Be My Valentine Baby

Why is Valentine's Day so much fun for the crochet community?  A toddler's first real Valentine's day is not so much for the toddler as for the parents, family and friends who delight  in presenting her with stuffed  toys, books, and other age appropriate amusements. When I hand the bright red sleepy doll to my granddaughter, her eyes light up as she hugs and squashes it.   With Valentine's Day around the corner, I wanted to present this collection in time for my readers to use the information to create their own Valentine baskets. Thank you to the designers who have shared their creations so that we may develop our art.  Happy hooking, fellow crocheters!

I first tried out the sleepy head amigurumi in pink,   and my granddaughter liked it  well enough to snuggle with it.  However, she got really excited when I handed her the red and white sister version.  The body and head are crocheted with a g hook with worsted weight yarn.  The body and hat are crocheted separately and stuffed before joining.  Then the two crocheted arms are attached.  The cap is crocheted and attached at the end.  I decided to add a contrasting heart applique for Valentine's Day.  The doll is simple to crochet and can be made in one or two sessions.   The following link will lead you to the pattern.   Go to MaryJane's Mary Janes and scroll for Sleepy Baby Doll.The pattern is also found on Pinterest.

The bunny amigurumi pattern tutorial allows the crocheter to use infinite color combinations. The crocheter starts with a
magic circle and continues to build a series of several concentric circles.  The same colors can be combined for several variations. The resulting doll is whimsical  and is easily carried along for a nap time Valentine pal.     By using soft pastels, the same pattern can be transformed for Easter.   https://thegreendragonfly.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/crochet-bunny-free-pattern-11.jpg. If you have difficulty finding the url on your tablet or phone, go directly to The Green Dragon Fly and scroll for Easter Bunnies.

or Kids love to interact with puppets.  Pick a basic pattern and change the color and features to make a set. You can carry out your valentine theme or change them for other holidays.  This design by Jenni Catavu, allows for a wide range of emotions  The puppet is crocheted in worsted weight yarn using an H hook and a Double Crochet stitch.
By making an opening for the mouth and stitching in a contrasting patch, you add a lot of personality to the little creature.  The eyes and hair are easily altered  to create a puppet family.   http://byjennidesigns.blogspot.ca/2015/05/free-crochet-pattern-little-cs-silly.htm  If you have trouble on your tablet, look for byjenni designs.  Then look for Free Crochet Pattern: Little C's Silly Hand Puppets. I found this bunny on Pinterest at https://pinterest.com/pin/58265388910120628.

One of my favorite baby and toddler toys is the teddy bear lovey.  Crochet a 12 inch square Granny Stitch square  Crochet a ball for the head, two arms, a pair of ears, an optional snout, flowers or bows, and you have a toy and a security cuddler.  I wrote about these "lovable loveys" in a previous post, but I could not resist the temptation to change the colors for Valentine's Day.  My little girl purses look great in red and white.    http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/what-makes-a-lovey-loveable                                                                          

I am still making hats.  The first beanie model with my signature flower is crocheted with a v stitch. and a border that alternates front and back post double crochet..  Over the Apple Tree offers a free pattern that is easy to follow.  http://overtheappletree.blogspot.com/2015/11/v-stitch-winter-beanie.html?m=1  If you have trouble finding the site on your phone or table, go directly to Over the Apple Tree.  The winter beanie is listed as a free pattern under Ravelry

Hats with ear flaps are still a favorite.  Hoffee and Nuffin offer a tutorial that enables you to make a hat like the original "Hello Kitty."  I changed my hat up a bit to follow a design I found on a pair of socks that I gave to my granddaughter. By chaining with several strands of yarn I am able to  make ties that are neater than the braided versions.   Look for Hoffee and nuffin.blog.blogspot.com  and scroll for Hello Kitty Cat Ears Tutorial or go to Pinterest.  https://www.Pinterest.com/pin/174233079307180093

Don't forget the little girls' purses that were reposted with valentine colors last week.  Toddlers just love to take their own purses when they go shopping like mommy. http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/crocheted-girls-purse-free-pattern

There are so many delightful pieces we can create for our little lovelies for Valentine's Day.  Don't forget the headbands, mittens, and flowered hair clips.  Young men,  I promise to devote a column to you before long.  However, for now, I am focused on my littlest princess.    What is on your hook for the holiday?  Please share your photos and ideas.