Cute toy pattern from my friend.

My italian friend Stefania knits, crochets and sews beautiful garments and toys. Recently she started her own blog where she share her projects and free patterns  http://handmadesteffistorch.blogspot.it/
She asked me to translate this easy crochet pattern "Il mio orsetto ROY" in English and was so kind to share it on my blog. 

To make this cute crochet Roy bear you'll need only a couple of hours and any stash yarn.

Materials: knitting yarn, fiberfill for stuffing, crochet hook, scissors, tapestry needle, decorative ribbon, button.

Let's start!!

Rnd 1: 1 ch in a magic ring, 6 sc, join with sl st in the 1st sc. 

Rnd 2: 2 ch, 2 dc in every st (=12 dc), join with the first dc. 

Rnd 3: 2 ch, 2 dc in every st (=24 dc), join with the first dc. 

Rnd 4: 2 ch, 1 dc in every st (=24 dc), join with the first dc.

The belly of the bear is completed.
Now you'll make the paws and the head. 

The paws:

Row 1: 3 ch and 1 dc, 1 dc in next 3 st, 2 ch, turn the work. 

Row 2: 1 half dc in next 3 st, 1 ch, turn 

Row 3: 1 dc in next 3 st, 1 ch, turn
Repeat 3 times, finish with sl st.

Now let's crochet the head of our amiable friend: 

Row 1: 3 ch e 2 dc, 2 dc in every next 2 st, 3 dc in last st (=10 dc). 

Row 2: 3 ch e 1 dc in 1 ch, 1 dc in next 8 ch, 3 dc in last st (=12 dc). 

Row 3 and 4: 3 ch, 11 dc.

Next row - ears: 1 ch, 3 dc in next 2 st, 6 sl st, 3 dc in next 2 st, finish with sl st.

The half of the bear is ready. Now work the other half in the same way, sew 2 parts together, stuff the body, attach the ribbon and button.

Enjoy!

Abbreviations: 

dc double crochet 

sl st slip stitch 

ch chain 

st stitch

Viaggio in Sardegna... Little Chris and party dress for a girl.

I haven't written for a while. After so many days of knitting, sewing and travelling let's check at least some of my ultimate projects (completed).

A couple of weeks ago we have participated in the celebrating of our friends' wedding. Those who follow my notes can see that it took me a little bit of time to prepare for  it. At first it started with completely different idea - check Sewing plans. .  Then I've changed my mind, like always, and the process went on (look Agenda... a kind of.).

The modifications made to the dress:

- I hade to make it much longer in order that the lower dress is longer just about 5 sm;

- I added the sleeves;

- no ruffles, instead I've crocheted a little bunch of flowers to match the hair accessories;

- I'm too meticulous, so I sewed the waistband by hand in order that the squares match each other.

And here we are:

For the cardigan I choose the famous pattern of Kim Hargreaves "Christina".  I used 4 strands of silk and 3 strands of fine cotton yarn.

Some details about my Little Chris:

- I omitted the first part of the pattern;
- used the usual cast-on;
- for the neckband and decoration I used the garter stitch and crochet.

I managed to find very nice buttons that match perfectly the pearl-like yarn and pattern, but, as you can see from the photos, after the washing the varnish has peeled off. It was really a pity, for now it seems a rather vintage detail, but for the next washing it would be better to unpick them.

The completed Little Chris:

And altogether the wedding outfit for my daughter:

Pronti per festeggiare.

Granny square jilet.

When I finished the last square of this jilet I found out that there is nothing to do to make it wearable this year. It was too big for my daughter. And crochet texture is not so easy to drape. So, when it's time, I'll add a crocheted lace ruche along the edges.  

Festive outfit for girls.

One of the brightest garments I've ever done. I've enjoyed so much knitting it. Smooth Lana Gatto wool and the colours that transmit the happiness while working it. 

The original patterns were taken from Speciale Lana & Bimbi 3 (2-6 anni) di Lavori feminili di Mani di Fata. This issue still can be found here:

http://www.Manidifata.it

I didn't make the sleeves and changed a little the crochet pattern.