Crochet eggplant!

Crochet eggplant by ~audreydc1983 on deviantART

I got this terrific pattern at Lion Brand Yarn

You have to make an account to see the pattern, but as you can see, the results are well worth it!

Fabric Yarn Hobo Bag

Jean Hobo Bag by ~audreydc1983 on deviantART

This hobo bag was adapted from the pattern in this terrific book:

Kooky Crochet
by Linda Kopp

If you're a crocheter, then you need this book in your crochet pattern library.

So - how did I alter it? The pattern in the book was done with polypropylene monofilament support webbing (or, silver duct support strap). With mine, I cut up pairs of old jeans into strips and joined them together, like so: Laughing Purple Goldfish Designs

I wound them into a (VERY HEAVY!) ball and waited for the perfect project to come around.
This is a simple pattern, made up of only slip stitches, single crochet, and double crochet.
I used a size Q plastic crochet hook. I also didn't make the bag as deep as the pattern said - I think I shaved off 3 rounds.

I imagine that it would also look cool crocheted with 3 strands of yarn instead(adding a strand of eyelash yarn would look really groovy too!)
I think I'll save this pattern and attempt it again in the future with different materials. This is a great pattern for a beginner to try out their new skills!

Two-Liter Purse

I found this pattern in the book 'Kooky Crochet' by Linda Kopp:


2 liter purse by ~audreydc1983 on deviantART

This book is a must for a modern, quirky crocheter - it has some awesome patterns that you can twist to your own unique ends! (Such as an interesting hobo bag - I'll be doing a few versions in the near future).

So - buy it, or check it out from your local library. It's great!

All you need is a two-liter plastic bottle, a single hole punch, and a bit of yarn.
I made this for a daughter of a friend of mine for her birthday - she just turned 5!
Happy Birthday, Mika!

Crochet Bottle Gift Bag

Here are three bottle gift bags that I made: One for my mom, one for my friend, and the last one for HER mom. They are on bottles of lotion that my husband got free from work.
I did take down the pattern while I was crocheting them, and when I have the desire and the time to type it down next week, it will be up here for you to enjoy!


Bottle Gift Bag by ~audreydc1983 on deviantART

I got the instructions for the crochet cord here (Technique 2) : How to Crochet a Cord
The directions are a little bit confusing, so I may do a picture tutorial on my blog on making this cord.

Enjoy!

Happy Little Raindrop

My neighbor mentioned that she liked the weather out here in Western WA state - so I made her this happy little raindrop to celebrate her love of all things precipitation!


Happy Little Raindrop by ~audreydc1983 on deviantART

I used the Bob the Blood Drop pattern.
Of course, it was designed to be a blood drop - but I decided to modify it to my own purposes. I know that I'm scary smart, but don't worry - I use my powers for good, and not evil. Well, most of the time! :D

Crochet Towel Topper - FREE Pattern!

I've done this pattern many times, without need for an actual pattern. But here it is, free to you, out of the goodness of my heart. Do you feel warm and fuzzy yet? Because you should. :D


Towel Topper
By Audrey D. Custer-Coleman

Materials (makes 2):
H crochet hook
Cotton or acrylic worsted weight yarn
Yarn needle
1 kitchen towel, cut in half width-wise
Large button ( ¾” to 1”)
Scissors

Optional:
Leather punch
Iron-on hem (to hem towel w/o sewing)
Sewing supplies (to sew hem, if needed)

Preparation:
Cut kitchen towel in half width-wise. Hem by sewing, or with iron-on hem if needed. If you don’t know whether to hem it or not, just go ahead and do it – it’s better to be safe than sorry! (I know this from experience – the towel pulling apart when you’re trying to crochet along the edge is NOT fun or convenient!)
With leather punch or scissors, punch an odd number of holes across the width of the towel about ¼” from edge (on a hemmed edge is most stable and much less likely for fabric to unravel.)

Instructions:
Row 1: SC foundation through holes in towel. Ch3, Turn.
Rows 2-4: DC in ea st to end. Ch 3, turn.
Row 5: DC in first st. *1DC, SK1, 1DC*. Repeat from *to* until end is reached. Ch3, Turn.
Row 6: DC in ea DC to end. Ch3, Turn.
Rows 7-10: Repeat rows 5-6 twice more.
Rows 11-16: (strap) DC in ea DC to end. Ch 5, Turn.
For button hole: sl st in turning ch3 to make a loop. Turn. Sc5 over ch 5 loop. Fasten off and weave in ends with a yarn needle.
Add button: sew button to the base of strap, in the middle of Row 9. Secure button. Weave in yarn ends.
Enjoy your towel topper, or give as a gift!

Crochet Towel Topper

Crochet Towel Topper by ~audreydc1983 on deviantART

I reverse engineered this towel topper from one that my grandma gave me...she wisely thought that when I had the ability to break down a project into stitches just by looking at it, then I would make one.

Boy, was she right! This is one of two that I made for two friends who recently got married, and are moving into their new apartment.

If you would like the pattern, I took it down while I was crocheting, and I should have it up here within a few days.