Heather Kundert

Supplies Chasing

Heather — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:17:32 +0000

The hunt is on. My 8y/o son has a special project for Reading class due Oct. 15th. He has to pick a book to read then create a collage depicting said book. So we’re doing our best to come up with a list of supplies he can use to come up with his masterpiece. The subject for the book he picked? Star Wars, which isn’t all that surprising, really. So far, this is what we have:

sequins
ribbon
felt scraps
fabric scraps
construction paper
hole punch and brightly colored paper (we’re recycling his school newsletters)
paper clips (plan to make “droid” mock ups with these)
4 crocheted circles he can put faces on for character “heads”
lace (not sure this one will be used, but I have it anyway
glittery pipe cleaners
pencils (plan to make light sabers with these)
paint pens
markers
colored pencils
crayons
colored foam sheets
glue/glue sticks/hot glue
yarn (as if THAT one wasn’t a given, LOL)
embroidery floss
plastic canvas
rubber bands

I have no idea what else we’ll come up with during our search. I’m not done trying to come up with supplies. Anything I come across that could be useful, I put in a bag with his school supplies. We plan to sit down and start working on it this weekend, when we’ll have plenty of time to focus on it. That is, after hubby’s company picnic on Saturday. Free games and prizes and ice cream and food. What’s not to love about it? Wish us luck that hubby wins some cash this year rather than more golf balls, especially considering neither of us cares for the sport.

I’ll be sure to post a pic of the collage when it’s done. He’s eskited (excited, though he used to say psychic, I kid you not) about the whole thing. There’s no telling what this will look like once he’s done, though. LOL

Basic Purse Free Pattern

Heather — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:42:49 +0000

Materials Needed:

WW Yarn – 1 skein (7 or 8 oz) should be plenty, though barely since there wasn’t much left when I finished it. If you do the flap closure, you’ll need 2 skeins.

Yarn Needle

Size “H” hook

Medium to Large Button (optional if you pick the flap closure)

Zipper (optional)

Fabric for Lining (optional)

Needle and Thread (used for lining and zipper or button)

Basic Purse Pattern:

chain 36

add 4 dc to each end to form corners (80 dc total) slip stitch to beginning dc.
row 2: chain 3 then dc evenly until 4 “end” stitches then 2 dc per stitch for those 4 to round out ends (88 dc total)
row 3 – 13: dc evenly until end (with chain 3 for beginning of each row of 88 dc)

Add liner (optional)
Add zipper (optional)
Closure alternative :

chain 16, turn and chain 3
Row 1: dc across evenly, turn chain 3 repeat for rows 2-7
Row 8: dc in first stitch decrease, then dc in next 10 stitches, decrease, dc in last stitch (14 dc total)
Row 9: dc in first stitch, decrease then dc in next 8 stitches, decrease, dc in last stitch (12 total)
single crochet all around the piece, when you get to the 12 dc end, 5 sc, chain 5, skip 2 stitches, sc to end. This gives you a button hole. With same color yarn, sew to center of purse side, fold over, mark where the button should be, and sew it on.

strap:

chain 8
In 3rd loop from hook, dc and in every stitch across (5 dc total)
row 2 – 50: (begin with chain 3 or pull up a tall loop and dc in first stitch rather than chain 3) dc across evenly, tie off and weave in end at end of row 50.

Using extra yarn of same color, sew each end of the strap to the corners of the purse.

If you have any questions or anything is unclear, feel free to ask. This pattern is untested. I counted everything out from the completed purse.

Roll-Up Hook Case Free Pattern

Heather — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:17:32 +0000

Materials Needed:

WW yarn (your color of choice)
Size “H” hook
Yarn needle
sewing needle and thread
Elastic
3 medium to large sized buttons

Begin by chaining 31.

Row 1: In first loop from hook, sc and then across to end (30 sc) chain 1 & turn
Row 2 – 49 (worked in back loop only): sc across (30sc total each row)
Row 50: sc across (30 sc) then sc down edge until you get to the beginning chain. On the beginning chain row (this row is where you’ll make your button holes), 3 sc, chain 5, skip 1 stitch, sc in next 9 stitches, chain 5, skip 1 stitch, sc in next 9, chain 5, skip 1 stitch, sc in next 3, turn and work sc up the edge, tie off and weave in end.

When you’re done, there should be ridges and grooves in the crocheted section. This makes deciding where to put the hook “slots” so much easier.

Take the elastic and measure out a length that stretches from just before the 3rd “groove” from one end to the 3rd “groove” from other end. You’ll need 2 elastic straps.

The first hook “slot” will go into the 3rd groove from the edge. Sew elastic to ridge before hook slot and to the ridge after hook slot on both the top and bottom elastic bands. Then repeat for each ridge across until you have a total of 20 hook slots.

Roll the case up, and use stitch markers to mark where the buttons need to be placed to line up with the button holes. Sew them on and there you have it. One handy, dandy roll-up hook case. Enjoy!

Finished product holds 20 hooks from sizes “B” to “N”. There’s also enough space at the ends to hold a yarn needle and safety pins or stitch markers.

T&T: Makeshift Stitch Markers

Heather — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:01:11 +0000

If you’re like me, you despise the little round, plastic stitch markers they sell in the hobby section of the store. I cannot stand the things. I don’t like how they attach, not to mention, they just look and feel cheap. I refuse to use them, even though, yes, I do own some.

So what do I do for stitch markers when I need them? I use makeshift ones, that’s what I do. I use safety pins. They come in all sizes and different colors or, as my husband is threatening to do, you can spray paint them. I use large safety pins as stitch holders and smaller ones as stitch markers. Saves me a headache, and they’re quick and simple to use. They’re also small and easy to carry plenty of. I just pin them to my crocheted hook case, which makes toting them around really easy.

I tried making myself a stitch marker, but the fasteners I bought aren’t quite right and they ended up catching on the yarn. Since I can’t find the type I’m looking for as replacements, I’ve given up on that idea. What’s left of the supplies I bought to make stitch markers will be used to make myself some bracelets and maybe some necklaces, because I really like ones made out of beads, and I bought some rather nice beads.

So, if you find yourself in the same boat I did and don’t like those cheap things from the store and maybe never thought about safety pins, give them a try.

Back Scratcher

Heather — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:49:47 +0000

Who doesn’t need a good back scratching every now and again? If you’re like me, it never fails. There’s no one around to help you out and that insufferable itch is just out of reach. I’ve found when it comes to crochet, necessity can spawn some rather unique, fun and/or useful ideas at times. This time, it spawned a back scratcher. This is super easy and quick to make and works up in one easy piece.

PATTERN:

Size “N” Hook

Three strands of WW yarn (any color; I used scraps)

Chain 50. With a stitch marker or safety pin, mark stitch #50, then chain 5o more. Chain one and begin single crocheting up the second set of 50. When you reach your marker/pin, chain two and pull them under the beginning chain, then single crochet back up the other side of the second set of 50. When you reach the end, put one single crochet in the end (this gives both ends of the scratcher part a rounded look) then chain 50. Tie off and there you go. Works like a charm. My husband even asked for one, and he rarely asks for anything crocheted, so I take that as a compliment from him.

Enjoy!

Halloween Costume

Heather — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:17:20 +0000

Halloween will be here before we know it, and well, costumes are quite pricey. In fact, I buy my son’s costume the year before when everything goes on sale. *grin* He’s going to be Megatron from the Transformers this year, btw. I have no idea what he’ll be next year, since it depends on what we can find on sale after Halloween and what will fit him out of what’s left over by the time we get there.

Anyhow, my gorgeous 3y/o nephew, Logan, is a Super Mario Bros. game nut. He LOVES this game, especially the character Luigi. The costumes are priced $20 and up, and IMO, don’t look all that great. So, I sat down one night and decided, I can make one. I dug through my stash and just happened to have the two primary colors I needed: green and blue.

Here’s what I came up with.

And here’s a pic of our boy wearing it. Ain’t he adorable?

Loganigi

I didn’t use a pattern to come up with this, just sat down and whipped it up. The hat was partially done from a pattern and partially made up as I went. Have I mentioned how bad I am about following patterns? I either forget I’ve got one or I go off and forget to take it with me, which is what happened in the case of the hat.

This is my first attempt at a pull over sweater and pants of any type. I think they turned out pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. I know the sweater is supposed to be long sleeved, but I didn’t want the poor child to burn up in it, because crocheted items can get very hot in a hurry. It’s a size 4T. The great thing about it? They can be used as a regular ole shirt or pants because without the hat, you can’t really tell it’s a costume. In fact, I bet a lot of people still wouldn’t know it’s a costume even with the hat!

Everything but the “L” on the hat is crocheted. The “L” is done in plastic canvas and sewn on. Why the change up in crafts for that one bit? My crocheted “L” left much to be desired, so I had to come up with a alternative that looked good. Plastic canvas was it.

I know it’s a month early, but I’m going to say it anyhow.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

LOL

Heather

Warm Feet

Heather — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:49:02 +0000

I know these aren’t really all that much to look at. In fact, my oldest (15) has already made quite a bit of fun of them, but I like them. They’re comfy and they serve their purpose—keeping my feet warm. They’re roomy enough to go on over my socks (and even thicker ones if I want) yet snug enough not to fall off. Now I get to make me some more in other colors.

These house shoes worked up fairly quickly, and believe it or not are all one piece with two small sections sewn together at the edge to form the toe and heel sections. Really simple pattern that I, as I usually do, made up as I went along.

I have no idea what the color is. It’s just some yarn I had extra of and happened to be enough to make them both with not that much left to spare! It’s made completely in double crochet.

House Shoes

Shoe size 8 – 8 1/2

Hook size “H”

Chain 38

In second chain from hook, dc and then continue across (36 DC total).

Beginning row 2, you’ll be working in the round. So you’ll fold the piece you just did in half and start the first DC of row 2 on top of the first DC from row 1. I found it helps if you use a safety pin or something to hold the ends of the first row together until you get at least row 2 finished. Remember where you’re beginning stitch is located, you’ll need this info for when you begin the heel part.

Continue your rounds (no turning) for a total of 10 rounds.

Row 11 starts off like all the other rows, but you only do 18DC, chain 2 and turn.

Do 6 more rows of 18DC. Fold the end of the last 7 rows you did together and either go ahead and sew them up or pin in place until you’re done. Make sure you pull the inside ends of the heel together so your seam ends up inside the shoe and not outside of it.

Now DC around the opening for 6 rows. You’ll be doing decreases starting with the second row (decrease in 4 locations, beginning, first corner in front, second corner in front, and last stitch [add extras at the start and end if needed) until you have 6 rows and ending the 6th row on 38 DC.

If you didn’t already, turn the shoe wrong side out, sew up the end of the toes and the heel piece, and there you go. One house shoe. They come out kind of boxy, but I find I rather like that. They’re not too snug on the toes, but not so loose they fall off or slide around on your feet when moving around.

As usual, if you have any questions regarding this pattern, feel free to leave a comment or email me and I’ll do what I can to help. Enjoy the shoes!

Size Adjustments

If you need larger or smaller shoes, chain until it’s big enough to wrap around your foot at the widest part (make sure it’s an even number, because this makes it easier to do the heel part). Add or subtract rows as needed to get the length correct (odd or even doesn’t matter on the rows). You can also add rows to the last section (the part that goes up the leg) to make them a bit taller if you like.

**Copyright Information: All patterns listed on this page are copyrighted to Heather Kundert. You are free to use the patterns to make the items, which you can then keep, give away or sell, however you may not sell the patterns or reprint them anywhere. Links back to the patterns are always welcome.

Going to the Dogs

Heather — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:47:41 +0000

hehehe, I couldn’t resist that subject line. It is rather fitting, though, since this post is in regards to the sweater I made for my bestest doggy, Ty. The model in the pics, is not my beloved Ty, who is not in a cooperative mood this morning, so I had to drag out one of my trusty BAB dogs, who doesn’t get temperamental to do the job for me.

Front view. I have no idea why it’s not standing up right, because I turned the picture. For some reason, when I uploaded it, the thing turned sideways and I can’t figure out how to turn it back. *sigh*

Top view. I made it nice and long, because Ty is long and sleek like most Min-Pins are.

Side view. Ty’s absolutely adorable in this, however, after last night’s storms, he just wasn’t in the mood to model this morning. So, I had to use one of my BAB dogs, Bailey, to do the job for him. It DOES fit, though, because I tried it on him late last night when I finished it. I just didn’t think to snap a pic at the time, because it was something like 2am and I was tired and just never thought of it.

This was really easy to make and worked up fairly quickly. As usual, I didn’t use a pattern. Basically, it goes like this.

I make the sweater in three parts. Bottom, top and then after sewing them together, I add the neck piece to it.

I always start with the bottom piece, which for my 7lb Min-Pin was 20 stitches (double crochet) across (22 base chain) for nine rows with the last three rows getting an increase at each end (meaning rows 7, 8, & 9 will each add 2 additional stitches per line [row 7 - 22 stitches, row 8 - 24 stitches, & row 9 - 26 stitches] or it’ll be too tight behind the back legs and across the chest). The back part is 30 stitches (double crochet) across (32 base chain) for 19 rows. I then tack the two pieces together at the top and bottom corners of the bottom piece (the smaller of the two). Once that is done, I do a row of single crochet around the neck opening, then two rows of double crochet so it folds down nicely and more comfortably around the neck.

Clear as mud, right? LOL I forgot the increases when making it, and had to take out the back two seams and add a couple rows (3 single crochet wide for 3 rows) to each corner to make it wide enough to fit more comfortably around his chest. Must remember the increase in future versions. You can also single crochet around the leg holes if you wish, but I chose not to. He’s picky about his legs, and I felt the added border would bother him too much.

This should be fairly simple to adjust the size of, just add stitches and rows to make it larger, and take them away for smaller. When I get around to making one for the 4lb chihuahua, I’ll post those measurements as well.

As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to help.

The Super Tote

Heather — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:59:09 +0000

I created this tote bag as a gift for a baby cousin’s first birthday. I know, not your typical kid’s gift, but I wanted something she wouldn’t grow out of in a few months’ time. Why super? Because her middle name is Clark after Clark Kent and her parents are comic fans, her dad’s fav being Superman. They have numerous pics of her in a Supergirl outfit, so here’s what that theme inspired. The Super Tote.

No pattern, an I don’t feel like typing one up right now. My fingers hurt and my back is killing me, but I’m quite pleased with the end result. It’s not yet gifted, so no idea how they will react to it yet.

This & That

Heather — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:54:58 +0000

I know. I still need to finish the pattern for my small pet carrier, but I had to put it aside for a little bit. It’s also taking so long because I’m not so good at writing out patterns, so I’m going very slow to ensure I don’t miss any steps. Why is it temporarily on hold? Lots of reasons. School starts back Aug. 19th and there’s a ton of things to do to get ready for it. School supplies are bought (with extras because mom is a school supply junky!), but we still have the wardrobe to buy for the manchild. He’s grown like a weed this summer. Later, I’ll have to make him a new hat and scarf, because he’s outgrown the small one I made him last year.

I’m also hard at work finishing up a writing project I’m behind on, not to mention the series I’m in charge of needed (and still needs) some TLC. So that takes up quite a bit of time and priority over crafting. I also have a cousin who’s first b-day is rapidly approaching and I’m crafting something special to mark the occasion. I will post pictures of it once it’s done and gifted. I don’t want to chance anyone stumbling upon this here blog and ruining the surprise. I’m quite proud of how it’s turning out thus far and my wonderful hubby has even helped, so it’s a sort of joint project.

Anyhow, I just wanted to take a few minutes to post an update here. More things are coming. I just have other obligations to take care of first.