Crochet to Go

I love how this project came out. I've been making my way through the Make It Yourself library, a 12-volume craft collection packed with great patterns and ideas. This particular pattern is the cover feature for Volume. 6, and originally a knitting project. The pattern below is an adaptation for crochet, in a 3-6 month size. It's a simple pattern, and would be easy to adapt for larger sizes or different decorative treatments.

Striped Baby Dress Pattern
Materials Needed:

• H hook (5 mm)
• 2 skeins (140 grams) sport weight yarn, main color (color A)
• 20 grams each sport weight yarn, 2 additional colors (color B, C)
• 2 buttons

Yarn tested: Bernat Soy, 70g per skein, 50% soy/50% acrylic
Fits: 6-9 months

Front:
Using color A, ch 40.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc)

Row 2-3: Sc in each sf across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color B:
Row 4-6: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color B.

Using color A:
Row 7-9: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color C:
Row 10-12: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color C.

Using color A:
Row 13-14: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc)

Row 15: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (37 sc)

Row 16-19: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (37 sc)

Row 20: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (35 sc)

Row 21-24: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (35 sc)

Row 25: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (33 sc)

Row 26-30: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (33 sc)

Row 31: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (31 sc)

Row 32-44: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (31 sc)

Row 45: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (29 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color B:
Row 46-47: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (27, 25 sc) Fasten off color B.

Using color A:
Row 48-49: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (23, 21 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color C:
Row 50-51: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (19, 17 sc) Fasten off color C.

Using color A:
Row 52: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (15 sc)

Row 53-73: Continue working rows of sc, alternating colors in 2-row groups. Fasten off.

Back:
Work rows 1-44 for front. Fasten off.

Finishing:
Sew side seams to waist on either side. Fasten off.

Row 1: Attach yarn with ss to front corner (either one). Ch 6, turn, skip first ch and sc in remaining chains. SS to join to bib, turn.

Row 2: Ch 6, turn, skip first ch and sc in remaining chains. Leaving 1 row of bodice unworked, SS to join to bib, turn.

Repeat row 2, working ribbed edging evenly around to opposite side of bib. At each side of waist, leave 2 rows of bodice unworked to shape corner. Fasten off.

Straps (make 2):
Mark desired placement of straps with safety pins (~ 1 inch from center of back).

Row 1: Attach yarn with ss to one of the desired places. Ch 1, work 1 sc in same st and next 4 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn (5 sc). Repeat row 2 until straps are 11 inches long.

Second-to-last row: Sc in first st. Ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc. Ch 1, turn.

Final row: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.

Weave in any loose ends. Sew buttons to top corners of bib.

IMG_4613.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

Here's a new pattern I found on ravelry (Olivia's Butterfly by Valerie Whitten). It's cute and feminine, and works up quickly. It's also the perfect ponytail hat - worn backwards the gathered stitches help keep the hat from riding up the back of your head.

Here's my first Doris Chan pattern (available as a free Ravelry download). It's really bright - I can't decide if this yarn was the wrong choice. It might be perfect over a sundress, though?

It's a quick pattern, but eats yarn - I just barely finished this with 4 skeins. I skipped the final row, which I didn't like the look of (too pointy). A pin of some sort will be needed to keep the shawl on.

At long last, here's the pineapple sweater. I found a version of this online years ago (it has since been taken down) and loved it, despite the fact that it was very, very small. More of a doll pattern that a baby one. I've made it several times over the years, with varying degrees of success. This version is carefully tested and re-engineered substantially, and should fit 3-6 months. It's worked in a single piece, adding the sleeves after the body is complete.

Materials needed:
- J hook / 6.00 mm
- 120 grams sport weight yarn / 300 yards
- 4 buttonsYarn tested: Lily Chin Gramercy (2 skeins required), Sirdar Snuggly (1.75 skeins required).

Fits 3-6 months

Bodice:
Row 1: Ch 56 loosely. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (55 sc)

Row 2: Sc in each of first 8 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 7 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 17 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 7 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc. Sc in last 8 sc. (63 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Sc in each of first 9 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 9 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 19 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 9 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 9 sc. (71 stitches)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 6: Sc in each of first 10 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 11 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 21 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 11 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 10 sc. (79 stitches)

Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 8: Sc in each of first 11 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 13 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 23 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 13 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 11 sc. (87 stitches)

Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 10: Sc in each of first 12 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 15 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 25 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 15 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 12 sc. (95 stitches)

Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 12: Sc in each of first 13 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 17 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 27 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 17 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 13 sc. (103 stitches)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 14: Sc in each of first 14 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 19 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 29 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 19 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 14 sc. (111 stitches)

Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 16: Sc in each of first 15 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 21 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 31 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 21 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 15 sc. (119 stitches)

Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 18: Sc in each of first 16 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 23 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 33 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 23 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 16 sc. (127 stitches)

Row 19: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn. (127 sts)

Row 20: Sc in first 18 sc. Ch 7. Skip 27 sc (armhole), sc in next 37 sc. Ch 7, skip 27 sc (armhole). Sc in last 18 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 21: Sc in each sc and in each ch across. Ch 3, turn.

Row 22: Skip first st, dc in next 7 sc. Work pattern: (skip 4 sc, 7 trc in next sc, ch 2, skip 4 sc). Dc in next 13 sc. Work pattern, dc in next 9 sc. Work pattern, dc in next 13 sc. Work pattern. Dc in last 8 sc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 23: Skip first st, dc in next 6 dc. *[Skip dc, sc in first trc, ch 2, [sc, ch2] in sp after 2, 3, 4, and 5th trc. Sc in final trc. Skip first dc, dc in next 11 dc.] Repeat *, adjusting dcs to leave only first and last of each dc group unworked. Dc in last 7 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 24: Skip first st, dc in next 6 dc. Work pattern: (ch 2, 7 trc in the center of the fan, ch 2). Dc in next 11 dc. Work pattern, dc in next 7 sc. Work pattern, dc in next 11 sc. Work pattern. Dc in last 7 sc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 25: Skip first st, dc in next 5 dc. Work pattern: [Skip dc and ch 2 sp. Sc in first trc, ch 2, [sc, ch2] in sp after 2, 3, 4, and 5th trc. Sc in final trc. Skip first dc, dc in next 11 dc.] Work pattern, adjusting dcs to leave only first and last of each dc group unworked. Dc in last 6 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 26: Skip first st, dc in next 4 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern: ch 2. In three central sts of fan pattern (sc in next loop, ch 3) three times. 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in final dc. Work pattern, adjusting dcs to work each dc. Do not work 2 dc in last st. Ch 3, turn.

Row 27: Skip first st, dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Work pat: [Ch 2, sc in ch loop. (Ch 3, sc in next loop) 3 times. Ch 2, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 8 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 5 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 6 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 28: Skip first st, dc in next 6 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pat: [Ch 2, skip first 2 ch loops, sc in ch loop, skip next 2 ch loops, Ch 2, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 11 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 7 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 7 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 29: Skip first st, dc in next 7 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pat: [Ch 2, skip first ch loop, sc in sc, skip next ch loop. Ch 2, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 11 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 13 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 8 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 30: Skip first st, dc in next 8 dc. [Pat: 2 dc in next dc. Skip to next dc, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 15 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 11 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 13 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 31: Skip first st, work row in dc. Chain 2, turn.

Row 32: Skip first st, work row in hdc. Chain 1, turn.

Row 33: Sc in each stitch across bottom. 3 sc in corner. 2 sc in each end row to front of bodice. 1 sc in each end row of bodice. 3 sc in end of row 1 (neck corner), 1 sc in each sc of neck. 3 sc in opposite neck edge. Work buttonhole role: *Ch 2, skip next stitch. Sc in next 5 sts.* Repeat from * to * 3 times. Sc in end of each row to corner. Ch 1, turn.

Row 34: Sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch 2 space to neck. Sc in 1st 2 stitches of 3 sc group at corner of neck. Ch 2, hdc in same stitch. Skip next sc. *sl st, ch 2, hdc in same sc, skip next sc*. Repeat from * to * along neck to opposite neck edge. Sl st in 2nd sc of 3sc group at neck edge. Fasten off.

SLEEVES:
Row 1: Attach yarn with sl st to any stitch in armhole. Ch 2. Hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join in top of ch 2. Ch 2, turn.

Row 2-10: Hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join in top of ch 2. Ch 2, turn.

Row 11: (decrease row) Sc in same stitch. *sc next two stitches together, sc in next stitch* around. Sl st to join.

Row 12: Ch 2, hdc in same stitch. Skip next sc. *sl st, ch 2, hdc in same sc, skip next sc* around. Fasten off.

FINISHING: Weave in any loose ends. Sew buttons on to align with button holes.