1). In last ch-1 sp: (3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc). Turn.
     Row 3: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1). *In ch-1 sp: 3 dc, ch 1. Repeat from * once more. In ch-3 sp: (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1). In next ch-1 sp: 3 dc, ch 1. In last ch-1 sp: (3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc.
   Fasten off and cut yarn leaving a tail about 10 inches (25.5 cm) long to use to attach to BABY JESUS’ body. Center 90-degree-angle of triangle over baby’s head. Wrap other corners around body and sew into place. Tie off and weave in loose ends.

Let me know if you have any questions! I also love to see finished projects!

If you used and appreciated this or any other free pattern on my site, please consider donating or purchasing from Shop or Pattern. Thanks!

This pattern is licensed for personal use only.

No item made using this pattern may be sold.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Rock-a-bye

This is a project that took me way too long to finish! This rocking chair was given to me by my parents when I got married. The chair is sentimental to me mainly because my family has a home video of me on that chair. They had their camera hooked up to the TV, so I was watching myself on the television while they were recording everything! I was on my feet on the chair and I was going up and down (extending my legs and then folding back up) and getting a kick out of it! I was probably about 2 and a half. It’s always funny to watch a kid laugh, even if it was your younger self!
The chair was all sorts of brown from the 1980s. And so I wanted to change it up. At first, all we could afford to do was to use some fabric I had on-hand and cover the brown cushions with white fabric and I glued a black nylon decorative rope around the edge to hide the staples. It wasn’t what I really wanted, but it wasn’t as ugly.
Sometime later we moved to our new place that has a backyard and a garage which meant I had room to work! One of the first things I did after we moved here was to take the chair apart and then find some paint stripper and sand paper.

It took a bit of work. And this spring and summer were rather wet for this area, so there were some days that I just couldn’t work outside. Finally, it was done! I put all the pieces back together and painted and painted and painted. My husband started off by using two cans of spray paint we already had. But it needed a little more layering so we got a small can of paint. I put on several more coats, with fine-sanding in between.
During the stripping portion, I also removed the old, gross fabric from the back-rest and bottom of the chair pads. The padding under the fabric had nearly disintegrated, so that made it very messy! I only kept the wooden boards! I went out and bought fabric (a very popular pick from JoAnn’s!) and new padding. I used the wood as templates for cutting out the padding and the fabric. I also put quilt batting on top of the padding for to make it extra plush. I glued those all together and then once the frame was done, I glued the cushions back on.
My kids were so excited to sit on it once it was done (they were trying to sit on it in the middle of the construction phase!)! It’s now in the kid room and I love it!

Here’s a good resource if you want to do this to your own chair: My Red Rocker.