Crochet Tutorial: Catnip Sardine Toy

Crochet Tutorial: Catnip Sardine Toy

I have found that my kitties love a good catnip buzz! These two crazy cats go a bit nuts when I put out some nip or have a toy that has that scent. But I found that paying $5-$7 for a little mouse or stuffed ball is too much to keep these cats happy.

Instead, I decided to make a few of these Crochet Sardine Catnip Toys, and boy, was that a smart idea! Not only is this outrageously economical (you can use scrap cotton yarn and is a nice stash buster) but for mere pennies, these tiny fish can provide hours of feline entertainment! Let me show you how!

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this toy:

 

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

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**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.
***These patterns are copyright YARNutopia © so PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE, ADJUST OR RESELL MY PATTERN. I wrote and tested this pattern myself, from beginning to end. It took a lot of time and work, and I would really like to have it remain “my pattern.”
***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
Red Heart Yarns Scrubby Smoothie (Color: Popsicle Brights)
-G-4.75mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can stuff this toy with polyfil or catnip
-You can use Tulle instead of Gauze for the inside as well.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

Toy

Work in continuous rounds
Ch 9
Rnd 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and across, put 3 SC in last ch, continue working on opposite side of foundation chain, SC across, put 2 SC in last st. (18)

Rnd 2: SC in each st around. (18)

Rnd 3: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)

Rnd 4: [SC2TOG] 6 times. (6)
Rnd 5: SC in each st around. (6)

Rnd 6: 2 SC in each st around. (12)

Rnd 7: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)

Rnds 8-11: SC in each st around. (18)

Rnd 12: [SC 2 TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Stuff fish with catnip wrapped in gauze or tulle fabric

Rnd 13: [SC2TOG] 6 times.

Rnd 14: [SC2TOG] 3 times.
Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Assembly:
Add a bell and a string to your catnip toy (optional)
Never leave kitties unattended while they enjoy toys like this one. 

 

 

Enjoy!!

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #20: Cluster Stitch

Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #20: Cluster Stitch

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make the Cluster Stitch:


 

Materials Used:
Red Heart Yarns Creme de la Creme Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook

 

Cluster Stitch

US Terms

Stitch:
[Yarn Over, Insert Hook into stitch, Yarn Over, Pull through, Yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 5 times. Yarn Over, pull through all 6 loops on your hook.

 

Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials


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Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia







 


Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #19: Puff Stitch

Stitch Gallery & Glossary Episode #19: Puff Stitch

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make the Puff Stitch:


 

Materials Used:
Red Heart Yarns Creme de la Creme Cotton Yarn
Crochet Hook

 

Puff Stitch

US Terms

Stitch:
[Yarn Over, Insert Hook into stitch, Yarn Over, Pull through] 4 times. Yarn Over, pull through all 9 loops on your hook.

OR

[Yarn Over, Insert Hook into stitch, Yarn Over, Pull through] 3 times. Yarn Over, pull through all 7 loops on your hook.

 

Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials


Donate Button with Credit Cards

Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia







 


Crochet Tutorial: Love & Sunshine Baby Blanket

Crochet Tutorial: Love & Sunshine Baby Blanket

Are you looking for the perfect project for a baby shower gift? Do you have a new grandchild on the way or are you expecting a new baby? This is the perfect project for you! I designed the Love and Sunshine Baby Blanket as the perfect accessory to any nursery.

It’s an easy pattern using a repeat of Front and Back Post Double Crochet. I have added a touch of accent color in the pattern as well as complimenting it with a lovely picot border to give it some additional design features. This treasured piece will be a huge hit! The Bunches of Hugs  yarn by Red Heart Yarns is the perfect fiber to make it feel luxurious and soft as a cloud. Perfect for cuddling your little one!

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this blanket:

 

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

Donate Button with Credit Cards

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.
***These patterns are copyright YARNutopia © so PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE, ADJUST OR RESELL MY PATTERN. I wrote and tested this pattern myself, from beginning to end. It took a lot of time and work, and I would really like to have it remain “my pattern.”
***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
Red Heart Yarns Bunches of Hugs in Banana
Red Heart Yarns Dreamy in Grey
-I-5.50mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-This blanket is 36 inches wide and long but you can continue the repeat to make it as big as you want.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side (Back Side)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
Picot: Ch 3, sl st into 3rd ch from hook.

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

Blanket:
Ch 4, Sl st to first ch to form a ring.
(RS) Rnd 1: Ch up 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC into ring, [Ch 2, 3 DC into ring] 3 times, Ch 2, sl st to beg ch up 3 st, ch 1, do NOT turn.

(RS) Rnd 2: FPDC on first st, *DC in next, FPDC on next, [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, ending with corner sts, Sl st to first FPDC, ch 1, turn.

(WS) Rnd 3: DC in same st you sl st’d into, [BPDC on next st, DC in next st] until corner, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [DC in next st, BPDC on next st] until corner, repeat from * around, ending with BPDC on last st, Sl st to 1st DC. Ch 1. Do NOT turn.

(WS) Rnd 4: BPDC on same st you sl st’d to, [DC on next st, BPDC on next st] until corner, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [BPDC on next st, DC on next st] until next corner, repeat from * around, ending with DC in last st, Sl st to 1st BPDC, ch 1, turn.

(RS) Rnd 5: DC in same st you sl st’d into, [FPDC on next st, DC in next st] until corner, *[2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [DC in next st, FPDC on next st] until next corner, Repeat from * around, ending with FPDC on last st, sl st to 1st DC, ch 1, do NOT turn.

(RS) Rnd 6: FPDC on same st you sl st’d to, [DC in next st, FPDC on next st] until next corner, *[2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in corner, [FPDC on next st, DC on next st] until next corner, repeat from * around, ending with DC in last st, sl st to 1st FPDC, ch 1, Turn.

Rnds 7-28: [Repeat Rounds 3-6] 5 more times and rounds 3 and 4 another time after that.
If you want your blanket bigger, just repeat rounds 3-6 as many times as you want, but end on a repeat of Round 4 before going onto the next row.

Fasten off Yellow and change color to Grey, attaching yarn where you left off on the last round.

(RS) Rnd 29: With Grey, Repeat Round 5

Fasten off Grey and change color to Yellow, attaching yarn where you left off on the last round.

(RS) Rnd 30: With Yellow, Repeat Round 6

(WS) Rnd 31: Repeat Round 3

 

Fasten off Yellow, Turn your work to the front side and attach Grey where you left off.

Border
(RS) Rnd 32: With Grey, ch up 1, SC in same st, *[Ch 3, Sk 1 st, SC in next st] until corner, SC in last st on side, Ch 3, Sk corner, SC in 1st st on next side, repeat from * around, ending with Ch 3, Sl st to 1st SC. Do NOT turn.

(RS) Rnd 33: Sl st into 1st ch 3 sp, Ch 1, SC in same sp, *[SC, HDC, DC, Picot, DC, HDC, SC] in next ch 3 sp, Sl st in next ch 3 sp, Repeat from * around, ending with [SC, HDC, DC, Picot, DC, HDC, SC] in last ch 3 sp, sl st to first SC.
Fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

 

Enjoy!!

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

 

Crochet Tutorial: Anatomical Heart Amigurumi

Crochet Tutorial: Anatomical Heart Amigurumi

Nate loves a good horror movie, I love crochet and “Poe”try, and we both love to love. I hope I’ve captured the essence of that in this project!!

I’ve got to “hand” it to you, he’s definitely got my “heart.” I hope you didn’t think that was “tachy.” I’ve tried to “organ”ize my puns so they always make sense. People might think that I’m so crazy about Nate that “aorta” be locked up, but he has the “key to my heart.” Sometimes I wondered if “antibody” was out there who understood me, and there he was. Nate “muscle”d his way into my “life.” In the “pulmonary” start of our relationship, I might have told him “A-fib” or two about how I felt. I didn’t need a “ventricle”oquist to speak for me. I was truly “pumped” about meeting him! “O,” I’m “positive” I won’t ever “bypass” telling Nate how I feel again. I sug”chest” we always express how we feel. I hope I never “skip a beat” when it comes to loving him. I promise to “pace” myself and not take our love in “vein.” ♥ Nadia

 

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this project:

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials even after I move into my new home!
There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

Donate Button with Credit Cards

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.
***These patterns are copyright YARNutopia © so PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE, ADJUST OR RESELL MY PATTERN. I wrote and tested this pattern myself, from beginning to end. It took a lot of time and work, and I would really like to have it remain “my pattern.”
***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!

Pattern:

Designed by Nadia Fuad
You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
Red Heart Super Saver in Blue
-Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Red
-Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Coral

G-4.25mm Crochet Hook
Polyfil
Yarn Needle
Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger

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Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
SC2TOG: Single Crochet Decrease

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.

The Main Part: (Ventricular Septum)
Work in BLO and in continuous rounds. (Use stitch marker for each round)
In Coral
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: SC in each st around. (12)
Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 5: SC in each st around. (18)
Rnd 6: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 7: [2 SC in the next st, SC in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 8: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 9: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 5 sts] 6 times. (42)
Rnds 10-14: SC in each st around. (42)
Rnd 15: [SC2TOG, SC in next 5 sts] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 16: [SC2TOG, SC in next 4 sts] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 17: [SC2TOG, SC in next 3 sts] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 18: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)
Stuff the piece and continue to close the top.
Rnd 19: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Rnd 20: [SC2TOG] 6 times. (6)
SC first and 4th sts together.
Fasten off. Weave in end.

Aorta:
With Red, Work in BLO and in continuous rounds.
Ch 9
Rnd 1: SC in 1st ch (forms a ring), and SC in each ch around. (9)
Rnds 2-6: SC in each st around. (9)
Rnd 7-13: SC in next 5 sts, Sl St in next 4 sts. (9)
Rnds 14-17: SC in each st around. (9)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Small Valve openings: Make 3 in red and 2 in blue
Ch 6
Rnd 1: SC in 1st ch (forms a ring), and SC in each ch around. (6)
Rnds 2-8: SC in each st around.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
See video tutorial for visual instructions on where exactly these pieces get sewn to.

Pulmonary Artery With Blue, work in BLO and continuous rounds.
Ch 8
Rnd 1: SC in 1st ch (forms a ring), and SC in each ch around. (8)
Rnds 2-5: SC in each st around. (8)
Rnd 6-12: SC in next 4 sts, Sl St in next 4 sts. (8)
Rnds 13-16: SC in each st around. (9)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly:
Sew the Valve openings to their pieces using the photo and video tutorial to help as a guide.
Stuff them slightly.
Sew Pulmonary Artery to Heart Muscle
Sew Aorta on top of Pulmonary Artery to the Heart Muscle
With Red yarn, chain a long chain and sew to heart
With blue yarn, chain a long chain and sew to heart.
See video tutorial for visual instructions on how to attach all the parts.

Enjoy!!

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns

 

 

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Meet Jade and Fern

Meet Jade and Fern

Transitioning to so many new changes following the wedding, I found myself spending a lot of time alone. I live quite a distance from my parents now, in a new city, and have slowly begun to fully settle in to my new life here.

Working from home, I found that now the planning for the wedding is no longer consuming my days, I am finding a lot of extra time on my hands and hours to fill while Nate is at work all day. I stay busy. I have my YARNutopia blogging and tutorials to keep me quite active, but 10 hours a day I find myself alone. This is something I have been trying to adjust to and it hasn’t been easy.

Living with my parents, there was always a flurry of activity in our house. People coming and going, lots of stuff to do and very high energy made time pass quickly. I was never lonely. Here, my new house is very quiet all day, and it has taken some getting used to.

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Fur-baby First

Nate and I have been considering adding a pet to our household for some time now. Even before the wedding, we really felt a fur-baby would be a welcome addition to our new family. We decided on a kitty cat just to have some companionship for me while Nate is away.

On Saturday, we spontaneously decided to go check out a pet rescue called Chasing Daylight. We went with an open mind and heart. Since we have been planning to adopt a cat or a dog, it wasn’t too surprising to fall in love with a pet right away. Nate has always wanted a cat, I wanted a small dog. We ended up seeing both, cats and dogs yesterday and fell in love with one little kitty right away.

For a pet to be available for adoption, the facility (Chasing Daylight Pet Rescue) has to spay/neuter the animal, give the animal a full check-up and shots. We loved that the facility was very clean and all the animals were very well cared for. They let the cats all run around in an open room together for socialization.


She captured our hearts

We immediately were drawn to a little kitty that was approximately 6-8 months old. She was a stray and had never been previously owned. She was so sweet and such a cuddly little thing. She was fully vaccinated and spayed and ready for adoption.

We filled out an application. They needed full disclosure on info; the obvious- if we have ever been arrested for animal abuse and other important necessary facts. They needed to know who lives in the household and who will be the main care giver. Basically the rundown on making sure we would be good pet parents.

They were so kind to us and we were approved with no problems. We told them we were recently married, and it is just us two living in our home. I work from home and Nate works outside of the home. Someone will always be home and a full-time companion for this little sweetie!

It was set. We could come to pick her up 10am Sunday morning and take her home!

So, like all excited pet parents, when we got home last night to prep for our new arrival and we headed straight to the store and purchased EVERYTHING a cat needs. Litter, litter box, cat dishes, cat food, cat toys, mats, more toys, collars, cat crate, treats, shampoo, brush, 2 beds, Cat Tower, more toys, scratching posts, and catnip. You name it, it was in our cart!

To say we were thrilled is an understatement!

When we arrived Sunday morning to pick up our little kitty we went in, we were expecting to just adopt one cat, but when we got there, another cat was super social and was playing with “our” kitty, so we were so moved by their antics, we just could not resist and within a couple of hours we were bringing home two!


The second cat was previously owned, the owners moved to Georgia. She is approximately 1 year old. She has been spayed and up to date on all her distemper, ringworm shots as well.

We packed them in the carrier and off we went home to start this new adventure!

What’s in a name?

First line of business was giving them a name! We waited to get them home and watch over them a bit, but Nate and I were both so transfixed by the color of their eyes. They both have such beautiful green eyes that it soon became evident that those would be the defining factor in finding their forever names.

We decided on Jade for our older cat and Fern for our little kitty.

We are looking forward to this newest adventure in pet parenting and sharing our lives with these two darlings-Jade and Fern.
I know for myself, it will help make my days feel a bit less lonely with these two around, and I will love having some crochet companionship! I can’t wait to share their antics with all of you!

Share a bit about your fur-babies in the comments!

 

UPDATE: 4/5/2019

We have had these kitties for a year now and they have made our life so much better! We really don’t know how we lived without them! They are always putting a smile on our face! Fern is the best snuggle bug and Jade loves on us when she’s hungry. Haha!! They are both so different, but they love each other and you can always find them together! Here are both of their birthday photos when they each turned 2 years old.

Jade’s 2nd birthday was September 7th, 2018

 

Fern’s 2nd birthday was March 26th, 2019

As you can see, they are extremely spoiled and deserve all the delicious treats in the world! We love them so much and we’re so happy they chose us.

~Nadia

 

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia