-The pattern calls out to you and says your name.In addition, there is a suggested yarn, that the independent yarn store has in stock.(The Yarn Barn, Woodbridge, Connecticut)  Nirvana!  I can see myself knitting the piece and can even imagine how it will look the baby or child who will wear my work.  I am an avid knitter and crocheter, who enjoys searching Pinterest and Ravelry for free patterns, but when I see a purchased pattern that I can take home with me right away, I am taken.  The pattern in question had been tested.  There was a diagram showing how the knitted pieces would look.  Best yet, there was a full range of sizes so that I could make the pattern for a new granddaughter to be born in December as well as a 21 month old who wears anything that I can make. 

The pattern was designed to go with Baby Blossom DK by Hayfield (#4841).  The yarn featured bands of color in varying shades of one color.   Inaddition, one of the bands featured snips of pink and green that worked out to look like like  blossoms when knitted.    I bought a peachy apricot for the younger baby and grey tones for the toddler. I used a 3 1/4mm for the ribbing and a 4mm for the body and sleeves. Although I usually knit with worsted (#4), this DK (#3) yarn worked up easily and quickly.  The pattern could be knitted with a round neck or a V-neck.  I chose the round neck for the new infant and the V-neck for the toddler.

I made the infant style first.  As I began knitting I surprised to see that I would knit the body and sleeves first and add bottom, front, and neck trim when the pieces were sewn together.  The only exception was the sleeves.  I began with the rib here and knitted the rest of the sleeve.  While most, baby sweaters seem to have a i knit-1purl rib, this sweater called for a 2 knit-2purl rib.  I liked the way this rib gave slightly ruffled look to the piece.  I will be attending the baby shower in November, and I will be proud to include this sweater and hat with the rest of my presents. I added a roll knit cap to go with the sweater.  It is seamless and is worked on doubled pointed needles.

My granddaughter was pleased to wear her gray tone sweater. The grays will go well with any outfit.  Besides the DK weight is just right for wearing indoors on a chilly day.  She can also wear it under a jacket or in the car without the bulk of a heavy jacket. 

My next projects are worsted weight hooded cardigans for this sweet girl and for my new step-granddaughter.  My needles and hooks are always clicking.  It is a pleasure to have such wonderful children to make sweaters for.

It is good to be back at blogging again.  After 18 months of consistent posting I found myself, traveling, preparing for the Jewish New Year, babysitting, and engaged in obsessive preparation for the fall Holiday craft season.Despite all of the activity, I found myself with a large collection of new inventory. In the past my creativity and production were partnered with interesting and informative articles.  However, for the last few weeks I was unable to put down my hooks to write and share with my Lilcreates audience. 

On Tuesday I delivered my latest  specialty doll from my ANNA line to my synagogue for their Comedy Night Silent Auction.  I laid her out and wrapped her in a large transparent gift bag  secured with white and silver ribbons.  This doll was truly a labor of love.  I had made a few ethnic dolls, but since this little lady was going to the synagogue, I decided to accessorize her with fittings for a girl who was experiencing her Bat Mitzvah.  The dolls in my ANNA line are made with acrylic yarns and stand about 17 inches tall.  They all have names beginning with "A." These creations were inspired by my mother ,Anna.  With each new addition, I keep her in my heart and mind.  My niece named Adina, is a mother with a daughter of her own.  Who ever wins the bid on this doll will rename her make her her own.  For now this creation will always be with me as Adina.  Her design and creation were a journey.  When we arrived at our destination, it was hard to let her go.

My ANNA dolls follow the same basic pattern that I wrote about in an earlier post.
http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/all-dolled-up-designing-and-crocheting-a-line-of-dolls-for-little-girls
I have made a few changes that make her neater and eliminate a few steps. I plan on editing the pattern to include these revisions.
*Instead of adding a crocheted pair of panties, I crocheted the entire body in the same contrast color for the dress,  The top part of the legs was crocheted in this same color. 
*To fashion the dress,  I crocheted the last few rows of the body in the facial tone to create a neckline. For the arms, I crocheted the first 6 rows with the flesh, facial tone.for the hands.  Then I switched to the dress color for the remainder of the arm.  When both arms were attached to the body, the bodice part of the dress was precise, and I did not need an additional layer.  As with the previous dolls, I began the skirt by crocheting a line of single crochet right from the doll's waistline.   While the rest of the doll is done in single crochet, I use a double crochet with strategic increases to make the skirt.

To create and complete my doll on time, I had to crochet the basic body, head, arms, and legs before, we left for our vacation on Cape Cod.  The tasks that remained were the crocheted face, the dress skirt, the accessories, and the doll's mane of hair.  I find the crocheted eyes to be one of the most challenging parts of every dolls.  It usually takes me several tries to get the eyes to be the correct size, spacing on the face, and focus with an appealing expression.  This detail took me most of one evening.

After I finished the skirt, I set out to make the yamulke (hat)  and tallit (prayer shawl).  I did not have a specific pattern, but I worked with the doll to get the dimensions correct.  The yamulke was crocheted from a magic circle as I used single crochet and made increases and added rows until the crown was the right size for the doll's head.  Then I crocheted a couple of rows with the same number of stitches so that the curve of the yamulke would sit on head.  I used the same hairclips that many adults use to keep their caps in place.  The main color for the yamulke was white, and I used stripes of the dress blue with some silver threads to spruce it up.

The prayer shawl was basically a rectangle that draped the figure.  At the end I added another pearl heart button that I had used on the dress bodice and sleeves.  I overlapped the bottom pieces so that the prayer shawl did not fall off the doll.

The mane of hair is the signature feature of my ANNA Dolls.I usually use Lion Brand Homespun for the hair.  Its soft and crinkly texture makes my dolls unique. Despite the fact that we were on vacation, my husband was willing to scout out a Joanne's or Michael's store to get the supplies I needed.  Alas, a realistic shade of brown in Homespun was not available.  We scanned the shelves and found 3 possible choices.  I ultimately decided on 2 skeins of Unforgettable. Designing and executing the head of hair is a painstaking and time consuming job.  Each strand is cut and secured individually to the doll's head. I usually start by making a running stitch around the area for hair.  I have to decide where to place the hair on the forehead and how the hair will fall on the sides.  When I am finished I easily remove these loose threads.  With each succeeding doll, I have learned some tips to make the hair more realistic and to cut down waste.  I generally start with strands that are 12 inches long for the first row on the back of the neck.  When the strand is folded in half to knot onto the doll's head, it generally falls to the middle of the back. However, as I go up the head, I add about half an inch to the strands so that they will lie at about the same length at the bottom.With this technique, I had less wastage than when I used to make all of the strands 14 inches.  When the hair was done, I only had to clip some ends a bit to get a pleasing look.

My Adina doll was almost complete, but I needed one small detail to complete her.  I wanted a small Star of David necklace that would be just the right accessory to complete her look.  We searched craft and jewelry stores on the Cape.  We scanned the internet.  We found a few of these pendants, but they wee way to expensive for a doll.  Finally Goody Beads proved to be my salvation.  The 3/16 inch charms were $1.00, but were on sale for 40 cents.  I ordered 30 as I did not want to go through this process again with future custom orders.  The beads were $12, and the express mailing was $13.  The package arrived on the morning I was to take my doll to the synagogue.  I loved this tiny accent, and the pursuit was worth the effort.

The story is not over.  The silent auction will take place on Saturday.  Everyone who has seen this special doll has admired her.  However, the retail price is $75 with a minimum bid of $45.  Hopefully,  some thoughtful mother, grandparent, friend will want to buy this wonderful gift for a special young lady in their lives.

I took the opportunity to advertise my ANNA dolls as a custom order and left a descriptive letter with business cards so that any future patrons could order dolls with specific hair color, costume, or special interest.  In September, I completed a special order for mom with an adopted Chinese daughter who was an avid ice skater.  I will keep all of you posted.  Please think positive thoughts.

With the Holiday Fair season approaching I was determined to crochet critters that would entice potential customers to
take a second look, pick one up, and purchase on impulse.  I have many attractive dolls and animals in my inventory, but I am looking for the wow factor.  What kind of doll or animal will call out to a child, mom, or grandparent? What kind f creature is easy to replicate?  The bodies are easy, it is the face that will draw a potential customer in . At present I am focused on teddy bears, cats, and bunnies?  However, I will probably elaborate on the basic pattern to make an appealing dog.

An 8 to 10 inch animal fits into a backpack or diaper bag.  It is easy for a toddler to tuck under his or her arm as he or she walks around the house.  Children and toddlers form attachment to the animals and frequently want to take them to sleep. They are small enough not to present a health hazard.  If I want to keep a stock of animals for sale, I have to keep them away from my granddaughter.  She is quick to hug one and adopt it as one of her "babies."

Although I have  worked with a few body types, for this holiday season I am sticking to patterns where I legs and body are crocheted into one piece. Then I attach the head.   I have experimented with several head types, and I find that a slightly bigger head makes a better cuddler. i like to change colors in the middle of the body. so that the bear, cat, or bunny appears to be wearing a shirt.  Sometimes I crochet the arms in the same color as the shirt.  At others times, I crochet the arms the same color as the body and head. A bow or flower fixed at the neck hides some of the stitches used for attaching the head.

For a 7 inch animal, like the teddy below, I refer to :  https://amigurumi.today/free-crochet-animal-patterns/?nonamp=1.  I substitute a G hook (4.00mm) for the 2-3 and use worsted weight yarn. The pattern shows rabbits, cats, teddy bears.  There is also a scarf to wrap around the neck for accessorize the stuffie.

For a slightly larger and huskier 8-10 inch animal, I refer to A Soft Kitty Amigurumi from Amigurumi Toys.(https://amigurum.com/2017/10/soft-kitty-amigurumi-pattern.html)  I substituted worsted yarn that I had on hand for the plush yarn pictured.The face and crocheted tail shows that this kitty is ready to purr.

The PlushBunny in Dress Amigurumi by Amigurumi Toys can be found on Pinterest.an orange dress. It features a blush bunny in a orange dress. The floppy ears and crocheted features should delight any child.  The legs of this bunny are made separately and sewn to the body,  The feet in the contrasting orange are slightly larger than my other bunnies so that it looks like the rabbit is wearing shoes.    This doll is made with worsted yarn with a G (4mm) hook and measures 10 inches.

The design for the green and white bunny pictured above came  an article I published in the spring.  The link for the East Bunny Amigurumi by Craft Passion is :http//www.craftpassion.com/easter-bunny-amigurumi/2/

The Friendly Halloween Teddy Bear was extended by starting with 7 stitches for the magic circle for each leg instead of the 6 stitches in the smaller versions. I also added another round to the crown circle for the head before continuing with my big head critter. I added a few rows to the body and to the arms and legs as well.  There is no specific pattern for this teddy as I filled in as I went along.

I am really engaged with these amigurumi and can could continue making animals and writing without end.After working on figures and faces for some time now, I have finally found a few that work for me.  Please let me know which animal is your favorite.  I would love to see your interpretations of these patterns.

I love the look of a shawl created with waves and motion, but I am often frustrated in my attempts to recreate the sequence of stitches and lines need to produce a precise rhythmic pattern.  Somehow the shapes never seem to line up to become a precise sequence of waves or ripples.  However when I found the free pattern at my local AC Moore store, I felt that I would be able to achieve my style.  The two line repeat enabled me to portray a stacked shell stitch separated by lines of double crochet.  My count was right, and the beautiful pattern lined up correctly.  The Pattern was designed by Premier Yarns to highlight their Everyday DK Colors. The design is also available as a free downloadable pattern (https://www.premier yarns.com/collections/free-patterns/products/stacked-shells) In researching this pattern I was delighted to find that Premier Yarns had created many lovely designs that were easy to access.  As I look for projects to make a dent in my stash, this resource should prove valuable in the future.

I worked the pattern in a solid ivory worsted with a H hook instead of the three tone double crochet and G hook called for in the pattern. In this way I was able to showcase the stitch details instead of focusing on the colors. Also, the heavier yarn allowed me to create a warmer wrap for the cooler Autumn temperatures. I found that I needed exactly 1 double and 1 single skein of Studio Classic by Nicole (A.C. Moore's house yarn) for a total of 1116 yards to complete this warm comforting wrap.  If I were to add the optional tassels I would have to purchase additional yarn.  However, the shawl is reasonably heavy already, and the tassels might be just too much.  If I crochet the shawl with a lighter yarn as intended by the designer, I would incorporate the accent tassels.  When I fixed a scarf pin to the shawl, I found that the wrap stayed put, and left my hands free.

This is the first time that I started a shawl from the middle and worked toward the outer ends.  When I finished the first side, I had a perfect wavy line.  Then I picked up the stitches on the straight side and continued until I had crocheted an equal number or rows.  When this was done I had a perfect wavy edge on the opposite side as well. I prefer working across with fewer stitches (73) instead of the long way with 200-300 stitches.  Stitch count becomes much easier.    Since both sides had to be the same size and number of rows), I truly engaged in an active game of yarn chicken and completed my shawl with a few yards to spare.

This year I have promised myself that I will actually wear my knitted and crocheted pieces.  I am looking forward to wearing this interesting and stylish shawl as the weather gets cooler.  The neutral ivory color will complement most of the clothes in my wardrobe.

I had just enough time to photograph my latest "blanket with holes" before wrapping it and mailing the order to California as a new baby present.  When my BFF ordered the gift she gave me carte blanche to use any color combos or style for the present.  If you are a frequent reader, you will remember the 3 color rose, purple and white blanket I finished a few weeks ago.  I enjoyed changing the line patterns to create a new style using the familiar Extended Granny Square Design. (http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/crocheting-blankets-with-holes-playing-with-color-and-line-patterns).  Many crocheters like to change from solid color blocks, but do not want to risk making a mistake with color and line placement.  Since I was so delighted with my finished blanket, I wrote out the sequence to share with you.  Now I set myself another challenge:  integrating four colors into a pleasing and exciting blanket for a male infant. 

I created with the same materials and hook as I had for the previous blanket.  My hook was a J (6.00mm).  I used worsted yarns that were on the thicker end of the #4 spectrum.  The yarns used in this blanket were Big Twist Yarns, the house yarns form Joanne's Fabric and Crafts.  I also like Studio Classic by Nicole,the house yarn from A.C.Moore.  Baby Hugs from Red Heart works well.  However, you should feel free to crochet with any yarn than will yield a soft, plushy blanket with your selected colors.  As with my last blanket, I chose 2 solids  and a white for contrast. The light blue,navy, and white were set off with a multi-colored yarn (light blue, grey,and navy) that added dimension to the design.  Of course, you may select any four colors for male, female, and neutral that fit your baby's color scheme.

I wanted the finished blanket to be a square with a size measurement between 32inches to 36 inches.  Using my last blanket as a guide, i knew that I would have to narrow the bands if I were include all four colors.  With a general design in mind, I began, hoping that my sequence would be eye-catching and have the right proportions.  If I miscalculated, I was prepared to frog.  Luckily, I made the correct estimates, and the final blanket was 34 inches square.  In fact, this dynamic blanket was my best yet.

I really liked using one color that was so much deeper than the others (navy) in this 4 color blanket to create such a dramatic effect.  With these two designs under my belt, I am confident that I will bring in additional orders.  I would love to see how you interpret these designs with colors of your choosing.  Please post your finished projects or leave a comment with your color choices.  Happy crocheting!

The Pete The Cat series by James Dean is a favorite with the preschool and pre-preschool set, and my granddaughter just loves the books.  When I was introduced to Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons I became an instant groupie.  I can't seem to get the refrain out of my head:  "My Buttons, My buttons, my four groovy buttons...".. We follow Pete who just loves the buttons on his sweater as they pop off one by one.  Pete keeps his spirits up as he does simple subtraction while he loses all of the buttons on his sweater. However, there is one button that he will never lose:  his belly button. 

Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes builds on math skills and supports character decisions involving friendship and forgiveness.  I plan to get Pete the Cat:  I Love My white Shoes.  This book was the first of the series and walks Pete through many colors with another delightful song.

Pete the Cat is interesting and special, and I was lucky to find,a pattern for making a doll for my granddaughter that would go along with her books.  Pete the Cat Amigurumi Pattern by Kristel K can be found on Ravelry.  You can also go to the website:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pete-the-cat-amigurumi-pattern.  Pete is made with dark blue worsted yarn and a g (4.00mm) hook. The designer uses felt for the eyes and nose.  However, I crocheted mine.  Pete wears one red sneaker with a white sole and one blue sneaker with a white sole.  I added a yellow vest instead of the long sleeved shirt for more contrast and sewed on 4 one inch groovy buttons. There is no pattern for my vest.  I just eye-balled it and crocheted and measured against the cat as I went along.   The downloaded pattern directions and photos guide the crocheter and are easy to understand.  I was happy with the finished project, and my granddaughter found him to be quite appealing.  At 19 months, her language skills are blossoming.  When she announced "Read Cat!" what else could I do?

Another source for Pete the Cat doll patterns can be found  from Sarah on the Repeat Crafter Me Website.  The designer was thrilled that the books helped her son with his language skills and was motivated to design her own version of Pete the Cat.  See: www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/06/pete-cat-crochet-doll-html.

I am  on the lookout for another interesting character that will bring the reading process alive for my granddaughter.  Pete was easy to crochet had a dynamite personality for a doll.  Readers, do you have any suggestions?

Crocheting a baby afghan with a familiar and easy pattern allows me the freedom to play with different combinations of color and line.  I crocheted my first "blanket with holes" in March, 2017 as a baby gift for a friend of my husband's.  The mother was delighted to receive the blanket as the crocheted piece allowed for breathing holes while keeping her son warm.  As a matter of fact we met the same family at a recent recent party,.  She told me that she still packs the blanket everywhere her family travels, even on their long distance visit from Israel.  To find the original pattern with directions, please see http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/blankets-with-holes.  Since that first crocheted blanket I have made several others, including diagonal granny stripe,  mitered box, and V-stitched designs.  Some of my blankets have scalloped edges, others have picot trim, but most have a simple row of half-double crochet to neaten the lines. With all of the changes, I still return to my basic pattern, the extended  Granny Square, that incorporated the charm of the granny square, without all of that joining and weaving in of ends.

Since I don't have to concentrate on complicated stitch sequences,  I feel free to concentrate on changing the colors for pleasing contrasts and patterns.  I generally crochet my baby afghans with thicker worsted yarn  and a J Hook.  The house yarn from Joanne's (The Big Twist) and A.C. Moore(Studio Classic by Nicole) are soft yarns at a reasonable cost.  I also like to add in Red Heart's Baby Hugs or Caron's Baby Cakes when they are on sale.  I want to achieve a colorful and huggable blanket that is pleasing to the eye and a delight to touch.

The blanket pictured in this article is 34'x 34".  It works works well in a crib, but is not overly bulky for a car seat or stroller.  At 19 months, my petite granddaughter, is still covered by her blankets.  To produce the extended Granny Square Afghan, you  will be crocheting from the center out.  To recreate the design in this blanket, follow the following sequence listed below.    When you change colors leave a 4-5 inch tail for weaving in end and clip off extra yarn.
For my blanket, I used the following colors:  A:  Rose,  B:  White,  C:  Heather Purple
Rows 1-6:  Color A
Row 7:  Color B
Row 8:  Color A
Rows 9-13:  Color B
Rows 14-17:  Color  C
Row 18:  Color B
Row 19:  Color C
Rows 20-24:  Color B
Rows:  25-28:  Color A
Row 29:  Color B
Row 30:  Color A
Row 31: Color B Fasten off, but do not cut off yarn.  Continue with same color to Row 32.
Row 32:  Crochet a round of Half Double Crochet around the blanket.  Make sure to make 3 stitches in each corner space.

As I received the rose and purple yarn from my Threads of Love group,  I will be donating this blanket to a child who has been hospitalized at Yale New-Have Hospital, in New Haven-Connecticut.  I have truly enjoyed making this piece, and am glad that it will bring comfort to an unknown young girl.

I just received an order from my BFF who wants to give one of my afghans to the grandson of one of her friends.  I have not decided on the pattern and number sequence yet.  However, I do know that I will be working with Light Blue, Dark Blue, White, and Varigated Blue and Gray.  With four colors, there are even more combinations for line count and sequence.  What a challenge!   I promise to post my creation when finished.   

Most of my posts are inspired by  particular projects (sweater, baby blanket, shawl, etc), nature,  passion for a particular color, holidays, gifts for loved ones, favorite fashions, amigurumi and dolls, or attractive designs.  However, this time  I was drawn to exploring the creative pieces that I could develop with a particular stitch, namely-the V-stitch. The V-stitch is a simple pattern stitch that creates a fabric of interlocking V stitches.  While is is great for creating a lacy afghan, scarf or shawl, the crocheter can produce many interesting hats and fingerless gloves as well.
The V-Stitch is usually worked with a DC-CH1-DC.  However some of the patterns may be worked with 2 DC's in one stitch without crocheting a chain between them.  Projects using with the V-stitch may worked in solid colors, varigated yarns, or alternating rows of different colors. There are many sources for directions to produce the v stitch.  I found "V Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial" from Dream a Little Bigger to be clear and helpful.

The V-stitch is ideal for chrocheting an open-weave beanie for a newborn baby or young infant.  I just mailed off my first batch of 25 hats to Yale New Haven Childlife Program.   Many of the hats in my package followed the "V-Stitch Newborn Beanie" by Olga Poltava that can be located as a free pattern download through Ravelry. The beanie is crocheted from the crown down. As you proceed to develop the beanie, crochet the V-Stitch into the Ch1 space or in the space between stitches.  Crochet a circle for a 3.5 inch crown. Then stop increasing and crochet the rest of the beanie.  A beanie for a newborn will measure 13 inches in circumference and 5 inches in height.  Sometimes I like to add a contrast row of single crochet around the bottom.  You can also add a crocheted bow, flower, or heart. For specific directions. please consult the pattern.

The BubbleGum Beanie Crochet Pattern from Daisy Cottage Designs really showcases the V-Stitch design.  By using different colors the V-Stitch shines.The pattern comes in 3 sizes including baby, child,and teen/adult. This hat is started with a crochected band that fits the circumference of the head.  After you sew the short ends together, pickup and crochet a row of single crochet in the same color as the band. There are many color design possibilities.  For my hat in a child size pattern, I chose to alternate dark brown rows with single rows of flecked worsted. I chose a wheat colored store bought pom-pom for my decoration.  The designer displayed one hat with alternating rwo of white and gold and a lower band of sherbert pink.  A white faux pompom graced the top of the beanie. Another attractive beanie showed four different colored striped alternating with white.  The band was the same color as one of the stripe colors. Again, the designer topped off the beanie with a faux-fur pompom.  See:  https://daisycottagedesigns.net/slouchy-beanie-crochet-pattern.

The V-Stitch Winter Beanie can be cozy as well as sophisticated.  My color choices were limited by the fact that I wanted to make a hat to match a pair of fingerless gloves that I will present later in this article.  I fell in love with  the design that was featured in light frosty blue with a band of white at the bottom of the hat.  A white flower with a jewellike button was the perfect accent.  Another color scheme used by the designer featured a black cap with a grey lower band.The flower was grey like the band. My hat was made with a heathery light sage worsted with a black lower band.  I did not have enough black for the flower, and so I made mine from the sage.  A pearl button with a silver filegree border brought out the colors in the hat. I really like the way the light heathery sage brought out the V-stotch pattern.  The hat is started from the crown and crocheted down   For specific directions, search http://overtheappletree.blogspot.com/2015/11/v-stitch-winter-beanie.html

Fingerless gloves have always been a favorite fashion accessory for me.  The V-stitch is perfect for making a comforfortable as well as an attractive glove. These gloves are crocheted in a flat panel that is sewed together at the end.  The pattern calls for a multiple of 2 plus 3 more stitches for the first double crochet.  Although the pattern calls for an initial chain of 25, I found 27 or 29 to be more comfortable for my larger hand.  The V-stitches are made so that stitches for each succeeding row falls in the center of the preceding row.  When the glove is long enough.  Fold in half and crochet from the top down about one inch to sew together the top part of the glove.  Continue crocheting on one side to make the thumb hole before joining both sides again.  Then single crochet 2 rows around the top and bottom of the glove for a neater appearance. Make two gloves.  Make sure that the thumb hole of each glove is facing the thumb hole of the other glove.  This especially  important if you sew a button accent to the top of each glove.  To locate the pattern, search on Ravelry for V-Stitch Fingerless Gloves by Tea Time Crochet.  This is a free pattern download.

The second pattern, Valerie's Fingerless Gloves by the Lavender Chair, begins with a crocheted band of half double crocheted stitches.  Once the band is complete, sew the short ends together. Stitch into the circular band to made a row of single crochet stitches. Several rows of V-Stitches make up the hand.  A horizontal thumb hole is constructed by skipping 8 stitches in the row before completing the row with V stitches.  Another V stitch row and 2 rows of single crochet complete the glove.  For specific directions, see http://thelavenderchair.com/valeries-fingerless-gloves-crochet-pattern.  The glove shown in the picture below was crocheted from a worsted weight yarn , Deborah Norville, Everyday by Premier Yarns.  This is a lighter weight worsted, and so the glove appears to be more lacy and delicate

I remade the glove with a heavier worsted, Red heart Super Saver, to get a sturdier and slightly larger glove.  I also made a change to the thumb hole.  Instead of a horizontal opening, I made a vertical slit after the fifth row of V-stitches by reversing my crochet to go in the opposite direction to make a thumb hole with three rows.  Then I joined the row and made two more rows of V-Stitch.  I completed the glove with two rows of single crochet.  I leave it to you my readers as to which glove you like best.

The final glove is my own design. I created the glove as I went along, and so the directions in this article will be general guidelines.  As soon as I perfect the the pattern, I will post it in my blog and on Ravelry.  For this design, I began with the cuff by chaining 28 and joining with a slip stich.  Then I croched 6 rows with half double crochet stitches.  The first line of the hand contained 13 V-stitches separated by one skip stitch.  After 4 rows I reversed stitching to begin the thumb hole and worked with an open panel without joining for 3 rows.  Then I joined to create the upper cuff with 5 rows of half double crochet.  I decreased one stitch at the joining spot so that the glove curved in slightly at the fingers for a more exact fit.  I am still playing with this pattern and may add another v stitch row before the upper cuff in the finished pattern.This pattern is ideal for adding additional colors in alternate rows.

The V-Stitch is an ideal stitch for crocheters to create accessories, it is playful, easy to execute, and shows up contrasting colors.  It is great for a beginner who wants to vary his/ her crocheted designs. I still have a multicolored col and multicolored fingerless gloves in the works. In a previous article, I adapted a V-Stitched Baby Afghan Pattern  by Maria
from Dinki Dots.  For more information refer back to :  http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/v-stitched-crocheted-baby-blanket  What are your experiences with the V-stitch.  Please share your work and suggestions.

,I left home 9 days ago with enough bags of yarn to last me my entire vacation.  I did not want to run out  like I did on our previous trip, necessitating an emergency trip to Michaels, the nearest craft store to my hotel.  With three major projects in hand, I was content that I would keep my hands busy until I returned home to my extensive stash. As with any of my road trip projects, the design had to fulfill several important criteria:  engaging design, clear directions with repeats that were easily mastered without continued reference to the printed pattern, few or no yarn changes.  Here was a situation where pattern and yarn intersected--well mostly.  I had two large skeins of Red Heart Super Saver Ombre in Scuba that I had bought on sale and which were taking space in my bins.  I liked the light to darker turquoise shades, and the yardage
(482 yards per skein) would allow me to take on an extensive piece.

In my scrolling through Pinterest I found the Wave Shawl Pattern by Rachel from Desert Blossom Crafts.  (http://desertblossomcrafts.com/2018/05/07/wave-shawl) The mesh and shell design was striking and different from the other patterns I had crocheted without being too complex.  However, Rachel's beautiful pattern called for a fingering weight yarn with color bands from blue through to purple.  It was #2 in a superwash merino wool(460 yards), while my yarn was a worsted weight.  Instead of a lightweight spring shawl, I would end up with a much heavier garment for autumn.  While the original pattern called for an F hook (3.75mm), I had to move up to a J hook to get the open mesh in the outer part of the design.  The piece was worked from the bottom tip up in one large triangular piece. Although I started with a V-stitch,  to produce the open mesh, after several inches, I began to incorporate the shell stitch.  The denser shell produced a v shaped segment in the middle of the shawl that was surrounded by the mesh.  The visual effect was stunning.  By the time we had reached our destination in Chautauqua, New York (7 hours), I had added the second skein and was at least half way done.  There was a lot of down time on this vacation with extensive porch sitting and lectures.  I was able to add enough inches to my shawl to get a pleasing drape.  My finished piece measured 32 inches deep with a wingspan of 76 inches. I was thrilled that I had made the translation to the heavier worsted yarn. The piece truly conveyed the the "wave" feeling.

As I played with many ways for wearing, tying, and draping my shawl, I knew that I needed a shawl pin if I hoped to create some more sophisticated designs.  I was delighted to find a hand tooled wooden piece at a craft fair that was in Chautauqua for the week-end. The pin was a lovely reminder of my week at this wonderful cultural enclave.

When I started the Wave Shawl, I was not sure whether I would keep the piece or give it away.  When I was done I was sure that it would be the perfect accent to my fall wardrobe.  A simple black sweater and skirt would be dressed up with this amazing geometric fashion statement. 

  I finally made contact with the Children's Life Program at Yale New Haven  Hospital and arranged for a dozen caps to be mailed.  When my granddaughter was born 18 months ago she was only 4lbs 11 ounces and dropped down to 4 lbs 4 ounces before she left the hospital.  The wonderful care that that our little one and the whole family received  still continues to inspire me to share my talents with those who are in need or who are less fortunate than our loving family.  Although I had made several beanies for my granddaughter,, the nurses always made sure that her head was covered so that she did not lose body heat.  Many caring individuals had knitted and crocheted these tiny hats so that babies like my granddaughter would have that extra love and warmth. It was always a pleasant surprise to see which little cap she would would be wearing when we came to visit.  I had long wanted to return the favor, and now I have the address.  The spokesperson for the department was helpful and encouraging. In the future, I might even include some of the comfort dolls or make an octopus for preemie hands to hold.  For now, I have made more than a dozen hats for newborns.and am ready to send off my first batch. 

Each time I start one of these projects, I am hopeful that I will make a big dent in my scrap pile.  I made about 30 comfort dolls, but the heap still remains. These little jewels might be the answer. I found that I can dash one of in about 30 minutes.  Many  are one color, but I like to put on a contrast stripe trim to perk them up. 

After a considerable amount of scrolling and reading, I found 4 patterns that worked well for these little crocheted hats. 
The first style was written by Tia Davis and published in Crochet Rochelle.  The pattern is based on the double crochet stitch that is built out from a magic circle.  After reaching the correct diameter for the crown, stop increasing and crochet enough rounds to get the crown to mid-ear measurement.  If you choose, add an additional row of single crochet in contrasting color. The pattern can be found on Ravelry as a free download.  I have also seen this pattern on Pinterest in sizes newborn though adult.

The Parker Crochet Newborn Hat was developed by Sewrella.  Instructions are available in paper  and video format.  This hat also starts with double crochet stitches that come out from a magic circle.  After the crown circle is formed, stop increasing and crochet enough rows to make the size of the hat.  There is an added ribbed row followed by single crochet that make this hat quite attractive.  The url for the pattern is http://www.sewrella.com/the-parker-crochet-newborn-hat/  A free pattern for booties is also available.  The pattern is available through Pinterest and Ravelry.

The Layla-Lu Beanie (from the Sunshine and Sewing Basket)  adds a whimsical touch that is suitable for the tiny little miss.  For this pattern use a thicker DK or a thinner Worsted yarn.  After making the circle for the crown.  The next row calls for 2 DC in the same space that followed by a skipped stitch.  Succeeding rows are crocheted in the open spaces.  The effect is more open and lacy.  the cap is finished with a couple of rows of single crochet.  For specific directions, see Pinterest.  You can also find the pattern if you go to Sunshine and a Sewing Basket and look for past popular posts.  The author made the beanie for her Mandela 67 project.

The fourth style, "Little Heart Crochet Preemie Hat, " is made with a Half Double Crochet  Stitch, using an I  (5.5mm) hook.  I had tried some patterns which used an H hook, but I found that the final product was too dense and not inviting for a little preemie baby.  The tiny heart applique offers a physical reminder that the hat was made with heart and love.    See: hjttp://www.crochetforyoublog.com/2018/02/little-heart-crochet-preemie-hat.

I will be taking a bag of small batches of yarn with me on my next field trip.  On this trip, I am determined not to run out of yarn.  The big question is how many beanies can I make in a week of driving and meetings.  With the four patterns and many colors, I will keep busy and engaged.

Which of the patterns do you like best?  I love seeing the dedication of devoted crocheters who contribute so many of these little love hats to our youngest children.  Please share examples of your work and tell me about your experiences.