FREE Crochet Pattern: Mischief Maker Beanie

January 30, 2026 By Nadia Fuad in hats Tags: back post double crochet, basic, beanie, beginner, cap, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, front post double crochet, handmade, hat, how to, how to crochet, learn, maker, mischief, pattern, stitch, tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Meet The Mischief Maker Beanie! It’s a bold, hand-crocheted statement piece designed for people who refuse to blend in. With its rich texture and playful faux-fur pom accents, this hat brings equal parts warmth and personality. It’s soft, chunky, and unapologetically fun—because winter accessories shouldn’t be boring. Especially when you live in a state where winter lasts longer and is colder than most places!

Made for crisp mornings, coffee runs, protest walks, or just choosing joy on a cold day, this beanie is a reminder that style can be cozy and expressive yet still make a strong impression! Every stitch is crafted with intention, celebrating individuality, creativity, and a little bit of mischief.

Wear it slouched, wear it proud—this one’s meant to be noticed. Have fun with my design with the color of your heart’s choice! ❤️ I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color Deep Lagoon to make mine.

Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
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Leave a comment, and share with your friends!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

-Any Size 5 bulky yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color Deep Lagoon to make mine)
-2 furry puff balls (I got mine on Amazon)
–Size 10mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 5 or 6, BULKY yarn for this project
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-There is no video tutorial for this pattern.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial to follow along with this pattern.

Hat:

Turn your work after every round.

Ch 20

Rnd 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook and across, 3 DC in last ch, continue working on opposite side of foundation chain, DC in each st across, 2 DC in last st, Sl st to first st (not the ch 2 – that ch 2 does NOT count as a st), Ch 1, TURN. (38 sts)

Rnd 2: Stacked Single Crochet in first st (see video tutorial on how to do that here), DC in each st around, Sl st to first stacked sc st, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnds 3-7: Repeat Rnd 2

Rnd 8: *FPDC on first st, BPDC on next st, repeat from * around, sl st to first FPDC, Ch 1, Turn.

Rnd 9: Repeat Rnd 8.
You may continue to make yours longer if you need to by repeating Rnd 8 once or twice more.

Fasten off, Weave in all ends.

Sew two furry poms to each corner of the hat

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 Beholder & Cthulhu Hats for Halloween

October 30, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Costume Items Tags: basic, beanie, beginner, beholder, beholder hat, cap, character, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, cthulhu, cthulhu hat, d&d, dungeons and dragons, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, halloween, halloween costume, halloween hats, handmade, hats, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Halloween costumes are always the best part about our Halloween! I put a lot of effort into planning, and this year our very good friends also decided to jump into the costume game and commissioned me to make them a couple of awesome hats!

Hats as costumes? Yes, please!!

Cthulhu and Beholder costumes make an unforgettable duo for any Halloween or fantasy-themed event. The best part is this costume hat can be worn long after Halloween!

A Cthulhu costume channels the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft’s creation, featuring eerie green or gray tones, tentacled facial features, and sea-monster textures that evoke an ancient, otherworldly being from the deep. It’s both mysterious and terrifying, perfect for fans of dark mythos. I found the Cthulhu hat pattern on Ravelry here, and I used some wool yarn I had in my stash for far too long to make this amazing hat! Our friend wears it well!!!!

And the second hat costume is…

The Beholder, from Dungeons & Dragons, contrasts beautifully with its vibrant, eye-covered head and gaping, toothy grin. That is the part of the costume that requires more than crochet!! 😂 I was inspired by this pattern I found on Ravelry and I used Red Heart Yarns in various colors. Floating eyeballs, glowing details, and bold colors make it a striking visual opposite to Cthulhu’s shadowy menace. My dear friend pulls it off with ease!! Together, these two iconic creatures embody chaos and fear—one from the depths of space and the other from the darkest corners of imagination.

Would you wear it?

As a costume pair, they’re creative, instantly recognizable to fantasy lovers, and sure to dominate any costume contest or themed party with their monstrous flair and mythic presence. Or just a lot of fun taking to the streets on Halloween while our kids go trick or treating!

What hat is your favorite?

Happy Hooking!
~Nadia

Happy Halloween 2025

October 22, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in Costume Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: ash ketchum, ash pokemon, basic, beginner, character, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, gotta catch em all, halloween, halloween costume, halloween costume ideas, handmade, hat, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, misty, misty pokemon, pattern, pikachu, pokemon, pokemon cosplay, pokemon halloween, pokemon halloween costume, stitch, togepi, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Pikachu, Ash, and Misty: The Perfect Family-of-Three Halloween Costume

Halloween is that perfect time of year when families get to transform into something imaginative, nostalgic, and fun — together. For a family of three, choosing costumes that tie into a shared theme can make the night even more memorable. This year, we had a huge obsession in our home over Pokemon. Nas couldn’t get enough!! One of the most iconic and beloved trio themes comes from the world of Pokémon: Pikachu, Ash Ketchum, and Misty. Three fun characters we decided to bring to life. These three characters create a perfect group costume that blends adorable charm, adventure, and instant recognition. Plus, Nas was on board from the start! Whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a party, or posing for family photos, this Pokémon-inspired trio offers a perfect balance of individuality and unity, making it one of the best family costume choices around. We think that we nailed it! What do you think!?

Cast of characters

First, Pikachu is the undeniable heart of the Pokémon universe and the perfect role for Nas! Of course he is Pikachu! He’s the most playful member of the family so it’s a perfect fit. As Ash’s loyal companion, Pikachu represents friendship, loyalty, and fun—qualities that fit beautifully into our family dynamic. The costume itself is easy to recognize, with Pikachu’s bright yellow color, pointy ears, and lightning bolt tail. I modeled the hat and tail using this pattern by OuiCrochet. For Nasir, it’s a comfortable and cheerful outfit that I used yellow polyester yarn, ideal for chilly Halloween nights. Pikachu also brings the “cute factor” to the group – c’mon he is adorable guaranteeing smiles from everyone who sees our trio walking down the street. Beyond that, Pikachu embodies energy and joy, which captures the spirit of Nas this Halloween: excitement, imagination, and togetherness. All wrapped up in the cutest yellow bundle of joy!

I purchased the sweatshirt and pants on Amazon.

Get the shirt here

Get the pants here

Ash Ketchum, the determined Pokémon trainer, makes the perfect costume for Nate who enjoys being the leader. As the main character in the Pokémon series, Ash is known for his courage, optimism, and unbreakable bond with his Pokémon friends. Well, it’s the perfect costume for my husband!! His outfit—blue jacket, red-and-white cap, gloves, and sneakers—is simple to put together and instantly recognizable, even for people who only know Pokémon casually. I used Bag-O-Day’s Crochet Shirt Video Tutorial pattern here. I paired it with Polyester yarn in blue, white, and yellow. Wearing Ash’s costume gives Nate the chance to take on the role of the adventurer, the one who leads our “team” from house to house, collecting candy instead of catching Pokémon. The costume also carries a nostalgic charm for many adults like us, who grew up watching Pokémon, to share a piece of our own childhood with Nasir in a creative and heartwarming way.

I crocheted the Pokeball following along to this pattern by Little Bear Crochets

The hat can be found here

The fingerless gloves can be found here

Misty, the spirited water-type Pokémon trainer, perfectly completes the trio. Known for her fiery personality, kindness, and adventurous nature, Misty’s costume brings a pop of brightness and balance to the group. It is my perfect fit! Her classic outfit—yellow tank top, red suspenders, denim shorts, and sneakers—is simple yet iconic. I didn’t crochet much for Misty, but her Pokemon Togepi is her signature buddy in the series, so I followed a pattern by Loopy Catherine that you can find here. Misty’s look can easily be adapted for weather or comfort, making it both practical and fun. I am adding some leggings under my shorts to add warmth. My costume adds a great dynamic to the group because the friendship and rivalry with Ash are part of what makes the Pokémon story so engaging. When paired with Ash and Pikachu, Misty rounds out the trio beautifully—symbolizing teamwork, friendship, and individuality within a shared adventure. To hike the downtown or neighborhood in search of tricks or treats!

Get the Suspenders here

Get the wig here

One of the most enjoyable parts of dressing as Pikachu, Ash, and Misty is how easily the theme appeals across generations. Pokémon has been a global phenomenon for nearly three decades, meaning both parents and kids can connect with it. Parents who watched the show in the late 1990s and early 2000s get to relive fond memories, while children who play Pokémon games or watch modern adaptations recognize the characters instantly. This shared connection makes the costumes more than just clothing—it’s a bonding experience that celebrates shared joy and nostalgia.

Another reason this trio works so well for Halloween is its versatility. The costumes can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. A family can easily DIY them with clothes they already have—yellow hoodie for Pikachu, denim vest for Ash, and red suspenders for Misty—or go all out with detailed, store-bought versions. The accessories are easy to add: Poké Balls, stuffed Pokémon, or even themed candy buckets shaped like Poké Balls. For families who enjoy a bit of performance, they can even role-play their characters throughout the night—Ash giving “commands,” Pikachu “using Thunderbolt,” and Misty reminding them to stay on track. The combination of creativity and interaction makes the experience entertaining not just for the family, but for everyone they meet.

Most importantly, dressing as Pikachu, Ash, and Misty captures the essence of what makes Halloween special: fun, imagination, and time together! Each character represents a unique personality, yet we all belong to the same world and story. Just as Ash never goes on his journey alone, a family celebrating Halloween together embraces the same idea: that adventures are better when shared with those you love.

What are your Halloween plans? Costumes? Let us know what you think of our costumes this year!

Happy Hooking!
~Nadia

More photos below:

A Special Order: Crochet Amigurumi

May 1, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in amigurumi, Blog Posts Tags: AdrialysHC, amigurumi, basic, beginner, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashionable, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, mexicana, pattern, rainbow, rainbow wolf, red heart yarns, stitch, stuffed toy, stuffie, wolf, wolf crochet pattern, wolf stuffie, wolfie, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 2 Comments

Crochet amigurumi is the art of creating small, stuffed toys using crochet techniques. Originating from Japan, the term “amigurumi” combines the words ami (knitted or crocheted) and nuigurumi (stuffed doll). These adorable crochet creations have gained popularity worldwide for their charm and versatility. The trend has taken hold as a new way to create stuffed toys for any occasion. Using basic crochet stitches such as single crochet, increases, and decreases, crafters can shape yarn into animals, food items, cartoon characters, and more.

Special Orders

I was asked to make a stuffed wolf for a friend. I recently started back crocheting, and as I ease back in, I have found it much easier to follow someone else’s pattern than to create my own on some items. That being said, I took to looking up a wolf pattern, and came across this wonderful one by AdrialysHC. My order request asked if I could make the wolf in rainbow color so I decided to use Red Heart Yarns Super Saver Mexicana Color. The results were amazing!

Why make amigurumi?

One of the unique aspects of amigurumi is its accessibility. It requires minimal materials—usually just yarn, a crochet hook, stuffing, and a yarn needle. Even beginners can quickly learn the basics and create simple figures, while more advanced crocheters enjoy designing complex patterns with intricate details. If you are looking to start creating amigurumi, there are numerous patterns for every stage. They are fun to try and especially if you have a collector or kids they will be loved by all.

More benefits

Amigurumi also offers a therapeutic benefit. The repetitive motion of crocheting can reduce stress and improve focus, making it a calming hobby. Additionally, it fosters creativity, as artists can bring their own whimsical designs to life or modify existing patterns.

In recent years, online communities have further fueled the growth of amigurumi by sharing tutorials, patterns, and inspiration. Whether made as gifts, collectibles, or décor, crochet amigurumi reflects a blend of craftsmanship, imagination, and cultural artistry that continues to captivate people around the globe.

Tell me about your experience with making amigurumi!

Happy Hooking!
~Nadia

Summer Crochet Halter Tops: A Stylish and Breezy Wardrobe Essential

April 8, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, clothing Tags: alternative, alternative crochet, basic, bralette, crochet, crochet crop top, crochet festival, crochet goth top, crochet halter, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, crop, crop top, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, festival clothes, festival wear, fibers, goth, gothic crochet top, halter top, handmade, how to, how to crochet, hue it hand dyed, hue it hand dyed fibers, learn, melissa hewitt, merino wool, music festival crochet, pattern, stitch, top, women's, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Crochet halter tops are a must-have for summer, combining style, comfort, and a handmade touch that makes them truly stand out. That’s why I chose this Crochet Crop Top pattern by LunarStill for one of my own! And boy, am I IN LOVE! Remember me mentioning that I am attending a music festival in the summer!? Watch my blog posts here for more updates as I crochet not only little mushroom keychains, but also create a few costume pieces that I hope to wear during the festival!! These tops are perfect for warm weather, offering breathability and a lightweight feel while showcasing intricate, eye-catching designs. Whether worn at the beach, festivals, or casual outings, crochet halter tops exude effortless bohemian charm. And you know that I LOVE the boho charm!

Make it your summer staple!

One of the best things about crochet halter tops is their versatility. There are so many different styles to choose from! Plus, using one pattern, changing the yarn creates an entirely new look! They come in a variety of styles, from delicate lacy patterns to tighter, more structured stitches that provide better coverage. Just look at how cool this pattern looks in this purple variegated yarn by Hue-it-Hand Dyed Fibers by Melissa Hewitt

Some feature open-weave designs, ideal for layering over bikinis, while others are more opaque, allowing them to be worn on their own. They can be paired with high-waisted shorts, flowy skirts, or denim jeans for a relaxed yet chic look.

If you’re looking for sustainable fashion

Handmade crochet halter tops also offer a sustainable fashion choice. Many are crafted using natural fibers like cotton, which are soft, breathable, and environmentally friendly. A light weight sock yarn like the one I used is a Merino Wool, but with the light weight and thinness of the yarn, it’s breathable and comfortable to wear in the warmer months. For those who enjoy DIY projects, making a crochet halter top can be a rewarding experience, with endless possibilities for customization in terms of color, pattern, and fit. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment is so fulfilling!

It’s up to you!

Whether store-bought or handmade, crochet halter tops are a timeless summer staple. Their blend of comfort, artistry, and boho aesthetic makes them an essential addition to any warm-weather wardrobe. Pair with shorts, skirts, under a pair of cotton bib overalls, the possibilities are endless. With the right styling, they can transition effortlessly from beachwear to casual daytime outfits, embodying the carefree spirit of summer.

Watch out for more cool fashion content in the coming months!

(If you are interested in getting the same pattern as me, click an image of me above wearing the halter and the link will take you directly to the pattern I purchased)

Happy Hooking!

~Nadia

Peanut Butter and Carrot Dog Treats

March 25, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Recipes Tags: carrot, carrots, delicious dog treats, diet, dog diet, dog treats, health, health benefits, healthy, homemad, homemade, homemade dog treats, ingredient, ingredients, natural, peanut butter, peanut butter and carrot, pet diet, pet owners, pet treats, quick dog treat recipe, quick recipe, recipe, recipes, treat, treats, vegetables, whole grains, yummy 1 Comment

Remember when my parents got a dog? YARNutopians helped us name him and he ended up with the name Blu? Short for Bluey Yampers Dorable? (<—that was the grandkids’ long version) Anyway, fast forward to now and this pup has an insatiable appetite for treats! Below is the recipe for one of his favorites! Even my dad liked them!

Recipe

1 c. All Natural Peanut Butter (I made my own but look for a good, Safe for Dogs, containing NO xylitol pb)
1 c. Grated Carrot-I washed mine grated peel on. I used 2.
1c. Oats
1 tbsp natural honey
2 egg
2c wheat flour or equivalent dog safe flour
**add water in small spoonfuls as needed to help form cohesive dough.

*Scroll down to see instructions on mixing*

Mix all ingredients together to form a nice dough. Flour surface and rolling pin. I wet my hands to help the dough not stick when working with it.

Instructions

Once I rolled out my dough approximately 1/4 inches thick I used a cookie cutter to make bone shapes BUT it is not necessary. Cut in squares or rounds works well, too! Lay on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Preheat oven to 325F and bake for 15 minutes, flipping over and baking for 15 more minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely.

This batch makes 2-dozen bone-shaped cookies. Cookies last a week and freeze well to store and use as needed. Your dog will LOVE THEM!

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade dog treats offer a lot of benefits, making them a healthier and more cost-effective option for pet owners. One of the primary advantages is control over ingredients used in the recipes. Many store-bought treats contain artificial preservatives, unhealthy additives, and fillers which can lead to allergies or tummy troubles in your fur babies. By making treats at home, pet lovers can use high-quality, natural ingredients specific to their dog’s dietary needs.

Homemade treats can be made with wholesome ingredients like vegetables, whole grains, fruits such as apples and bananas, and more! This ensures dogs receive essential nutrients. This is particularly important for pets with food sensitivities or specific health conditions, as owners can eliminate allergens and include beneficial supplements.

Preparing dog treats at home can be more cost-effective in the long run. While top brand store-bought treats are often expensive, homemade alternatives can be made in bulk using very affordable ingredients-often using ingredients you might already have. This allows pet owners to save money while still providing nutritious snacks. My batch of treats cost less than $5 USD!

Finally, making treats at home strengthens the bond between owners and their pets. The process of baking for a beloved dog adds a personal touch, reinforcing care and love. Overall, homemade dog treats promote better health, safety, and happiness for both pets and their owners.

Watch Bluey enjoy these treats in the video below:

Gifting Crochet Blankets

March 19, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in Blankets, Blog Posts Tags: afghan, baby blanket, beginner, blanket, c2c blanket, corner to corner, corner to corner blanket, crochet, crochet blog, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, ombre, pattern, red heart yarns, stitch, stripes, striping, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve been actively blogging and sharing about crochet and more. Today’s blog entry is taking us back to the 2024 holiday gift giving season and how I incorporated crochet into three special gifts.

Corner to Corner Delight

I started in August in order to complete three corner-to-corner crochet blankets by Christmas. It was difficult to balance time to crochet with the hectic schedule of our daily life. I struggled to find time in each day to crochet, but I have been trying to prioritize making that happen as often as I can. I knew leading up to the holidays that this would be a big commitment, but I knew the blankets would be special if I could finish them on time. When you give a gift such as a crocheted blanket or any other handmade item, you’re not just giving the physical gift, but you’re giving the gift of your time and the care that it goes into each item you make. I knew in my heart, the effort was going to be well worth it in the end.

It had been such a long time since I’ve made larger projects. I decided to go with a repeat pattern for these three blankets. I chose colors that were special to the person I was gifting them to, and I got to work!

A meaningful gift

A crochet blanket is more than just a cozy covering—it’s a symbol of warmth, love, and creativity. Each stitch holds meaning, whether it’s made by a family member, a friend, or even oneself. Unlike store-bought blankets, crochet blankets are handmade with care, often taking weeks or even months to complete. This dedication makes them unique and deeply personal and that was the reason this idea felt special and right for my niece and nephews.

From the Heart

One of the most special aspects of a crochet blanket is its sentimental value. I, myself, have held on to many things because they hold that sentimental value. Many are passed down through generations, carrying with them stories and memories. Over time, that blanket becomes a treasured keepsake, reminding the recipient of the person who made it.

Beyond sentimentality, crochet blankets are also works of art. They showcase an incredible variety of patterns, colors, and textures. In the case of these gifts, I chose Red Heart Ombre yarn and Stripes yarn that created its own beautiful striping in the colorway.

Wrapping up

Crochet blankets provide comfort, both physically and emotionally. Wrapping up in a handmade blanket feels different from using a machine-made one—it carries a sense of warmth and connection. Many people find comfort in making crochet blankets, too, as the repetitive motion of crocheting can be meditative and soothing.

Like I mentioned earlier, a crochet blanket represents time, effort, and love. Whether it’s given as a gift for a newborn, a wedding, for the holidays, or simply as an act of kindness, it holds deep meaning. It’s not just a blanket—it’s a hug in yarn form, a piece of someone’s heart, and a reminder of the beauty of handmade artistry.

Gifting Crochet Mushroom Keychains at Music Festivals

March 11, 2025 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: alternative, alternative crochet, amigurumi, basic, beginner, crochet, crocheted, crocheting, festival, gifting, handmade, how to, how to crochet, kandi, keychain, keychains, little gift, mushroom, mushroom with eye, mushrooms, music festival, pattern, psychedelic crochet, rave, teach, trinket, trinket trade, tutorial, weird crochet, yarnie, yarnutopia 2 Comments

I am heading to my first music festival this summer, and I am doing a lot of research on this and other music festivals. Part of the culture is sharing something with other festival attendees – like a trinket trade. Since I have several months to prepare, I figured that I would put my crochet skills to good use and make these psychedelic mushroom keychains. I found the perfect pattern from MrsCrowlet’s Etsy Shop.

Click image to find Crochet Pattern

What are music festivals?

Music festivals are often colorful gatherings that celebrate art, culture, and of course: MUSIC! Whether it’s the pulsating beats, laser lights, or colorful spectacles, the act of gifting has begun to emerge as a common practice that enriches the festival experience for those who are attending. My heartfelt token is this handmade crochet mushroom keychain—a small emblem that encapsulates my love for crochet! I hope to be making several of these to hand out! This will be a fun way to connect with other concert goers.

The Significance of Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts offer emotional depth and personal touch. Crafting items like crochet mushroom keychains allow me to infuse my creations with intention and care. This process not only showcases my skills and abilities, but also be a gesture that can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories and friendships.

Symbolism of the Mushroom

Mushrooms hold rich symbolism across various cultures. Often associated with growth, transformation, and the mysteries of nature, they embody the essence of the underground and the unseen. In the context of music festivals, mushrooms can represent the organic growth of community and the shared journey of attendees. Gifting a mushroom keychain can thus be seen as offering a token of unity and mutual understanding.

The Therapeutic Joy of Crafting

Engaging in crafts like crochet offers so many therapeutic benefits, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. The repetitive motions involved in crocheting can induce a meditative state, allowing crafters to immerse themselves fully in the creative process. This mindful crafting not only results in beautiful creations, but also enhances the mental well-being of the maker. I’m guessing that I will be using mindfulness for the next few months! LOL!

Click image to find Crochet Pattern

Fostering Community Through Gifting

At music festivals, the act of gifting fosters a sense of community and belonging. Handing out crochet mushroom keychains or other items can serve as an icebreaker, sparking conversations among attendees. This simple exchange can lead to shared stories, new friendships, and a collective sense of joy, enriching the overall festival experience that we are all sharing. I can’t wait to share my skills in these tiny little gifts.

Gifting these crochet mushroom keychains or any small token at music festivals embodies so much more than crochet, the idea of making or giving gifts brings strangers together for a few days to form community. These handmade tokens serve as bridges between individuals enriching the tapestry of the festival experience. Through the art of crafting and the joy of giving, festival-goers can cultivate a culture of kindness and unity, leaving lasting impressions long after the music fades.

Peace, Love, & Wubs

~Nadia

Click image to find Crochet Pattern

This pattern was designed by MrsCrowlet on Etsy. The photos in this blog post are my own. Check out MrsCrowlet and her other designs in her Etsy shop here.

Crafting Over the Weekend: A Stay-Home Retreat

November 23, 2024 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Crochet Projects Tags: basic, beginner, christmas, crochet, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, stitch, teach, weekend crochet, weekend plans, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 2 Comments

The weekend is finally here. After a long week there’s nothing more appealing than the thought of staying in, being cozy, and diving into your favorite hobbies. Crafting at home over the weekend isn’t just an escape from the chaos in the world or life; it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re a crochet enthusiast, a painter, or someone who enjoys dabbling in more than one art, spending the weekend crafting can feel like the ultimate self-care. If you’re opting for a weekend of staying put, here’s how to turn your home into a perfect place for creativity and mindfulness through crafting.

Why Stay In?

For many of us, weekends often fill up with several obligations, errands, or the pressure to “do something productive.” Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to do the exact opposite: just stay in, slow down, and focus on something that brings pure joy. It allows you to create something beautiful, work with your hands, and express yourself. Better yet, crafting at home lets you go at your own pace. There are no rules, no judgment, and no one to interrupt your flow.

Setting Up the Perfect Weekend To Crochet or Craft

Before diving into your creative projects, take some time to set up a comfortable and inspiring workspace. Where is your favorite place to crochet? Craft? This doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a little preparation can make a big difference in your crafting experience.

1. Choose Your Space: Pick a spot where you’ll be comfortable and relatively free from distractions. This could be your kitchen table, a cozy corner in the living room, or even your bed if you’re working on something portable like crochet or knitting.

2. Gather Your Supplies: Nothing disrupts the crafting flow like realizing you’re missing a key supply. Take stock of what you need for your projects ahead of time. Organize your tools, yarns, papers, or paints in a way that’s easy to access.

3. Set the Mood: Enhance your crafting environment with solid lighting, a favorite beverage, and your music, podcast, tv show, or audiobook. If you’re crocheting, consider pairing your project with a cozy movie marathon or bingeworthy series. For a full sensory experience, light a scented candle or diffuse some essential oils.

A Weekend in the Life of a Crafter

Saturday Morning: Dive In

The mornings are perfect for diving into something new. If you’re a crocheter, this might mean selecting a fresh pattern—perhaps a chunky scarf for winter or a whimsical amigurumi figure. Oftentimes, starting a new project feels like opening a door to endless possibilities, and the excitement of that first stitch can set a positive tone for the entire weekend. Don’t fret if you aren’t planning to start something new! Our works in progress are always good to fall back on! Use this special time to finish what is already on our hook! It doesn’t matter, it’s your weekend!

For crafters who work with paper, clay, or fabric, Saturday morning is a great time to experiment. Try creating handmade greeting cards, sculpting a small vase or bowl, or sewing a simple project like a throw pillow. If you begin your weekend with something new it sparks creativity and keeps things exciting.

Saturday Afternoon: Get in the zone

After a lunch, settle in for a longer crafting session. This is the time to lose yourself in the rhythm of your work. We crochet enthusiasts might enjoy the meditative quality of repetitive stitches, while scrap-bookers can delight in layering papers, stickers, and embellishments. If you find yourself stuck or needing inspiration, take a break to browse crafting blogs, Pinterest, or YouTube tutorials. You can find my YouTube channel HERE.

Seeing what others are creating can reignite your motivation and even inspire new ideas.

Saturday Evening: Time to get cozy

This is the ultimate cozy crafting time. As the evening rolls in, make crafting a part of your wind-down routine. Grab a blanket, curl up on the couch, and continue working on your project while watching a favorite show. The repetitive motion of crocheting or knitting pairs wonderfully with a Netflix binge, while quieter crafts like painting or embroidery can be enjoyed with soft background music.

Sunday Morning: Try Something Different

Sundays are for creative exploration. Dedicate your morning to trying something outside of your usual crafting comfort zone. If you’re a crocheter, experiment with Tunisian crochet or learn a new stitch pattern. If you’re a papercrafter, try a mixed-media approach using paints, stamps, and collaged materials. Trying a new craft doesn’t mean you have to invest in expensive supplies. Start small with materials you already have, or repurpose items around the house. For instance, old magazines can become collage materials, and empty jars can be transformed into candle holders or planters with a bit of paint and creativity.

Sunday Afternoon: Finishing Touches

The afternoon is a good time to bring your projects closer to completion. Whether it’s weaving in the ends of a crochet piece, adding final embellishments to a scrapbook page, or varnishing a painted item, there’s something deeply satisfying about wrapping up a project. If you’ve been working on something larger, don’t feel pressured to finish—just take pride in the progress you’ve made. The journey is just as important as the result.

Sunday Evening: Reflect and Plan

As the weekend winds down, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve created. Photograph your finished projects to share with friends or on social media, or simply admire them yourself. Use this time to plan your next projects. Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? A holiday gift you’d like to make? Jot down your ideas in an idea notebook so you can remember and hit the ground running next weekend.

The Benefits of a Crafting Weekend

Spending the weekend crafting isn’t just fun—it’s also incredibly beneficial for your mental health and well-being. Here’s why:

1. Mindfulness: Crafting requires focus and attention, pulling you into the present moment. This makes it an excellent way to practice mindfulness and reduce stress. We all need that from time to time!

2. Creative Expression: Whether you’re working with yarn, paper, paint, or clay, crafting allows you to express yourself in a tangible way. This can be deeply fulfilling and very therapeutic.

3. Accomplishment: Completing a project—even a small one—gives you a sense of achievement and boosts your confidence. YOU DID IT!

4. Connection: Even if you’re crafting alone, you can share your work online or join crafting communities to connect with like-minded people. We love to see your projects!

Staying Inspired

The beauty of crafting is that it’s SO inspiring. A crafting weekend is also a wonderful opportunity to repurpose materials, try new techniques, and dream up projects for future weekends. The more you create, the more ideas will flow. Crafting at home over the weekend is a gift you give yourself. It’s a chance to slow down, focus on something you love, and create something beautiful. So grab your supplies, settle into your favorite spot, and let your creativity take flight.

Happy Hooking!
~Nadia

Happy Halloween 2024 – PLUS FREE Crochet Pattern

October 31, 2024 By Nadia Fuad in accessories, clothing, Costume Items, Crochet Pattern Tags: basic, beginner, bone daddy, cap, character, christmas, christmastown, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, free crochet pattern, free pattern, ghost, ghost dog, halloween, halloween costumes, halloweentown, handmade, hat, holiday, how to, how to crochet, jack and sally, jack skellington, jack skellington costume, learn, nightmare, nightmare before christmas, pattern, pumpkin, pumpkin king, sally, sally costume, stitch, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia, zero, zero ghost, zero ghost dog Leave a comment

The year cannot pass without my annual family Halloween costume. It’s always a highlight to plan and create them for my platform. Each year, I painstakingly work to make sure that the ensemble will be memorable. This year is no exception. I loved creating the patchwork dress for my character using the fantastic pattern from: CozyDayDesigns on Etsy

Nate’s skeleton head was inspired from my Toad hat costume here. Nas was the ghost dog and the perfect costume to round out our family trio!

You can find the crochet pattern for the Sally Dress on Etsy from this shop. Click HERE

Below you will find the crochet pattern for the Ghost Dog Costume Poncho

Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
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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!

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
-Caron One Pound in White (2 balls), Black, Orange
-Polyfil
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-This costume will fit a child

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

Poncho:

Ch 92

Row 1: DC in 3^rd ch from hook and across, Turn. (90)

Row 2-32: Ch 2 (does not count as stitch) DC across, Turn. (90)

Row 33: Ch 2, DC in 35 sts, Ch 20, Sk 20 sts, DC in last 35 sts, Turn.

Row 34: Ch 2. DC in each st and each ch across, Turn. (90)

Rows 35-65: Ch 2, DC across, Turn. (90)

Fasten off, Weave in ends

Hood:

Attach yarn to middle front of neck part

Row 1: Ch 1, SC around neck, do not connect, TURN.

Rows 2-42: Ch 1, SC across, Turn.

After hood is long enough, fasten off with long tail. Sew top seam of hood closed.

Attach yarn to bottom front of hood, SC 2 rounds around front of hood to clean up the edge.

Ears:

Make 2 with white

Ch 2

Row 1: SC in 2^nd ch from hook, Turn. (1)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 SC in st, Turn. (2)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 SC in each st across, Turn. (4)

Row 4: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (4)

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 SC in first st, SC in next 2 sts, 2 SC in last st, Turn. (6)

Rows 6-7: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (6)

Row 8: Ch 1, 2 SC in first st, SC in next 4 sts, 2 SC in last st, Turn. (8)

Rows 9-10: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (8)

Row 11: Ch 1, 2 SC in first st, SC in next 6 sts, 2 SC in last st, Turn. (10)

Rows 12-13: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (10)

Row 14: Ch 1, 2 SC in first st, SC in next 8 sts, 2 SC in last st, Turn. (12)

Rows 15-23: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (12)

Row 24: Ch 1, SC2TOG, SC in next 8 sts, SC2TOG, Turn. (10)

Row 25-26: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (10)

Row 27: Ch 1, SC2TOG, SC in next 6 sts, SC2TOG, Turn. (8)

Rows 28-29: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (8)

Row 30: Ch 1, SC2TOG, SC in next 4 sts, SC2TOG, Turn. (6)

Rows 31-32: Ch 1, SC across, Turn. (6)

Row 33: Ch 1, SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts, SC2TOG, Turn. (4)

Row 34: Ch 1, SC2TOG, SC2TOG, Turn. (2)

Row 35: Ch 1, SC across, continue to SC down side and SC around entire ear, Sl st to first st and fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Sew ears to top of hood.

Nose:

With White Work in continuous rounds.

Ch 2 (or magic circle)

Rnd 1: 4 SC in 2^nd ch from hook. (4)

Rnd 2: 2 SC in first st, SC in the rest of the sts in the round. (5)

Rnd 3-24: 2 SC in first st, SC in the rest of the sts in the round. Rnd 24 will have 27 sts

Rnd 25: [2SC in next, SC in next 2 sts] 9 times. (36)

Rnds 26-30: SC in each st around. (36)

Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Orange nose: Work in continuous rounds.

Ch 2 (or magic circle)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2^nd ch from hook. (6)

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

Rnds 3-5: SC in each st around. (12)

Add stuffing

Rnd 6: [SC2TOG] 6 times. (6)

Close round and fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Sew orange ball to tip of white nose.

Stuff white part of nose and sew to hood

Eyes:

With black

Make 2

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 8 SC in 2^nd ch from hook, sl st to first st. do not turn. (8)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), 2 DC in first st, 2 HDC in next, 2 SC in next, 2 HDC in next, 2 DC in next, 2 HDC in next, 2 SC in next, 2 HDC in next, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. Do not turn. (16)

Rnd 3: SC in each st around.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Sew eyes to hood.

Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

This helped get my cro-jo back!

April 26, 2024 By Nadia Fuad in Blankets, Crochet Projects Tags: basic, beginner, crochet, crocheted, crocheting, evil eye, eye, eyes, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, granny eye, granny eye crochet, granny eye crochet pattern, granny eye granny square, granny square, handmade, how to, neon, neon colors, neon crochet, premier yarns, protection, protective, protective eye, psychedelia, psychedelic, psychedelic crochet, squares, stitch, womanwalkingawire, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 2 Comments

I haven’t been able to crochet in months due to my life getting busier and busier, which made me sad, but I found a fun design online that caught my eye (pun intended) and I just HAD to have the pattern. This crochet pattern was designed by WOMANWALKINGAWIRE and I purchased the pattern a few months ago. Whenever I had free-time to spare, I would crochet a little bit at a time and soon all the squares were piled up! Sewing all the squares together made the finish line that much closer! I am so incredibly proud of this piece. I learned that I love to crochet pieces that other amazing designers have created. It’s like cracking a code every time I read a new pattern and that’s what motivates me to keep going with my love of crochet.

This granny square design is called the Granny Eye Granny Square. You can find WOMANWALKINGAWIRE on all social platforms. I will link her socials below so you can follow her too!!

I learned that the designer of this square has so many other fabulous granny square designs written up too – they are all vibrant and extremely different than the typical crochet patterns I have seen in the history of crochet. I would highly recommend the patterns from this shop.

WOMANWALKINGAWIRE FACEBOOK

WOMANWALKINGAWIRE INSTAGRAM

WOMANWALKINGAWIRE RAVELRY SHOP

WOMANWALKINGAWIRE ETSY SHOP

Below you will see my blanket creation from one square design.

I made 36 squares total and sewed them together and then used all the colors in a double crochet border around the whole piece. It turned out to be about 50 inches x 50 inches. I have been snuggled up on the couch with this blanket for days now.

I used 10 Premier Yarns in all their neon colors: Kiwi, Glass, Porcelain Blue, Bright Violet, Coral, White, Black, Bright Green, Bright Pink, and Highlighter

I used 3 balls of the black color and 2 balls of each of the other colors – so, 21 balls of yarn! I did have a little left over from each color that I might make a scrap hat or something else.

Once I finish a crochet project, it is very hard for me to move on with my crochet life and choose the next project. When I make something so massive, I try to make smaller items next which still helps me feel accomplished. Maybe a bag next, or a bucket hat, or even an amigurumi.

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Ghost Hat

October 24, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Costume Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, hats Tags: babies, basic, beanie, beginner, cap, character, costume, costume idea, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, ghost, ghost costume, ghost halloween costume, ghost hat, ghosts, halloween, handmade, hat, hats, how to, how to crochet, kids costume, learn, pattern, scary, stitch, teach, winter, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Boo! Don’t be scared, it’s just Nasir wishing you a Spook-tacular Halloween!

This year was HARD! Each year I set my bar high to create a new family Halloween costume. It’s tradition. I plan it early on, start it early in the summer, order yarn months in advance… the whole nine yards. Life got in the way. I had another surgery this year in May, of course with complications. Was down all summer recovering. Nas started pre-school on top of his ABA therapy program. It all was a lot. So when the time came this year, I was only able to get one costume completed and it was this sweet ghost.

Nas has been telling me that he wants to be a ghost for Halloween for two months now. I finally found time to make him a costume. As simple as it is, he added his ever so subtle touches with his scary stance and silly poses! He’s fully committed to being the best ghost possible!

Below, please find the full instructions for this free crochet ghost hat pattern:

Make your own version just in time to scare your friends and family this spooky season!

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below

-White yarn (less than 500 yds) – I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
-Black yarn (less than 50 yards)
–Size 4.25mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial to follow along with this pattern.

Hat:

Do not turn your work with this hat pattern.

With White or your main ghost color, Ch 2 or make magic circle

Rnd 1: 8 HDC in 2nd ch from hook or in magic circle, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, DO NOT TURN. (8)

Rnd 2: HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1

Rnd 3: 2 HDC in first st, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts, 2 HDC in last 2 sts, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (12)

Rnd 4: 2 HDC in first st, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 8 sts, 2 HDC in last 2 sts, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (16)

Rnd 5: 2 HDC in first st, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 12 sts, 2 HDC in last 2 sts, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (20)

Rnds 6: 2 HDC in first st, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 16 sts, 2 HDC in last 2 sts, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (24)

Rnd 7: HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (24)

Rnd 8: 2 HDC in first st, 2 HDC in each of the next 5 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, 2 HDC in each of the last 6 sts, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (36)

Rnd 9:HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (36)

Rnd 10: 2 HDC in first st, 2 HDC in each of the next 8 sts, HDC in next 18 sts, 2 HDC in each of the last 9 sts, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 11: HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 12: [2 HDC in first st, HDC in next 8 sts] 6 times, sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnd 13: HDC in each st around, sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnd 14: [2 HDC in first st, HDC in next 9 sts] 6 times, sl st to first st, Ch 1. (66)

Rnd 15: HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (66)

Rnd 16: [2 HDC in first st, HDC in next 10 sts] 6 times, sl st to first st, Ch 1. (72)

Rnds 17-28: HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (72)

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Go on to making the eyes and mouth for the ghost

Eyes:

With black, Make 2.

Ch 2 or make magic circle

Rnd 1: 8 SC in 2nd ch from hook or in magic circle, sl st to first sc, do not turn. (8)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), 2 DC in same st, [DC, HDC] in next st, 1 SC in next st, [HDC, DC] in next st, 2 DC in next st, [DC, HDC] in next st, 1 SC in next st, [HDC, DC] in next st, sl st to first st. Fasten off with long tail for sewing. (14)

Put a fleck of white in the eye using white yarn.

Make 2 eyes and sew them to the hat. Weave in all ends.

Mouth:

With Black, Make 1.

Ch 2 or make magic circle

Rnd 1: 8 SC in 2nd ch from hook or in magic circle, sl st to first sc, do not turn. (8)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), 2 DC in same st, [DC, HDC] in next st, 2 SC in next st, [HDC, DC] in next st, 2 DC in next st, [DC, HDC] in next st, 2 SC in next st, [HDC, DC] in next st, sl st to first st. (14)

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] around, sl st to first st. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Sew to hat.

Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

Crochet Game! Add The Points

August 21, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Just for fun, Uncategorized Tags: blog post, blogger, count your points, crochet, crocheter, engagement, entertainment, facebook, game, games, have fun, if you know you know, instagram, interactive, join us, just for fun, let's play, let's play a game, points, post, social media, yarn, yarnutopia, yarnutopia and more 11 Comments

I’ve been working on creating more engagement on my social media platforms. One way I have been doing this is to create more content that is fun and entertaining. One such way is to make content into interactive games. Below is one such example.

I’m posting here because not everyone is on social media. This is a good way for those who follow our blog to participate in some of the fun, too. It’s not often we can take a break and play a Crochet Game.

Share your scores with us in the comments. Enjoy!

❤️

The History of the Crochet Hook

August 17, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in accessories, Blog Posts, history, Products I love, Uncategorized Tags: antique, bone, cool, crochet, crochet hooks, crocheting, europe, fun facts, historical, history, history of, hook, lace, learn, now you know, old, old school, primitive, roots, steel, teach, trivia, vintage, wood, yarnutopia, yarnutopia and more 2 Comments

The history of the crochet hook is quite fascinating. Crochet itself is believed to have originated in the early 16th century in Europe. However, the exact origin of the crochet hook is a bit unclear. That makes this art more mysterious because there is also some evidence of crochet possibly having roots in early China or Arabia. So, who were the earliest pioneers of this craft? What tools and techniques were used in those early centuries?

Whoever it was that discovered this popular art form and the tools necessary, we owe a debt of gratitude for providing us that tool for this long-living and sustainable life skill. Let’s dig a bit into some historical trivia surrounding the crochet hook.

Hooks of all kinds

The first crochet hooks were likely made from simple materials like bone, wood, or even ivory. These early hooks were handmade and varied in size and shape. Over time, as crochet became more popular, hooks started to be produced on a larger scale and with different materials such as metal. We have been searching for vintage crochet hooks or trying to produce some of our own.

Many of our followers have known how Fuad himself creates his own unique hook handles on Wood Be Fancy. He has also dabbled in making his own fully hand carved wood hooks. We have yet to discover any bone or ivory hooks while antiquing, but one can imagine how rare these must be.

Visit Fuad’s etsy shop HERE.

Metal hooks and more!

In the 19th century, steel crochet hooks became particularly popular due to their durability. They didn’t break or wear down as easily with use. They were often used for delicate and intricate lacework. The size and shape of the hooks also began to mass produce during this time, making it easier for patterns to be shared and replicated.

In the modern era, crochet hooks are available in a wide range of materials including plastic, aluminum, and bamboo. They also come in various sizes and designs, catering to different preferences and crochet techniques. Company branding and designs were perfected and the industry has grown significantly.

Crochet hooks have evolved alongside the art of crochet itself, allowing people to create beautiful and intricate designs with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, having a good crochet hook is essential for bringing your creative ideas to life!

What is your go-to hook? Share with us in the comments!

Happy Hooking!

~Fuad, Shannon, and Nadia

How to: Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

August 16, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Baking and Cooking, Recipes, Uncategorized Tags: bakery, baking, beans, bourbon, cakes, cookies, cooking, Extract, gift basket idea, gift idea, gifts, holiday, holiday cheer, homemade, homemade gift, homemade vanilla, homemade vanilla extract, kitchen, madagascar, mama's kitchen, recipe, rum, tahitian, Vanilla, vanilla beans, vanilla extract, vodka, vodka vanilla extract, yarnutopia, yarnutopia and more Leave a comment

Do you like to bake?

When you bake as much as I do, it is very easy to go through baking ingredients on a regular basis. I purchased very good vanilla extract for a pretty penny and I am always running out! It’s too much money when I can make my own!

Let’s get started!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

2 ingredients.

6-8 Madagascar Vanilla beans per 8 oz. bottle. Find Vanilla Beans HERE. Find the bottles HERE.

Vodka (You can also use Bourbon or Rum each one having a slightly different flavor).
**the alcohol draws out the best flavor in your vanilla bean but you can make your recipe without
by substituting vegetable glycerin for the alcohol.

Directions:

For 6 to 8 beans per 8 oz. bottle.

I slice my beans down the center the long way to release fragrance and flavor of the vanilla bean paste see photos below). Place the vanilla beans into clean 8 oz. bottles. I found my bottles on Amazon HERE. You must cover the beans completely with Vodka so they are submerged-approximately 8 oz. of vodka per bottle. Keep in mind, the vodka has to be 70 proof or more. (I found 80 proof on sale 😂).

Cap bottles tightly. Shake gently to infuse flavors. Store away and let sit for at least 8 weeks.

Try to shake bottles as often as possible to insure that the flavors continue to blend-at least once a week. After 8 weeks the vanilla will be ready to use. The longer you wait the better the flavor- 4 to 6 months is actually optimal. Use in all your baking recipes that call for vanilla extract! Enjoy!

The Rewarding Journey of Being a Foster Parent

August 12, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Parenting and Family Blog Post, Uncategorized Tags: blog, care, challenges, children, consistency, extended family, family, foster, foster care, foster care system, foster parents, fostering, happy, kinship, level 4, level 4 care, lifestyle, parenting, parents, placement, siblings, stability, system, teenagers, teens, tools, trauma informed, yarnutopia, yarnutopia and more, yarnutopia fam 1 Comment

Good Morning, YARNutopia! Shannon (Nadia’s mom), here.

Many of you may not be aware that Fuad and I are licensed foster parents. We have been working with kids and fostering for three years. We can truly say that it has been a challenging, yet rewarding, journey. It has always been in our hearts to open our home to children in the foster care system. We underwent the necessary process to get licensed in 2020, and we are currently a Level 4, Trauma-Informed Foster home. Our focus has been on, but not limited to, teenagers and/or sibling groups.

Foster parenting is a role that involves opening one’s heart and home to children in need. This commitment involves the entire family. As you have learned through the years, we have adult children that are married, and we have grandchildren. This isn’t something we have taken lightly. We know that it impacts everyone in our circle – both our immediate and extended family. It is a journey that requires immense dedication, love, patience, and compassion. Being a foster parent not only transforms the lives of vulnerable children, but also has had an impact on us and our entire family. Here, we will explore the unique and experiences of being a foster parent, the challenges it entails, and the substantial positive difference it makes in the lives of children.

One important facets of being a foster parent is consistency in the home. One of the best ways we are able to provide that, for me, is my ability to work from home and always be available for the children in our care. With being behind the scenes at YARNutopia, Wood Be Fancy, and our other small business, this allows me the flexibility to do that. It also has provided a point of interest for most kids. Nadia has taught many of our teens how to crochet. They have LOVED being able to create. It is a small building block to growing their confidence and self esteem. We are so grateful for this platform and its ability to provide us this opportunity, that we never take that for granted.

Foundation for Fostering

Providing Stability and Love:
One of the most significant contributions we, as foster parents, can offer is a stable and nurturing environment for children who have experienced trauma or neglect. We try to create a safe haven where children can heal, grow, and feel loved. We provide stability, support, and a sense of belonging. Being part of our family becomes the foundation upon which these children can rebuild their lives. This is a huge responsibility and one we do not take lightly. In the past three years, we have had several children in our home who have gone on to adoption or reunification. We also have provided respite for other foster parents. The foundation we provided has helped them to cope by having tools to use in their lives well beyond their time with us.
Fostering Growth and Development:
We play a vital role in facilitating the growth and development of children in our care. We provide educational assistance, encourage extracurricular activities, and nurture talents and interests. Many of the children are often so entrenched in trying to navigate through chaos that they do not have an opportunity to experience what life is like to BE A CHILD. Here, in our home, they can learn how to actually be a kid. A kid who can build friendships, go to birthday parties, join a sport or activity, do homework. A kid who can begin to find out who they are outside of the life they were living prior to being placed in our care. We do this by providing a structured routine and opportunities for growth in an environment that is calm and loving.

Fuad and I work to empower children to reach their full potential and have an opportunity to succeed in life. We have witnessed children who were not able to read, LEARN to read. We witness what the simple act of reading can do to open up their world. We have taught teens to drive, how to get their first job, learn banking, try their hand at cooking, and MANY other life skills. These are some of the most basic things we take for granted, but they can be so difficult to maneuver or navigate for a child placed foster care.
Emotional Support and Encouragement:
The emotional well-being of foster children is vital for their development. We fill many roles in this area. We offer a listening ear, empathetic understanding, and unwavering support during very challenging times. We work to help children process their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. None of which are easy for a child who has been through so much trauma. Something such as personal hygiene can be a challenge for kids, or even for them to talk about, when they have never had anyone there to teach them. Through continuous encouragement and belief in these children, we can instill confidence and inspire them to overcome adversity.

It takes time. Some days you feel defeated. I cannot even count how many times Fuad and I were ready to throw in the towel because this was so difficult. Yet, we wake up every day and keep going. Yes, there are hard days, but there is a bigger purpose. When you witness pieces of the transformation a child begins to experience in a loving environment, it is a remarkable feeling. There are literally NO words to describe it.
Long Lasting Relationships:
Foster parenting is not just about providing temporary care; it is about building meaningful and lasting relationships. Fuad and I have become mentors and role models. We work to create lifelong connections for the children we care for. Even after they leave foster care, the bond between us and the children who have been in our care has been established. We continue the relationship beyond our home, providing a source of guidance and support as they navigate into adulthood. We have always maintained that we are just a phone call or text message away. There is something very special about receiving that text message long after a child has left your care. This past May, one of our teens we fostered reached out to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day. Pretty cool, right?
Advocating for Children’s Rights:
Foster parents are also powerful advocates for the rights of children in our care. We have worked alongside case managers, educators, and healthcare providers to ensure the well-being and best interests of the children are met. We advocate for access to quality education, healthcare services, and necessary resources, empowering children to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Overcoming Challenges:
Foster parenting is not without its challenges. We have to navigate complex legal systems, cope with the trauma experienced by the children, and adapt to diverse backgrounds and needs. We have experienced how to deal with behavioral issues, mental health challenges, and much more as a result of what children in our care have experienced prior to being placed in our care. However, with resilience, patience, and unconditional love, we begin to triumph over these obstacles, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for the children we care for.

Final Thoughts

Being a foster parent is a remarkable journey filled with love, compassion, and personal growth. It offers an opportunity to make a lasting impression in the lives of vulnerable children, providing them with stability, love, and a chance to flourish. Foster parents create a nurturing environment, foster growth and development, and advocate for children’s rights. That dedication and selflessness can have a profound impact, shaping the lives of children and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

Foster care is not for the faint of heart, trust me, this is not an easy path to walk. It can often be filled with frustration, heartbreak, and a myriad of feelings that make you question your sanity at times. Yet,there will be days when all of it will just fall away for that perfect moment when you are having a spontaneous living-room dance party with smiling, laughing children who are caught in the joy of a Bruno Mars song. For those brief moments their trauma doesn’t rule their every second of their day. Instead, they are floating free and thriving in your care. Those are the moments we hold on to.

To all the foster parents out there, WE SEE YOU! WE understand you! And, WE believe in you!

~Shannon and Fuad

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!!

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Doll Clothes

August 8, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in amigurumi, clothing, Crochet Pattern Tags: barbie, barbie and ken, barbie clothes, barbie crochet, barbie dress, barbie shirt, basic, beginner, clothes, clothing, crochet, crochet barbie, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, doll, doll clothes, doll clothing, doll dress, doll outfit, doll shirt, dolls, dress, fashion, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, ken, ken barbie, learn, pattern, shirt, stitch, teach, top, tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

There’s a movie out, there’s hype, and there’s also some great fun when it comes to the doll industry! I had to jump on the bandwagon for a moment and try my hand at doll clothes! Here are two simple outfits for you to try. My free patterns are both in this one blog so have fun!

I purchased my dolls from Amazon and here are the links if you want to purchase them too!

Barbie Doll

Ken Doll

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below

–Cotlin DK Weight in color Cyan by KnitPicks/WeCrochet

–Willow Summer yarn in Geranium

–Velcro
–Size 3.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial to follow along with this pattern.

Dress:

Ch 27, sl st to first ch to form a ring, Ch 1

Rnd 1: HDC in each ch around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, TURN. (26)

Rnd 2: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts] 5 times, HDC in last st, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, Turn. (31)

Rnd 3: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts] 5 times, HDC in last st, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, Turn. (36)

Rnd 4: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 6 sts] 5 times, HDC in last st, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, Turn. (41)

Rnd 5: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 7 sts] 5 times, HDC in last st, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, Turn. (46)

Rnds 6-12: HDC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1, Turn. (46)

Fasten off after Rnd 12 or continue to repeat to make the dress longer and fasten off when the dress is as long as you want it to be.
Flip the skirt over and work on the foundation row of the base of Rnd 1 to make the top part of the dress.

Attach yarn to any st on the base of Rnd 1 on your foundation row of your work.

Row 1: HDC in first st where you attached your yarn, HDC2TOG, HDC in each st until 3 sts remain, HDC2TOG, HDC in last st, CH 3, Do not Sl st, Turn. (24)

Row 2: HDC in 2nd Ch from hook and next ch, HDC in each st across, Ch 1, Turn. (26)

Rows 3-6: HDC in each st across, Ch 1, Turn. (26)

Row 7: (Making the arm holes), HDC in first 4 sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 sts, HDC in next 10 sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 sts, HDC in last 6 sts, Ch 1, Turn. (20 sts, 2 ch 3 sps)

Row 8: HDC in each St and each ch across. Fasten off, Weave in all ends. (26)

Sew velcro on the back opening of the dress for closure.

Shirt:

Ch 20

Row 1: HDC in 2nd Ch and each ch across, Ch 1, Turn. (19)

Rows 2-4: HDC in each St across, Ch 1, Turn. (19)

Row 5: HDC in 12 sts, Ch 4, Sk 4 sts, HDC in last 3 sts, Ch 1, Turn. (15 sts, 1 Ch 4 sp)

Row 6: HDC in each st and each ch across, Ch 1, Turn. (19)

Rows 7-15: HDC in each st across, Ch 1, Turn. (19)

Row 16: HDC in 3 sts, Ch 4, Sk 4 sts, HDC in last 12 sts, Ch 1, Turn. (15 sts, 1 Ch 4 sp)

Row 17: Repeat Row 6
Rows 18-23: HDC in each st across, Ch 1, Turn.
Fasten off after Row 23.

Weave in all ends.
Add Velcro to back flap to close back of shirt.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Knitpicks/WeCrochet and Herrschner’s (Willow Yarns)

How to: Make Cowboy Candy – Candied Jalapeños

July 30, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Baking and Cooking, Recipes, Uncategorized Tags: candied, candy, canning, canning peppers, condiment, cook, cooked, cooking, cowboy, cowboy candy, cream cheese, dip, eat, farm to table, Fuad and Shannon, gardening, hot pepper, hot peppers, how to, how to make, Jalapenos, kitchen, make, moms home cooking, old school, party, peppers, pioneer, recipe, shannon's kitchen, teach, yarnutopia, yarnutopia and more, yarnutopia fam Leave a comment

Each summer, I love to visit the Farmer’s Market and purchase local produce. Two years ago, we visited a booth where the vendor had jars of “cowboy candy”. Curious, I bought a jar. Fuad ate it all in one sitting! I vowed to try to make my own version when I had a chance.

Fast forward to today and I decided to finally give it a try. Here is my recipe and tips for making, AND canning, jars of Cowboy Candy.

Let’s get started:

To start, this recipe is based upon 2lbs of jalapeños. You can adjust your recipe to make it more or less as desired.
Before you begin, please be sure to have your canning jars clean and ready. Wash your jars thoroughly and COMPLETELY rinse. Submerge them onto a rack in boiling water for 10 minutes as your last step of sanitization.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
Jalapeno Peppers (I used approx. 2lbs or 1kg) I had around 40-50 jalapenos from the farmer’s market
4 cups of white granulated sugar
2 cups of Apple Cider Vineagar
2 tsps of tumeric powder
2 tsps of ginger powder
3 teaspoons of chili powder
Dash of kosher salt

Instructions:
~Remove stems and cut your jalapenos into thin slices. I didn’t measure but approx. 1/4 inch coin slices worked well.
~Combine all your sugar, vineagar, and spices in a pan. Bring this to a rolling boil and cut the heat to simmer.
~Stir until your sugar dissolves and makes a syrup. Add your pepper slices to the syrup and coat thoroughly.
~Mix them completely and bring to a rolling boil once again.
~Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until your jalapenos soften and begin to darken in color.
~With a slotted spoon, remove jalapenos from your syrup and place into clean, prepared jars. filling up to 1/2 inch from top. Shake and wiggle jar so peppers settle leaving more room to add as needed.
~Once each jar has been filled, pour the syrup over peppers in each jar. Leave about 1/4 inch from top, being sure all are covered.
~Cover and secure lid. Wipe the outside of jar and lid clean because syrup is STICKY!
~Place your secured jars of peppers into a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Jars should pop to insure they have sealed correctly. If your jar lid does not pop, don’t worry! The peppers are still good but storage is best in the fridge and eaten within a few weeks.
~Properly canned jars can be stored in cool dry place for up to a year.

This Cowboy Candy can be served over cream cheese and spread on crackers, over burgers, nachos and more! They are sweet with a punch of heat!

Thank you so much for giving our recipe a try! We hope our Cowboy Candy is a hit at your home as much as it is at ours!

Happy Hooking and Cooking!
~Shannon and Fuad

Oh My-Planta! Gnats Attacked Our Plants!

July 28, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Product Review, Uncategorized Tags: advice, bugs, fix it, get rid of, gnats, help, how to, i love my plants, lifestyle, monstera, neem oil, pesticides, pests, plant, plant gnats, plant parents, plants, products, rare plant, rid, swiss cheese monstera, tips, treatment, tricks, what to do, yarnutopia 3 Comments

We are plant people! We love our plants. Over the years, we have been building our plant family one at a time. Presently, we have between 30-40 plants that we have either bought, inherited, or propagated. Recently, we have discovered our propagated tiny Swiss Cheese Monstera had gnats flying and running around in the soil.

macro close-up of gnat taken with my iphone 13 pro max

Our baby Monstera plant

We tried several home remedies such as using hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to water the soil, completely drying out the soil, setting apple cider vinegar and dish soap traps and more; all to rid the soil of these nasty pests to no avail. Soon, we noticed other plants started having issues. It was time to go up a notch in our pest control.

Bring out the heavy-duty pest control.

After several days of researching some of the best ways to rectify this issue, we found that most plant enthusiasts used various sprays or water treatment that did not harm the plants but combatted only the bug issue. We hoped that their tips would help so we went to Amazon and ordered a few things to help tackle our issues.

Sticky gnat traps: These traps are placed into the soil and have a VERY sticky surface to capture the gnats. You can find these HERE.
Neem Oil: Kills eggs, larvae, and adult stages of MANY plant invader insects. You can use it safely on plants and is more organic than some other plant pesticides. Find product HERE.
Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control: Granules that can be applied both via watering or sprinkling on your soil to effectively treat your insect issue. Find this product HERE.

We are currently treating our plants with the three above products and have seen some mild results initially. We hope these products work and we look forward to happy and healthy plants for years to come.

Any Advice?

Now that you are learning about our plant issues, tell us what you would do. How would you treat this issue? Do you have any tricks or tips to share with us? Have you dealt with this before? We are always trying to educate ourselves and look forward to your feedback!

Happy Planting!

Shannon and Fuad

We have affiliate links in this post and do receive a small stipend if purchased. #ad

Projects to Crochet In A Hurry

July 21, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in accessories, Blog Posts, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: how to crochet, learn, pattern, stitch, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Have you ever found yourself in a jam trying to find a last minute gift for someone and no time to run to several shops for that perfect item? Here is a list it we compiled to help you come up with some fabulous hand-made gift ideas in a hurry! These gifts can be made within a few hours and are guaranteed to be a big hit! Click the image to view the crochet pattern. Check out ALL the fabulous designers who contributed to this blog post! Follow all their social media accounts to support them for free!

Potholders

Check out the pattern for these potholders by clicking the image

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this potholder

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these hot pads

Jar Covers

Click the image to check out these Jar Hats!

Click the image to view the crochet pattern and video tutorial for this jar cover

Click the image to view the pattern for this jar cozy

Click the image to check out this pattern

Washcloths

Click image to view crochet pattern for this washcloth

Click the image to check out the pattern to these dishcloths

Click the image to view the pattern to this dishcloth

Click the image to see the crochet pattern for this washcloth

Scrunchies

Click image to view crochet pattern for this scrunchie

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this scrunchie

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these scrunchies

Coasters

Click the image to check out the pattern to these coasters

Click image to view crochet pattern to these coasters

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this coaster

Click the image to view the crochet pattern of these coasters

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these coasters

Scrubbies

Click the image to see the crochet pattern for this scrubby

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these scrubbies

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this scrubby

Bookmark

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these bookmarks

Click image to view crochet pattern for this bookmark

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this bookmark

Click image to view crochet pattern for this bookmark

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this bookmark

Mug Cozy

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this mug cozy

Click image to view the crochet pattern for this mug cozy

Beanie Hat

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this hat

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this beanie

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this hat

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this beanie

Click image to view crochet pattern for this beanie

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this beanie

Basket

Click image to see the crochet pattern for this basket

Click image to view crochet pattern for this basket

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this basket

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this hanging basket

Gift/Gas Card Holder

Click image to view crochet pattern for this gift card holder

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these gift card holders

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for this gift card holder

Baby Booties

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these booties

Click image to view crochet pattern for these booties

Click the image to view the crochet pattern for these booties

Thank you to the fabulous designers who participated in this round-up of great crochet patterns! Check out their websites and support their social media accounts!

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Beach Vibes Bucket Hat

June 30, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, hats, Video Tutorial Tags: basic, beanie, beginner, block, blocks, cap, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, hat, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Hot off my hook is my Beach Vibes Bucket Hat! Just in time for the best days of summer! Lazy days at the beach, lounging poolside, or cruising around with the windows down, this hat brings all the vibes!

It’s the perfect boho-style fashion headwear to bring your warm weather wardrobe up a cool

trendy notch. My easy to make Beach Vibes Bucket Hat is your accessory passport to a fun energy summer, and you can pick colors that reflect your spirit and flair! I chose fibers in polyester and cotton by Lion Brand Yarn and Willow Yarns to bring mine to life. Are you ready to do the same!? Go grab your hook and get started on yours now! Can’t wait to see them all!

Follow along to this video tutorial to learn how to make this hat:

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.

Teacher: Nadia Fuad

Materials you will need:
Get the supplies individually by clicking the links below
–Size 4 Medium Worsted Weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch color: Baby Pink (Rnd 2 of square), Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Pink Grapefruit (Rnd 3 of the square), Willow Yarns Summer in Waterfall (main color), and Lion Brand Yarn Modern Baby color: Yellow (middle of square))
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–ScissorsNOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-There is no video tutorial for this pattern yet.
-To make this hat smaller, I would recommend leaving off the last round of the square and sewing the squares together after round 3 of the squares are done. OR you could use a smaller crochet hook to make the stitching tighter and smaller.Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Croche
DC: Double Crochet
3 DC cluster: [YO, insert hook, YO, pull through, YO pull through 2 loops] 3 times, YO pull through all loops on hook. Stitch made.

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn and Herrschner’s (Willow Yarns)

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Beach Vibes Bucket Hat

June 27, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, hats Tags: basic, beanie, beginner, brim hat, bucket, Bucket hat, cap, crochet, crochet bucket hat, crochet hat, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, flower, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, hat, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, square, squares, stitch, summer, summer hat, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 3 Comments

It’s the perfect boho-style fashion headwear to bring your warm weather wardrobe up a cool

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Croche
DC: Double Crochet
3 DC cluster: [YO, insert hook, YO, pull through, YO pull through 2 loops] 3 times, YO pull through all loops on hook. Stitch made.

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial to follow along with this pattern.

Square:

I changed color every row but you do not have to. I am not writing the pattern with the color changes.
Make 5 of the squares

Start with a Magic Circle OR Ch 3

Rnd 1: 12 DC in MC or 12 DC in 3rd Ch from hook, Sl st to first st, fasten off, change color. (12)

Rnd 2: Attach yarn to any stitch, Ch 2, 3 DC cluster in same st, * Ch 2, 3 DC cluster in next st, repeat from * around ending with Ch 2, Sl st to first st, fasten off, change color. (12)

Rnd 3: In any Ch sp, Ch 2, [3DC, Ch 2, 3 DC] in same sp, * Ch 1, 3 DC in next ch sp, Ch 1, 3 DC in next ch sp, Ch 1, [3 DC, ch 2, 3 DC] in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, fasten off, change color.

Rnd 4: Attach yarn to Ch 2 corner sp, Ch 2, [3 DC, Ch 2, 3 DC] in same sp, * [Ch 1, 3 DC in next Ch sp] 3 times, Ch 1, [3 DC, Ch 2, 3 DC] in next corner sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, fasten off.

Make sure to make 5 squares, then sew them all together with 1 square in the middle and 1 square on each side of the middle square, then sew down the sides to make a bucket hat shape. Sew with the Whip Stitch using a contrasting color for the sewing.

Brim:

Attach yarn to a RIGHT corner ch 2 sp of any square on the edge to start the brim.

Ch 2 (does not count as stitch)

Rnd 1: 3 DC in same sp, * Ch 1, 3 DC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, Ch 2, do not turn.

Rnd 2: 3 DC in same sp, Ch 1, 3 DC in SAME sp, * [Ch 1, 3 DC in next ch sp] 5 times, Ch 1, [3 DC, Ch 1, 3 DC] in next sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, Ch 2. (increase made)

Rnd 3: 3 DC in same sp, * Ch 1, 3 DC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, Ch 2, do not turn.

Rnds 4-5: Repeat Rnd 3.

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn and Herrschner’s (Willow Yarns)

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Starburst Garden Headband

June 21, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in accessories, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, granny squares Tags: accessory, basic, beginner, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, flower, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, hair, hair accessories, hair accessory, hairband, handmade, head, headband, how to, how to crochet, pattern, square, squares, starburst, stitch, sunburst, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

This cute look is perfect for the free spirit and lover of beaches! It gives you that laid-back style but can also be that dressy accessory to a free-flow style. Guaranteed to liven up the tropical sundress, your graphic tees, or a flowing kaftan…no matter what your style, adding a Starburst Garden Headband will elevate every outfit you wear!

**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!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
–Size 4 Medium Worsted Weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling color: Grass, Baby Soft color: Sweet Pea, and Modern Baby color: Yellow)
–Size E-3.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
DC2TOG: Double Crochet 2 sts together
DC3TOG: Double Crochet 3 sts together

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial to follow along with this pattern.

Square:

I changed color every row but you do not have to. I am not writing the pattern with the color changes.
Make 5 of the squares

Start with a Magic Circle OR Ch 3

Rnd 1: 24 DC in MC or 24 DC in 3rd Ch from hook, Sl st to first st, fasten off, change color.

Rnd 2: Attach yarn to any stitch, Ch 2, [DC3TOG, Ch 2] 8 times, Sl st to first st. Fasten off, change color.

Rnd 3: In any Ch sp, Ch 2, [3DC, Ch 2, 3 DC] in same sp, * 5 DC in next Ch sp, [3 DC, Ch 2, 3 DC] in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Make sure to make 5 squares, then sew them all together in a line.

Attach yarn to short side of one side of headband to make the strap

Attach yarn to the first stitch on one side of the square, Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch)

Row 1: DC in each st across, Ch 2, Turn. (11 sts)

Row 2: DC2TOG, DC in each st until 2 sts remain, DC2TOG, Ch 2, Turn. (9)

Row 3: Repeat Row 2. (7)

Row 4: Repeat Row 2. (5)

Row 5: Repeat Row 2. (3)

Row 6: DC3TOG, Continue to Ch 31
Fasten off and cut tail short after pulling knot tight.

Repeat same concept for other side of headband.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
See photo below to see stitches.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn.

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Rainbow Summer Shorts

June 13, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in clothing, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: basic, beginner, bottoms, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, lbgtq, lbgtqia, learn, me, mommy, mommy and me, pants, pattern, pride, rainbow, rainbows, shorts, stitch, striped, stripes, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

June is Pride Month, and in honor of this annual occasion, I have created Rainbow Shorts!! This pair of shorts is perfect for wearing as a swimsuit bottom cover-up or cute plain shorts paired with a summer top. I have seen increased crochet trends, and one of the most fun patterns I have seen is crocheted shorts. These shorts follow a simple pattern to create this rainbow look. You can apply this same pattern to your favorite colors and create stripes in whatever fits your vibe. You can also use one solid color which can also be fun!

I have provided patterns in sizes from adult children so you can make a “Mommy and Me” or “Daddy and Me” set! I used Worsted Weight (size 4 medium) scrap yarns to create these fabulous shorts, but you can use any yarn to make yours. These are quite versatile and very fashionable! Check out my written pattern and make sure to also follow the video tutorial to make your pair today! Be sure to post and tag me when you make yours! I cannot wait to see what everyone creates! We at YARNutopia are an ally and work to achieve a world where every person in our LGBTQ+ community can live freely and safely. Hatred and bigotry will not be tolerated. For us, Pride is every day.

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
–Size 4 Medium Worsted Weight yarn (I used scrap yarns for this project)
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-The shorts I demonstrate in the video tutorial and what I’ve written the pattern for are for a US size 4 Toddler. The stitch counts don’t necessarily matter as long as you do measurements as you go.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Shorts:

I changed color every row but you do not have to. I am not writing the pattern with the color changes.

Ch any EVEN number that measures around the hips and waist of the subject you are making these for
I chained 70 for the small toddler size and I chained 100 for the mommy size for myself.

Without twisting chain, sl st to first ch to form a large circle.

Rnd 1: (RS) Ch 2 (does not count as anything), DC in each Ch around, Sl st to first st. TURN (70)

Rnd 2: (WS) Ch 2, * FPDC on next st, BPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first st. TURN

Rnd 3: Repeat Rnd 2

Rnd 4: Ch 2, DC in each st around, Sl st to first DC, TURN.

Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 DC in first st, DC in each st until 1 st remains, 2 DC in last st, sl st to first st. TURN. (72)

Rnd 6-13 or however long you need to cover the backside (butt): Repeat Rnd 5 (increase repeating Rnd 5 until your piece comes to the base of the backside of your subject) for the Mommy size I made, I did 20 rnds of Rnd 5, for the Toddler size, I did 9 total increase rnds. Once your piece is as long as you want and you’re ready to make the leg holes, go onto Rnd 14 instructions.

First Leg Hole:

Rnd 14: Mark the halfway point from the back of your work to the front so you know where each leg hole goes (see video tutorial for visual instructions on location) Ch 12, Sl st to the st that the Stitch Marker is in, Ch 2, DC in each st around and in each Ch of the first leg hole, sl st to first st, TURN.

Rnd 15: Ch 2, DC in each st around leg hole, Sl st to first st. TURN.

Rnds 16-18: Repeat Rnd 15 for however long you want your leg to be.

Fasten off, weave in ends. Move onto 2nd Leg hole.

2nd Leg Hole

Rnd 14: Attach yarn to any st, Ch 2, DC in each st around and at the base of each foundation chain between leg holes (see video tutorial for visual instructions), Sl st to first st, TURN.

Rnd 15: Ch 2, DC in each st around leg hole, Sl st to first st. TURN.

Rnds 16-18: Repeat Rnd 15 for however long you want your leg to be.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Drawstring:

Chain an amount that is DOUBLE your original chain length for the waistband of your shorts. Weave it in and out of Rnd 1.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn, WeCrochet, and Paintbox Yarns

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Rainbow Summer Shorts

June 13, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in clothing, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, Video Tutorial Tags: basic, basic shorts, beginner, clothing, crochet, crochet shorts, crochet shorts tutorial, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheted shorts, crocheting, crocheting shorts, d, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, lgbtq, lgbtqia, lgptq+, make shorts, pants, pattern, pride, pride month, pride shorts, rainbow, rainbows, shorts, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make these shorts:

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
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.

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
–Size 4 Medium Worsted Weight yarn (I used scrap yarns for this project
-Stitch Marker
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn, WeCrochet, and Paintbox Yarns

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Off to the Market Bag

June 5, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Bags and Purses, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: bag, bags, basic, beginner, crochet, crochet bag, crochet crossbody, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crossbody, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, handmade crossbody, how to, how to crochet, learn, market, market bag, pattern, stitch, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

I love this season! The season of fresh flowers and farmer’s markets. The time of the year when we can casually stroll through the booths of fresh veggies and locally grown produce and fill ourselves up with their goodness. I made my Off To The Market Bag for this exact reason. It’s roomy and airy making it perfect to handle lots of goodies you find-long enough for zucchini and cucumber and a pattern perfect for keeping in berries and other small items as you breeze through the market. I added a cross-body strap to help with bearing the weight of all your finds. Besides, it looks awesome, too! Now, before you hit the farmer’s markets in your area, why not make yourself one of these today?

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.

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
-Any cotton yarn (use 2 strands held together) or use 1 strand of bulky yarn
–Size J-6.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project (Use 2 strands held together to make it thicker, or use size 5 bulky yarn to make this bag)
-This bag is approximately 12 inches wide and 16 inches deep.
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial for this pattern.

Using 2 strands of yarn held together to make a bulky yarn, OR use bulky yarn

Start with ch 3, DO NOT turn your work after each round.

Rnd 1: [DC, Ch 1] 6 times in 3rd Ch from hook, sl st to first st. (6)

Rnd 2: sl st into ch 1 sp, Ch 2 (does not count as st), [DC ch 2, DC] in each Ch 1 sp around, sl st to first st. (12)

Rnd 3: Sl st into Ch 2 sp, Ch 3 ( counts as st), [DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in same ch sp, [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in each ch sp around, sl st to beginning ch 3 st. (24)

Rnd 4: Sl st BACKWARDS into the gap between the groupings, Ch 3 (counts as st), DC in same gap, *[2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next Ch 2 sp, 2 DC in gap between groupings, repeat from * around, sl st to beginning ch 3 st. (36)

Rnd 5: Sl st between the 2 first sts, Ch 5 (counts as DC + Ch 2 sp), DC in same spot between the DC sts from previous round, * [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next ch 2 sp, [DC, Ch 2, DC] between the next 2 DC grouping from previous round, repeat from * around, ending with [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in last Ch 2 sp, Sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 5. (36)

Rnd 6: Sl st in ch 2 sp, Ch up 5 (counts as DC + Ch 2 sp), DC in same ch 2 sp, *[2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next Ch 2 sp, [DC, Ch 2, DC] in next ch 2 sp, repeat from * around, Sl st to 3rd Ch of beg. ch 5. (36)

Rnd 7: Repeat Rnd 6. (36)

Rnd 8: Sl st in ch 2 sp, Ch up 3 (counts as st), [DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in same ch 2 sp, *[2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next Ch 2 sp, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch 3 st. (48)

Rnd 9: Sl st in ch 2 sp, Ch up 3 (counts as st), [DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in same ch 2 sp, * Ch 1 [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next Ch 2 sp, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch 3 st. (48)

Rnd 10: Sl st in ch 2 sp, Ch up 3 (counts as st), [DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in same ch 2 sp, * Ch 2 [2 DC, Ch 2, 2 DC] in next Ch 2 sp, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch 3 st. (48)

Rnds 11-20: Repeat Rnd 10. (48)

Rnd 21: Ch 1, SC in same st, SC in next st, * SC in ch 2 sp, SC in next 2 sts, 2 SC in ch 2 sp, SC in next 2 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to first st, ch 1, do not turn.

Rnds 22-25: SC in each st around, sl st to first st, Ch 1.

After Rnd 25, Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Strap:

Use 2 strands of yarn at the same time or use 1 strand of bulky yarn.
Start with long strand for sewing and then make your slip knot. You will use the long strand to sew to the bag after the strap is finished.

Ch 7

Row 1: HDC in 2nd Ch from hook and across, Ch 1, Turn. (6)

Rows 2-70: HDC in each st across, Ch 1, Turn. (6)

(you can make your strap handle as long or as short as you want)

Fasten off with long tail for sewing, Sew handle to bag.

Weave in any extra loose ends.

Enjoy!

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Hanging Planter Basket

May 24, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, home decor Tags: basic, basket, beginner, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, flower, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, hang basket, hanger, hanging, hanging basket, how to, how to crochet, pattern, plant life, plant mom, planter basket, plants, stitch, succulent, teach, tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

In the recent past, I have become quite the plant enthusiast. In keeping with my new passion, I am always on the lookout for new plants and ways to showcase them. I saw these hanging baskets pop up on my plant pages, and I knew it would be something that I could make myself. This is the result of my “can I make this myself” discovery. So many of us crocheters catch ourselves saying that from time to time when we see projects like these. Below, find the written pattern to this hanging planter basket. I hope it is as easy to whip up as it was for me! Also, please note, you don’t have to be a plant enthusiast to enjoy these baskets. You can find so many uses for these around your home. Enjoy!

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.

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
-Any cotton yarn (use 2 strands held together) or use 1 strand of bulky yarn
–Size H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project (Use 2 strands held together to make it thicker, or use size 5 bulky yarn to make this basket)
-This basket is approximately 8 inches wide and deep.
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

There is no video tutorial for this pattern.

Using 2 strands of yarn held together to make a bulky yarn, OR use bulky yarn

Start with ch 3, work in continuous rounds for the whole basket (no sl sts at the end of the rounds) and DO NOT turn your work.

Rnd 1: 10 DC in 3rd Ch from hook. (10)

Rnd 2: 2 DC in each st around. (20)

Rnd 3: [2 DC in next st, DC in next st] 10 times. (30)

Rnd 4: [2 DC in next st, DC in next 2 sts] 10 times. (40)

Rnd 5: [2 DC in next st, DC in next 3 sts] 10 times. (50)

Rnd 6: [2 DC in next st, DC in next 4 sts] 10 times. (60)

Rnd 7-9: [DC2TOG, DC in next 4 sts] 10 times. (50)

Rnd 8: [DC2TOG, DC in next 3 sts] 10 times. (40)

Rnd 9: [DC2TOG, DC in next 2 sts] 10 times. (30)

After Rnd 9, HDC in next st, SC in next st, Sl st in next st.

Loop for hanging: Ch 15 or 18, sl st back into the same st. Fasten off with LONG tail.
Wrap long tail around base of loop for extra support and good looks! Weave in the end.

Enjoy!

How to Make: Pretzel Bites

April 11, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Baking and Cooking, Recipes, Uncategorized, Video Tutorial Tags: bake, baking, biscuits, bites, cheesy, cook, cooking, easy, eat, eating, fuad, Fuad and Shannon, how to, learn, make, moms home cooking, pretzel, recipe, salty, shannon, snack, step by step, teach, tutorial, video, yarnutopia 2 Comments

Welcome to our family kitchen! Today’s recipe is going to be Pretzel Bites!

We are going to show you how to make these bites using only a few ingredients.
Now let’s get started!

Recipe for Pretzel Bites:
Ingredients:
1-Canned Bisquits such as Jumbo Grands or similar
1/4 c. Baking SODA
3-4 Tblsp of Butter Coarse salt – sea or kosher
Water for boiling

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400* F Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper set aside Open your canned bisquits and be ready to get a jump scare like I did! Cut each bisquit into 4-6 equal parts- I quartered mine to make 32 bites Once cut into pieces, lightly shape into round or cubed pieces (optional)
Fill a sauce pan half full of water and bring water to a boil Slowly add baking soda to water in increments as to not overflow Once your baking SODA is added, add your dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water Turn the pieces in the boiling water and remove.

DO NOT KEEP them in the water too long or they will turn mushy. Once removed, set the dough pieces on your parchment lined cookie sheets. Place cookie sheets with your dough pieces into your preheated 400*F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes depending on your oven. Mine went for 18 minutes and they were perfect!

When done, they should have a beautiful dark brown coloring like pretzels! Melt butter Remove sheets from your oven and brush bites with melted butter while still warm Sprinkle Pretzel Bites with salt and ENJOY!

Dip them in melted cheese or enjoy on their own!

Optional: Instead of sprinkling with salt, you can roll your warm buttered bites in a cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweeter version! Dip them in some frosting! Delicious! Join us each week for more fun and easy recipes! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel!

Happy Hooking and Cooking!
~Fuad, Shannon, & Nadia!

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Seat Belt Shoulder Strap Cover

March 26, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Uncategorized Tags: basic, beginner, boho, cover, crochet, crochet seatbelt pad, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, floral, flower, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, pattern, red heart yarns, seat belt shoulder strap, seatbelt, seatbelt cover, seatbelt pad, shoulder, stitch, strap, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Drive down the road in style with this boho seat belt strap cover! It’s a perfect cheery looking accessory just in time for spring!! This was a great project to use up some scrap yarn from my stash. Don’t want to cover that seat belt strap!? Don’t worry! This video still offers you a 3D granny square design that would make a fantastic blanket!

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this seat belt strap cover:

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
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.

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
-Any scrap yarn (I used worsted weight size 4 Medium yarn by various brands – Lion Brand, Red Heart Yarn, Brava-WeCrochet)
–SizeG-4.25mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project
-This square is 6 inches wide. A seatbelt is 2 inches across so this will fit perfectly around the strap when you tri-fold it.
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.

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
DC: Double Crochet
Popcorn: 6 DC in same sp, remove hook from last dc, insert hook into 1st dc of grouping, put loop back onto hook, pull through, pull tight, popcorn made

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Seat Belt Shoulder Strap Cover

March 26, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in accessories, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: basic, beginner, cover, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, floral, flower, flower power, free crochet pattern, free pattern, granny, granny square, handmade, how to, how to crochet, pattern, scrap yarn project, seat belt, seatbelt, shoulder, shoulder strap, shoulder strap cover, square, stitch, strap, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos when I move away.

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:

Pattern:

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

Start with Magic Ring or ch 4 or 5 and sl st to beginning to form ring.

Rnd 1: ch 3, 15 DC in ring. sl st to beginning ch up 3. (16 sts)

Rnd 2: In any st, ch 3, Beg. Popcorn in same stitch, * Ch 2, sk next st, Popcorn in next st, repeat from * around, ch 2, sl st to beg. popcorn. (8 popcorns, 8 ch 2 sps)

Rnd 3: in any ch 2 sp, ch 3, work a 4 DC in same sp, * sc in popcorn, 5 DC in next sp, repeat from * around, sl st to beginning. (8 Shells)

Rnd 4: In any sc, ch 3, 6 DC in same st, *Sc in middle st of shell, 7 DC in next sc, repeat from * around, sl st to beginning ch up 3. (8 Shells)

Rnd 5: In any SC, ch 1, sc in same st, * Ch 5, sk shell, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, sl st to beginning sc. (8 ch 5 sps)

Rnd 6: Sl st into a ch 5 sp, Ch 3(counts as DC), put 4 more DC in same sp, Ch 2, 5DC in same sp (first corner made), *5 DC in next sp, [5 DC, Ch 2, 5 DC] in next ch 5 sp, repeat from * around ending with 5 DC in last ch 5 sp, sl st to ch 3 st. (60 sts around)

Rnd 7: Ch 3, DC in each st around putting [2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC] in each corner sp, Sl st to beginning ch 3 st. (76 sts around)

Rnd 8: repeat Rnd 7. (92 sts around)

Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Make 2 squares, then sew them together on one side. Add buttons or velcro to close the piece and fit around your seatbelt. (see video tutorial for visual instructions)

Enjoy!

How to Make: Rice Crispy Peep Treats

March 19, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Baking and Cooking, Recipes, Uncategorized Tags: bake, bird, birdie, cook, cooking, crispie, crispy, easter, easy, eat, eating, foodie, foods, how to, hungry, krispie, marshmello, marshmellow, moms home cooking, peep, peeps, photo tutorial, recipe, rice, rice crispy, rice krispie, simple, step by step, sweet, sweet tooth, teach, treats, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarnutopia Leave a comment

It’s that time of year when those Peep Treats appear on the store shelves. They brightly shine among the Easter candy. Yes, they are festive. Yes, they remind us of a certain holiday. Yes, they are almost an Easter Basket staple. But, ARE THEY a fan favorite? Peeps get a bit of a bad rap. Here is a great way to use them in a fun and festive sweet treat! They never will go to waste again!

Recipe:

Approximately 20-24 Peeps of any color
6 -7 cups of Crispy Rice Cereal
6-8 tblsps of butter

Preheat oven to 400*F

Butter a 9×13 cake pan
Line up your Peeps Marshmello treats in rows

Completely cover Peeps with your Crispy Rice Cereal. Let those Peep heads slightly peek out! LOL

Add pats of butter across the top of the cereal

Place pan in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Check after 6 minutes since each oven is differnt. Peeps will begin to puff up and the tops will appear toasted.

Butter should be melted. Remove from oven and stir all ingredients together.

Press firmly into pan and cool. Cut into squares and serve! SO oooey goooey and delicious!

Optional: Sprinkle topping – sugars, confetti treats, m&ms, etc…

This is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Guaranteed Delicious!! Enjoy and be sure to share your treats on facebook and/or instagram and tag YARNutopia! Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE OUR OTHER CHANNEL HERE!

Happy Hooking and Cooking!

~Fuad, Shannon, & Nadia

Mandarin Duck Sighting on Milwaukee Lakeshore, WI

February 26, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: bird, bird mystery, bird sight, bird sighting, birder, birds, birds of wisconsin, chinese, chinese bird, drake, duck, duck in wisconsin, ducks, explore, exploring, female duck, hike, hiking in wisconsin, japan, japanese bird, lake michigan, male duck, mallard, mallard duck, mandarin, Mandarin drake, mandarin drake in wisconsin, mandarin drake lake michigan, mandarin drake mystery, milwaukee, milwaukee wisconsin, rare bird sighting, rare duck, tutorial, video, yarnutopia Leave a comment

I was hearing about sightings of a rare Mandarin Duck that was making his appearance on Milwaukee’s lakeshore. Chatter of various sightings were coming from many of my birding and wildlife groups. Could it be true? Soon, photos started to pop up in those same groups and I knew we needed to head down to Milwaukee and see for ourselves.

We took the three hour trip hoping to catch a glimpse and this guy did NOT disappoint! Our son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids joined us. It was an exciting event for all of us. Mainly because many photographers had made numerous attempts to see this little guy, and we lucked out on our first visit! We did make a couple stops along Lake Michigan before spotting him on the South Shore.

When we arrived there were a couple of photographers already camped out but soon after more started showing up. Word travels fast! Here is a short video of this fascinating duck. How did it get here? How did it end up in Wisconsin hanging out with a flock of Mallards? Was it an escapee from a zoo? Was it someones exotic pet that was released into the wild? Or was it a confused migration flight that brought this guy all the way here from the far east of China or Japan? Your guess is as good as mine! I have always loved a good mystery. I am just not sure this is one that we will ever know the answer to how he landed here. Enjoy my video and share your thoughts.

Happy Hooking…and Birding!!

Fuad & Shannon
(and Nadia!)

How to: Cook Crockpot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

February 9, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Recipes, Uncategorized Tags: basic, budget, casserole, chicken, cook, cooking, creamy, crockpot, easy, family, fast, feed, feeds 8, hot, how to, hungry, idea, ideas, learn, meal, meal plan, meals, planning, shoestring, simple, spaghetti, step by step, stretch, teach, tutorial, under $10, video, video tutorial, yarnutopia 1 Comment

I prepared a family favorite that is not only easy to make, but is a meal that can stretch the dollar! I love making meals on a shoestring and this one cost just around $10USD and can feed the ENTIRE family! With a family our size, recipes like these come in handy!

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Tips; You can substitue low fat, low sodium ingredients (soup, sour cream, cheese) without compromising flavor. You can also substitute a variety of cheeses and still get rich creamy/cheesy results. Use what you like. You can also substitute 2-3 chicken breasts with 4-6 boneless skinless thighs. The beauty of a recipe like this is, it is very versatile and still produces GREAT results.

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe:
Serves 8

2 10.75 oz. cans of cream of chicken soup
1 10 oz. can of diced tomato w/ green chili (Rotel)-you do not need to drain
2-3 chicken breasts
1/4 c. sour cream
1 c. of shredded cheese (I used mild white cheddar but you can your preference)
1 lb. of spaghetti noodles (cooked)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika(optional)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Start by placing your chicken breasts in the crockpot. No prep necessary. Add both cans of cream of chicken soup and can of tomatoes with chilis. “Frost” the tops of your chicken breast and cover crockpot. Set on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

Once your chicken has been cooked, remove from crockpot and cut into bite size pieces. Add your seasonings-salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika to your crockpot. Add your cheese and sour cream. Mix well. Add your chicken bites back into sauce. Mix well and put back on high for 3o minutes.

While your chicken finishes the last stage in the crockpot, prepare your spaghetti noodles as per direction on package. Cook al dente.

Once your noodles are cooked, add them to your crockpot chicken and mix in well. The noodles will blend with your rich creamy sauce making a mouth-watering dinner guaranteed to please some of the most picky eaters! Let sit until sauce thickens.

Serve alone, with a side dish, or garlic toast and Enjoy!

Ready to eat!

Happy hooking…and cooking!

Fuad, Shannon, and Nadia

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Winter Fur Snood

January 28, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, scarves Tags: basic, beginner, cowl, cowl neck scarf, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, faux fur, free crochet pattern, free pattern, fur cowl, fur scarf, furry, furry scarf, go for faux, handmade, hoodie, how to, how to crochet, learn, lion brand, lion brand yarn, lion brand yarn scarf, pattern, scarf, scarves, snood, snoodie, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, winter, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Grab your hook and your Lion Brand Yarns “Feels Like Butta” and “Go for Faux.” Now you have everything you need to make my winter fur snood!

‘Tis the season for cold temps, snow days, and crisp winds. What better way to stay warm and cozy than a fashionable snood? What is a snood you ask? It is a scarf + hood= snood!! It’s the perfect winter statement! It’s all the rave at this time and you can make your very own by following along to my easy pattern and video tutorial. Don’t like the idea of a snood? Don’t worry! This doubles as a VERY beautiful neck cowl!

No matter which way you choose to wear it, you will love it! Versatile, fashionable, and comfortable! It’s a perfect trifecta for you!

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
–Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Yarn in Charcoal (654 yards)
–Lion Brand Go For Faux Thick & Quick in Husky (72 yards)
–SizeI-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project
-This cowl is 80 inches around (you could make it longer or shorter based off your foundation chain)
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.

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
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Cowl:

Work in BLO for the whole cowl

Rnd 1: FDC 230 and sl st to first st without twisting foundation row. Or you can Ch 230 or 232 (as I say in the video tutorial) and Sl st to first ch, Ch 2, DC in each Ch around, sl st to first st, Do not turn. (230)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), Work in BLO, DC in each st around, Sl st to first st, do not turn.

Rnds 3-18: repeat Rnd 2 (you can continue and make yours wider if you want!)

Fasten off, Weave in all ends.

Add a DC round of Faux Fur around each edge working between the posts of the stitches on the outer rows of your work. (See video tutorial for visual instructions)

Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Winter Fur Snood

January 28, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Uncategorized Tags: basic, beginner, cowl, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, faux fur, free crochet pattern, free pattern, fur, handmade, hat, how to, how to crochet, learn, pattern, scarf, scarves, snood, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, winter cowl, winter scarf, winter snood, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Grab your hook and your Lion Brand Yarns “Feels Like Butta” and “Go for Faux.” Now you have everything you need to make my winter fur snood!

No matter which way you choose to wear it, you will love it! Versatile, fashionable, and comfortable! It’s a perfect trifecta for you!

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

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
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.

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:

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
DC: Double Crochet

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

How to make: 4-ingredient no-knead artisan bread in cast iron Dutch oven

January 24, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Baking and Cooking, kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized, Video Tutorial Tags: 4, artisan, bake, bake bread, bake with me, baked, baking, basic, beginner, bread, breadmaker, breadmaking, breads, cast, cast iron, chef, cook, cooking, delicious, dutch, dutch oven, easy, economical, family, fancy, four, fuad, Fuad Azmat, homemade, how to, ingredient, ingredients, iron, let's make bread, loaf, mom, moms home cooking, nadia, old school, our family, oven, pioneer, round, simple, step by step, tutorial, video tutorial, yarnutopia, yeast Leave a comment

Here is a simple step-by-step recipe that is sure to wow your guests at any dinner party or satisfy the most insatiable craving for homemade bread you have EVER had! Trust me when I say, when you make your very own loaf, you won’t want to stop at just one! You will be a bread making aficianado before you know it! Follow my recipe below and watch my step by step video to guide you through this easy process! By this afternoon, your house will smell like rich homemade bread and your meals will be next level with this fantastic recipe!

finished loaf of artisan bread

Recipe AND Video Below:

We made a quick artisan bread loaf using only four (4) ingredients! No kneading! No mess! Easy step by step tutorial to help you achieve the greatest results proving that you don’t need to exhaust yourself to make fancy, delicious bread!!

Easy to Bake 4-ingredient, no-knead artisan bread

3 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp quick rise instant yeast

2 tsp kosher or cooking salt

1 1/2 cups warm water (Not hot! Luke warm 130*F or 55*C)

(You will need parchment paper)

Mix all ingredients in one bowl. Dough will be sticky. Let sit for 1-3 hours until dough doubles in size. (A perfect time to work on your crochet projects!) Preheat oven to 450*F (232*C) and set empty cast iron Dutch oven inside with lid on while oven preheats. Heat empty Dutch oven for 30 minutes. NOTE: This bread dough can be kept in refrigerator for up to three days and made later. The time in the fridge can even enhance flavor!

While oven/Dutch oven preheats, sprinkle a little flour on clean surface. Roll your dough onto floured surface and fold each ‘side’ into itself. I do 6-8 folds until dough forms nice round ball. Place dough on parchment paper and transfer dough ball into clean bowl. Using sifter, sprinkle a small amount of flour onto dough ball top surface. Using a lame or sharp knife cut design onto top. Let sit for duration of time it takes to preheat oven and heat up Dutch oven.

a slice down the middle, fresh from the oven!

AFTER 20-30 minutes, using oven mitts, remove HOT Dutch oven from preheated oven and carefully remove lid. Your cast iron pot is going to be EXTREMELY hot!! Use caution. Place parchment with dough ball into the hot pan and replace lid. Place back in oven and bake with LID ON for 30 minutes. AFTER 30 MINUTES, Remove the lid from your Dutch oven pot and bake bread uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until you have a nice and toasty brown crust! Guaranteed your house will smell amazing! Carefully remove bread from pan and let cool for 10-15 minutes on cooling rack. Slice and serve! It tastes incredible with fresh butter melting on warm bread!! Mmm mmm mmm!!! Be sure to share with us how your finished loaves turn out!!!

a beautiful slice of warm, fresh made bread slathered in butter!

If you like easy to follow recipes and a variety of more fantastic videos, be sure to follow our SECOND channel Fuad Azmat/Ambient Sounds WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

“The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.” ~Julia Child

Happy Hooking…and Baking!
~Fuad, Shannon, & Nadia

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Evergreen Ski Hat

January 13, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, hats, Video Tutorial Tags: babies, baby, basic, beanie, beginner, cap, crochet, crochet hat, crochet mens hat, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, hat, hats, how to, how to crochet, kids hat, learn, mens hat, pattern, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, winter hat, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Nasir has been growing and changing SO MUCH! Therapy has been working wonders, and in the past several months, he has found so many new words and skills.

The holidays went pretty well, and he had a lot of fun participating in all the activities. Because of his high energy, we decided to outfit him with some snowboarding gear, and Nate took him out for a trial run. He loves it!

It was the inspiration for the Evergreen Ski Hat. I’m so excited for my guys to be matching up both in fashion and in fun!! I used Brava Yarn in Dublin green. The perfect color for my Irish husband! You can make this for anyone! The design is both feminine and masculine and adding a pom or different color can make this customizable for you or someone you love. It’s a great beanie design that I know you will want to make now! Here’s my free pattern!

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

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
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.

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
–Brava Yarn in Dublin Green (or any color you want!) 200 Yards
–SizeH-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of WeCrochet

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Evergreen Ski Hat

January 13, 2023 By Nadia Fuad in Crochet Pattern, hats Tags: babies, baby, basic, beginner, brava yarn, brava yarn hat, cap, caps, crochet, crochet cap, crochet hat, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, evergreen, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, hat, hats, how to, how to crochet, learn, men's crochet, mens hat, pattern, ski, square, stitch, teach, tutorial, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

Nasir has been growing and changing SO MUCH! Therapy has been working wonders, and in the past several months, he has found so many new words and skills.

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
–Brava Yarn in Dublin Green (or any color you want!) 200 Yards
–SizeH-5.00mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Hat:

Toddler/Child Size:

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 9 SC in 2nd Ch from hook, Sl st to 1st st, ch 1 (9)

Rnd 2: Work in the “V” of the stitch for all SC rows. 2 SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (18)

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (27)

Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (36)

Rnd 5: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (45)

Rnd 6: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 7-11: SC in each st around. Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 12: Ch 2 (instead of ch 1, does not count as stitch), DC in each st around. Sl st to first St, Ch 2. (54)

Rnd 13-16: FPDC on first st, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first st, Ch 2. (54)

Rnd 17: Ch 1 (instead of ch 2), SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnds 18-26: SC into the V of each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 27: Repeat Round 12

Rnds 28-31: Repeat Rounds 13-16 alternating FPDC and BPDC.

Fasten off, weave in all ends. Add a pom if desired!

Child/Teen Size:

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 9 SC in 2nd Ch from hook, Sl st to 1st st, ch 1 (9)

Rnd 2: Work in the “V” of the stitch for all SC rows. 2 SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (18)

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (27)

Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (36)

Rnd 5: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (45)

Rnd 6: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 7: SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 8: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 6 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnds 9-11: SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnd 12: Ch 2 (instead of ch 1, does not count as stitch), DC in each st around. Sl st to first St, Ch 2.

Rnd 13-16: FPDC on first st, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first st, Ch 2. (60)

Rnd 17: Ch 1 (instead of ch 2), SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnds 18-26: SC into the V of each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnd 27: Repeat Round 12

Rnds 28-34: Repeat Rounds 13-16 alternating FPDC and BPDC

Fasten off, weave in all ends. Add a pom if desired!

Teen/Adult Size:

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 9 SC in 2nd Ch from hook, Sl st to 1st st, ch 1 (9)

Rnd 2: Work in the “V” of the stitch for all SC rows. 2 SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (18)

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (27)

Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (36)

Rnd 5: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (45)

Rnd 6: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 9 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 7: SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (54)

Rnd 8: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 8 sts] 6 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (60)

Rnd 9: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 9 sts] 6 times, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (66)

Rnds 10-11: SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (66)

Rnd 12: Ch 2 (instead of ch 1, does not count as stitch), DC in each st around. Sl st to first St, Ch 2.

Rnd 13-16: FPDC on first st, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first st, Ch 2. (66)

Rnd 17: Ch 1 (instead of ch 2), SC in each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (66)

Rnds 18-26: SC into the V of each st around, Sl st to first st, Ch 1. (66)

Rnd 27: Repeat Round 12

Rnds 28-36: Repeat Rounds 13-16 alternating FPDC and BPDC

Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of WeCrochet

FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Cuddle Up Baby Blanket

December 5, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern, Video Tutorial Tags: babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, lion brand yarn, pattern, stitch, teach, tutorial, vel-luxe yarn, velvet blanket, velvet yarn, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

When a good friend is having a baby girl, one must use their skills and create a luxurious way to welcome her into the world. Join me as I share the free crochet pattern and video tutorial for The Cuddle Up Baby Blanket below. I used Vel-Luxe yarn by Lion Brand Yarn and I LOVE it. I want one for myself, it is so soft!

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

My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos even if we don’t live together.
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.

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
–Lion Brand Vel-Luxe Yarn in Dusty Pink (240 yards of this color) and Eggplant (492 yards of this color) (you can use 730-760 yards of any color of yarn)
–SizeI-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can use any size 4 medium, worsted weight yarn for this project. 2 contrasting colors look great together, but you can use 1 color or many colors if you’d like!
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-This blanket is a baby blanket size but you can use any multiple of 3 on your foundation chain to make this wider. Continue repeating the same row repeat to make it longer. My blanket measures 36 inches wide by 40 inches long.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Cuddle Up Baby Blanket

December 5, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Baby Items, Blankets, Crochet Pattern Tags: afghan, babies, baby, baby blanket, basic, beginner, blanket, crochet, crochet baby blanket, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, lion brand, lion brand yarn, pattern, stitch, teach, tutorial, vel-luxe yarn, velvet blanket, velvet yarn, video, video tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

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
—Lion Brand Vel-Luxe Yarn in Dusty Pink (240 yards of this color) and Eggplant (492 yards of this color) (you can use 730-760 yards of any color of yarn)
–SizeI-5.50mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Blanket:

With Main Color (Eggplant)

Ch 78 or any multiple of 3

Row 1: 2 DC in 3rd Ch from hook, *Sk 2 Chs, [SC, 2 DC] in next ch, repeat from * across, ending with SC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Row 2: 2 DC in 1st st, *Sk next 2 DC sts, [SC, 2 DC] in next SC st, Repeat from * across ending with SC in last st, Ch 1, Turn.

Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2

Rows 8-9: Change color to Dusty Pink, repeat Row 2

Rows 10-11: Change color to Eggplant, repeat Row 2

Rows 12-21: Change color to Dusty Pink, Repeat Row 2

Rows 22-23: Change Color to Eggplant, Repeat Row 2

Rows 24-25: Change color to Dusty Pink, Repeat Row 2

Rows 26-47: Change color to Eggplant, Repeat Row 2

Row 48-65: Repeat Rows 8-25

Rows 66-72: With Eggplant, repeat Row 2

Fasten off, weave in all ends.

Border:

Round 1: Attach to any corner of your work, Work between the groupings all around the blanket, Ch 1, SC in same corner, *Ch 3, SC in next gap between grouping of sts, repeat from * around. End with Ch 3, sl st to first SC. Do not turn.

Round 2: Sl st in next Ch 3 sp, Ch 1, SC in same sp, *7 DC in next Ch sp, SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC.

Fasten off

Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

What did I just watch?

November 10, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: 657 boulevard, background, binge, binging, brannock, broaddus, character, chill, dean, foster, foster parent, late night, mini series, movie, netflix, new jersey, nora, parent, relax, series, share, television, the watcher, tv, video, watch, watcher, westfield, yarnutopia 2 Comments

I just finished watching the Netflix series The Watcher and sat reeling from it. My very first thought was “What did I just watch?!” It was so baffling it made my head spin! I know it was based on a true story, so I spent a half hour just going down the rabbit hole of research into the background of this house at 657 Boulevard in Westfield, New Jersey, US. The curiosity was taunting me to see how much of this was fact versus how much was fiction.

When I need answers!

I am a late night Netflix binger and chronic book reader. I start shows after our foster children are all asleep. It’s my way to wind down and clear my mind. The Watcher wasn’t a show that left my mind clear…AT ALL! It sent me on a crazy chase of information of discovery that even followed me into my dreams. I dreamt of that house all night long. Does this happen to you?

I give it 4.5 stars

I heard this show was renewed for another season, and of course, I will be WATCHING…I guess we are all watchers! Haha! This is one series that held my attention to the end. I only wish it answered more questions than it created. I think that is the sign of a great show. It sticks with you long after it is over.

Tell me, what shows are you watching right now? Share with me in the comments here or on social media. I know many of you have shows on in the background to your craft, and I am curious to hear what has caught your attention? Also, share your thoughts on “The Watcher” if you, too, have seen the series. Be sure to warn *spoiler alert* before your comment, if you give details about the show. This will prevent giving away anything to those who haven’t seen it!

Happy Hooking & More! (and happy watching!)

~Shannon

Asking a Favor!

November 2, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: ambient, asmr, basic, beginner, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, fun channel, handmade, how to crochet, nature, new channel, new videos, pattern, sounding, sounds, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

I wanted to hop on YARNutopia’s channel to ask a big favor! I NEED your help. In order to monetize my Ambient Sounds (second YouTube Channel) I need AT LEAST 4,000 watched hours. So this is where you can help me out. Go to my other channel here: @Fuad Azmat / Ambient Sounds and SUBSCRIBE and click to receive notifications of new video posts. Watch my videos. Do you like to have back ground noise on while you crochet? Do you like to have white noise play to help you sleep? Do you like to relax to the sounds of waves or wind chimes? If so, we got something for you! There’s a little something for everyone! So check us out here: @Fuad Azmat / Ambient Sounds
Thank you for your support and help and we will be back here on YARNutopia with a new crochet video soon! Thanks for watching!!

Channel Link: https://youtube.com/@fuadazmatambientsounds

View our Etsy Shop to get your fabulous crochet hooks here: http://tidd.ly/77c3804d

Happy Halloween 2022 from YARNutopia!

October 28, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts, Costume Items Tags: amigurumi, basic, beanie, beginner, boo, costumes, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, free crochet pattern, free pattern, halloween, halloween costumes, handmade, hat, how to, how to crochet, learn, mike wazowski, monster, monster costume, monsters, monsters inc, one eyed monster, pattern, plushie, sully, teach, toddler costume, tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 2 Comments

Our Annual Halloween Costume Reveal is here! This year, we have decided on some friendly monster costumes.

Nas loves his one-eyed green monster with horns! He was running around trying to catch pretend monsters and pretend he was one too! He’s such a little goofball!

Nate pulls off the big blue monster very well! For his costume, I created the fuzzy hat with horns. I purchased the furry costume from Amazon and voila it was the perfect match!

For my costume I just made a monster amigurumi doll and wore a pink and purple outfit to tie it all together.

In recent years, it has been difficult to find the time to make elaborate plans for costumes and not be able to get them done. I’ve scaled down quite a bit, but still like to make sure that I’ve included crochet in each costume. I hope you enjoy our monster costumes and keep coming back each year to see more!

If you’d like the crochet pattern for Nasir’s Monster Costume, you can find the written instructions here.

If you’d like the Hat Pattern that Nate is wearing, you can find the written instructions here.

If you’d like to make the little monster plushie I am holding in the photos, you can find the full written pattern here.

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Monster/Alien Stuffed Toy Amigurumi

October 28, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in amigurumi, Costume Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: alien, amigurumi, basic, beginner, character, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, handmade, how to, how to crochet, learn, monster, pattern, plushie, snuggle buddy, stitch, stuffed plushie, stuffed toy, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia Leave a comment

It’s that time of year again! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Every year, we try to create something unique and fun to share here on YARNutopia. This year is no exception, and we have decided on some friendly monster costumes.

For my costume I just made a monster amigurumi doll and wore a pink and purple outfit to tie it all together.

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
–Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Premium in the color Goldmine (1 ball)
–Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Anti Pilling in the color Ecru (less than 25 yards needed)
–Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton in White and Black (less than 50 yards each needed)
–Size G4.25mm Crochet Hook and F-3.75mm crochet hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this amigurumi are 16 inches tall and about 6 inches wide
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-The components to this pattern are: Body and head worked as one piece, 2 horns, Outer eye, Inner eye, 2 Arms, 4 Legs, and an embroidered mouth with teeth.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
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 that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Body

With Goldmine (tan colored yarn) and G-4.25mm crochet hook
Work in continuous rounds for all the pieces in this project.

Ch 24

Rnd 1: 2 SC in 2nd ch from hook, 1 SC in each of the next chs across, put 3 SC in last ch, continue to SC along the opposite side of the foundation ch, SC across, put 1 SC in the first st where you put 2 SC in. (48)

Rnds 2-30: SC in each st around. (48)

Rnd 31: [SC2TOG, SC in next 6 sts] 6 times. (42)

Rnd 32: [SC2TOG, SC in next 5 sts] 6 times. (36)

Rnd 33: [SC2TOG, SC in next 4 sts] 6 times. (30)

Rnd 34: [SC2TOG, SC in next 3 sts] 6 times. (24)

Start stuffing the body.

Rnd 35: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)

Start increasing for the head.

Rnd 36: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)

Rnd 37: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30)

Rnd 38: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36)

Rnd 39: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 5 sts] 6 times. (42)

Rnd 40: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 6 sts] 6 times. (48)

Rnds 41-55: SC in each st around. (48)

Rnd 56: [SC2TOG, SC in next 6 sts] 6 times. (42)

Rnd 57: [SC2TOG, SC in next 5 sts] 6 times. (36)

Rnd 58: [SC2TOG, SC in next 4 sts] 6 times. (30)

At this point I paused production of this piece and moved on to work on the embellishments (arms, legs, eye etc) so that it would be easier to sew to the body and head without it being stuffed completely closed and sewn shut. (you can sew your pieces on your monster however you are comfortable with)

Rnd 59: [SC2TOG, SC in next 3 sts] 6 times. (24)

Start stuffing the neck part and head

Rnd 60: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (18)

Rnd 61: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)

finish stuffing the body and head piece.

Rnd 62: [SC2TOG]6 times. (6)

SC 1st and 4th sts together, fasten off, weave in ends.

Horns: Make 2

Using Ecru colored yarn and F-3.75mm crochet hook
Work in continuous Rounds

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 4 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (4)

Rnd 2: 2 SC in next st, SC in the rest of the sts around. (5)

Rnds 3-7: Repeat Rnd 2
You should have 10 sts around at the end of Rnd 7.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Inner Eye

With Black yarn and F-3.75mm crochet hook
Work in continuous rounds

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. (6)

Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Outer Eye

With White yarn and F–3.75mm crochet hook
Work in continuous rounds

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. (6)

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

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)

Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)

Rnd 5: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30)

Rnd 6: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36)

Rnd 7: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 5 sts] 6 times. (42)

Arms: Make 2

With Goldmine (tan colored) yarn and F-3.75mm crochet hook
Work in continuous rounds

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. (6)

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

Rnds 3-20: SC in each st around. (12)
Fasten off after round 20 with a long tail for sewing.

Legs: Make 4

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. (6)

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

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18)

Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24)

Rnds 5-8: SC in each st around. (24)

Rnd 9: [SC2TOG] 6 times, SC in last 12 sts. (18)

Rnd 10: [SC2TOG] 3 times, SC in next 6 sts, [SC2TOG] twice. (12)

Rnds 11-22: SC in each st around.
You can make these legs as long or as short as you want by continuing to create more rounds.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly Step:

Sew all 4 legs to bottom of body, Sew arms to each side, Sew black part of eye to the white part of the eye, add a fleck of white into the black part of the eye, then sew the white part of the eye to the head. Embroider a mouth with teeth with black yarn on the face. Sew horns to the top of the head (I did this part last when I was finished decreasing the stitches at the top of the head), Optional: Surface crochet a line up the center of the body with the same color yarn as the body (see photos for reference)

Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Toddler Monster Costume

October 28, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Costume Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects Tags: alien, basic, beginner, character, costume, costumes, crochet, crochet costume, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheted costume, crocheting, dress up, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, halloween, halloween costume, handmade, holiday, how to, how to crochet, learn, mike wazowski, monster, monster costume, monsters, pattern, pretend, stitch, teach, trick or treat, tutorial, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Nas loves his one-eyed green monster with horns! He was running around trying to catch pretend monsters and pretend he was one too! He’s such a little goofball!

Nasir’s costume consists of the crocheted green slip-on with a face. I paired that with the green leggings and turtleneck that I bought on Amazon. I used Lion Brand Yarn to create this ensemble. The exact type of yarn and colors and amount is all listed below in the “Materials you will need” section.

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
–Knit Picks Cotlin Yarn in Silver (less than 25 yards)
–Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton in Lime, Black, and White. (4 balls of Lime (740 yards total needed), 1 ball of Black, and 1 ball of white)
–SizeH-5.00mm Crochet Hook and F-3.75mm crochet hook for embellishments
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this costume are 16 inches long from shoulder to bottom and 18″ wide which is 36 inches around the waist.
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-Use 3 strands of yarn together for the BODY part of the costume only.
-The components to this pattern are: Body, Horns, Inner Eye, Outer Eye, Mouth, Teeth, and Eyelid
-This is worked from the top down and then each component is added after the body is made.

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
DC2TOG: Double crochet decrease
DC3TOG: Double crochet 3 sts together

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Body

With Lime Green
Use 3 strands of yarn at the same time
Use H-5.00mm crochet hook or I-5.5mm Crochet hook for this piece

Ch 54
Work in continuous rounds for this piece

Round 1: Without Twisting Foundation Chain, SC in 1st Ch to form a ring and continue to SC in each Ch around, work in continuous rounds. (54 SC)

Round 2: HDC in each st around. (54)

Rnd 3: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 8 sts] 6 times. (60)

Rnd 4: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts] 10 times. (70)

Rnd 5: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 6 sts] 10 times. (80)

Rnd 6: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 7 sts] 10 times. (90)

Rnd 7: [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 8 sts] 10 times. (100)

Rnd 8: HDC in next 16 sts, Ch 10, Sk 10 sts, HDC in next 40 sts, Ch 10, Sk 10 sts, HDC in the last 24 sts. (80 sts and 2 ch 10 sps)

Rnd 9: HDC in each st putting 10 HDC in each of the Ch 10 sps. (100)

Rnds 10-34: HDC in each st around.
Fasten off after your piece is long enough.
Weave in ends.

Horns:

Make 2

With Gray yarn
Use 1 strand of yarn and 3.75mm crochet hook
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 4 SC in 2nd ch from hook (4)

Work in continuous rounds
Work in BLO

Rnd 2: 2 SC in next st, SC in the rest of the sts around. (5)

Rnds 3-10: repeat Round 2 (you should have 12 sts after Rnd 10 is complete

Rnd 11: SC in each st around. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly Step:
Stuff Horns and sew them to each shoulder. Weave in ends.

Inner Eye:

With Black yarn and 3.75mm crochet hook

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 9 DC in 3rd ch from hook, sl st to first DC. Do not turn. (9)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), 2 DC in each st around, sl st to first DC. (18)

Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Outer Eye:

With White yarn and 3.75mm crochet hook

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 9 DC in 3rd Ch from hook, sl st to first DC, do not turn after each round. (9)

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), 2 DC in each st around, Sl st to first DC. (18)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [2 DC in next st, DC in next st] 9 times, sl st to first DC. (27)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [2 DC in next st, DC in next 2 sts] 9 times, sl st to first DC. (36)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, [2 DC in next st, DC in next 3 sts]9 times, sl st to first DC. (45)

Rnd 6: Ch 2. [2 DC in next st, DC in next 4 sts] 9 times, sl st to first DC. (54)

Rnd 7: Ch 2, [2 DC in next st, DC in next 5 sts] 9 times, sl st to first DC. (63)

Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly step:
Sew black circle inner eye to the center of the outer eye white piece. Add a fleck of white in the black piece for added effect. Sew White piece to the body of the costume. Weave in all ends.

Eyelid:

With Green and 3.75mm crochet hook
Use 1 strand of yarn

Ch 20

Row 1: DC in 3rd Ch and each ch across, Ch 1 turn.

Row 2: Sl st in first st, HDC in next 16 sts, sl st in last st. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly step:

Sew the eyelid to the top of the outer eye white piece. I sewed mine with the HDC row on the top and the DC row on the bottom. I sewed only the top down, and the lid just sat over the eye (see photos for reference)

Mouth:

With Black and 3.75mm crochet hook
Use 1 strand of yarn

Ch 42

Row 1: DC in 3rd ch and in each ch across, Ch 2 turn. (40)

Row 2: [DC2TOG] 2 times, DC in each st across until 4 sts remain, [DC2TOG] 2 times, ch 2 turn. (36)

Row 3-5: repeat row 2
You should have 24 sts by the end of row 5
Continue to SC around entire piece to clean up edges.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Teeth:

With White and 3.75mm crochet hook
use 1 strand of yarn

Ch 38

First tooth: Row 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook, DC in next 5 sts, Ch 2, turn. (6)

Row 2: [DC2TOG] 3 times, Ch 2, Turn. (3)

Row 3: DC3TOG, Continue to SL ST down the left side of the tooth back down to the foundation ch, sl st into the very next Ch on the foundation ch right next to the last tooth

*Next tooth: Row 1: Ch 2, DC in same st and in next 5 sts, Ch 2 turn. (6)

Row 2: [DC2TOG] 3 times, Ch 2, Turn. (3)

Row 3: DC3TOG, Continue to SL ST down the left side of the tooth back down to the foundation ch, sl st into the very next Ch on the foundation ch right next to the last tooth.

Repeat from * across, ending with sl sts down the left side of the last tooth. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly Step:

Sew black part of mouth to the body under the eyeball, then sew the teeth to the top of the mouth piece.

Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Fuzzy Monster Hat with Horns

October 28, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Costume Items, Crochet Pattern, Crochet Projects, hats Tags: basic, beanie, beginner, cap, character, crochet, crochet tutorial, crocheted, crocheting, fashion, fashion blogger, fashionable, free crochet pattern, free pattern, furry hat, fuzzy hat, halloween, handmade, hat, how to, how to crochet, learn, monster, monster hat, monsters, pattern, stitch, sullivan, sully, teach, yarn, yarnie, yarnutopia 1 Comment

Nate pulls off the big blue monster very well! For his costume, I created the fuzzy hat with horns. I purchased the furry costume from Amazon and voila it was the perfect match!

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
–Knit Picks Cotlin Yarn in Silver (less than 50 yards)
–Lion Brand Yarn A Star is Born Oh Baby Yarn in Turquoise (2 balls)
-Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in Purple Haze (less than 25 yards)
–Size G-4.25mm Crochet Hook
–Yarn Needle
–Scissors

NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-The measurements of this hat are for an adult male (23 inches circumference of head and 9 inches tall)
-You can check out yarnsub.com to see yarn substitutions that are equal to the yarn I used in this project.
-The components to this pattern are Hat Shell and Horns
-This is worked from the top down and then the horns and fur are added after the hat is made

Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet

Pattern:

If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial that is linked above in this blog post to have visual instructions.

Hat:

WORK IN BLO (you will use the front loop later to attach the fur)

With turquoise yarn

Ch 2
Work in continuous rounds for this piece

Round 1: 9 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (9)

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

Rnd 3: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st] 9 times. (27)

Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 9 times. (36)

Rnd 5: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts] 9 times. (45)

Rnd 6: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 4 sts] 9 times. (54)

Rnd 7: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 8 sts] 6 times. (60)

Rnd 8: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 9 sts] 6 times. (66)

Rnds 9-45: SC in each st around.
Fasten off after round 45 or until your hat is long enough to fit your head.
Weave in all ends.

Horns:

Make 2 in the gray yarn
WORK IN BLO
Work in continuous rounds

Ch 2
Rnd 1: 4 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (4)

Rnd 2: 2 SC in next st, SC in the rest of the sts around. (5)

Rnd 3: SC in each st around. (5)

Rnd 4: Repeat Rnd 2. (6)

Rnd 5: Repeat Rnd 2. (7)

Rnd 6: Repeat Rnd 2. (8)

Rnd 7: SC in each st around. (8)

Rnds 8-17: Repeat Rnd 2.
At the end of rnd 17, you should have 18 sts around.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Sew horns to the hat in the top front (see photos for reference on positioning)

Assembly step:
Cut a TON of 4 inch strands of the turquoise yarn and the homespun purple yarn
loop 1 or 2 strands around the front loops you left unworked on the hat and tie them in knots (this is a very tedious part of the hat, but it’s worth it!)
Make the purple spots first, then go in and add the turquoise yarn. I skipped 2 sts between attaching yarn so it wouldn’t be too fluffy but you can add or do less. The monster hat I made has 4 medium sized purple spots on the head. Don’t worry about uneven strands, after all the strands are attached, you will give the hat a haircut to your liking!

Enjoy!

The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn

How to: Create Decor Using Mod Podge

October 4, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Crafts, Uncategorized Tags: 1 hour craft, boho, boho home, Crafts, crafty, decor, decoration, decoupage, diy, dollar tree, easy, fashion, halloween, holiday, home, home decor, how to, inexpensive, inspo, mod podge, one hour, pintrest, pintrest inspired, pumpkin, teach, tutorial, yarn, yarnutopia, you can do it 2 Comments

Hi Yarnutopians!

I hope your month is off to a great start! I love this time of year and all the festivities it brings.

October in Wisconsin has such a wonderful feel to it. The days start to get a bit shorter, colors start to change, and there is a crispness in the air that you feel when those temperatures begin to drop.

This month also brings “spooky season” upon us. If you are like me, you love this month because of Halloween. I love to decorate my home with all the fun and fantastic decor of the season. That is a breeze when you use Mod Podge to add some festive details to your plain items. Below, follow along with us as we demonstrate in photos how to take an ordinary tray that we purchased from the Dollar Tree and change it into a lovely decorative item for the season in a few simple steps! Let’s get started using Mod Podge to decoupage this tray!

Supplies needed:

Tray
Mod Podge (we used satin finish found here)
Scissor
Decorative Napkin
Paint brush or sponge
Paper towels

We start out with a simple plain tray we bought at the local Dollar Tree. This one is a brass-looking plastic tray approximately 14″ x 7″ (outside dimension).

Here we apply the Mod Podge generously to the inside of the tray that we plan to add our detail.

Be sure to cover the area completely with a thick layer of your Mod Podge. It doesn’t matter if it looks messy! It will dry clear and you can clean up the edges later!

On our tray we are going to use the artwork from this napkin we also found at our Dollar Tree. We loved the color combination and how festive it looked!

We opened the napkin and separated the two layers. We only used the layer that has the artwork. We carefully cut the napkin to fit the INNER dimension of our tray. This piece of the napkin will fit perfectly in the bottom of our piece.

Once you have your napkin cut and ready to place, you must carefully place it in the center of the tray using great care to not have to move it around to get best placement. The napkin is very thin and can tear so be CAREFUL! Trust me, it’s worth it!

Once you have your napkin art carefully placed and centered, you can begin to gently apply a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the napkin.

Be generous with your Mod Podge as to create a nice layer over the top of the napkin. This WILL dry clear and give a nice finish to your final piece. Once you have applied a nice layer of Mod Podge, use a flat item to smooth the surface to eliminate any bubbling or rippling. We used a lid from a plastic jar. We glided it gently over the napkin’s surface.

Once the surface was smooth (there will be a few wrinkles but this will give a cool weathered look), be sure to take a paper towel and clean up any excess Mod Podge around the napkin. We also used a sharp knife to gently remove any excess fibers or messy edges.

Once the item is to your liking, let dry overnight.

The napkin no longer looks like a NAPKIN! Instead as you see in the photo, it looks as if it is part of this tray or painted on! The photo doesn’t do this justice! It is just lovely!

Once you have your tray finished and dried, you can use it to decorate your home for the season! This is perfect for any time of the year!

So now you know just how easy it can be to transform a simple item into a decorative piece fitting for any holiday! AND on a budget! Minus the Mod Podge, this project cost $2.50! You can’t beat that! Make yours today and be sure to tag us in your posts! We can’t wait to see what you create!
Until next time!

Happy Hooking & More!

Fuad, Shannon, & Nadia

How To Bake Zucchini Banana Bread

September 26, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Uncategorized Tags: autumn, bake, bake bread, baking, banana, banana zucchini bread, basic, beginner, bread, breads, cook, cooking, diy, easy to follow, fall, food, foodie, how to, learn, oven, recipe, recipes, step by step, veggie bread, yarnutopia, zucchini Leave a comment

Is your garden bursting with produce? Do you love a great farmers market? Do you love finding ways to disguise fruits and vegetables in your meals? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you have come to the right site! We have the perfect recipe for you!! Come bake with us!

Follow this easy to make recipe and you will be delighted in the end with an absolutely tasty treat!

Zucchini Banana Bread:

1 3/4 c. all purpose flour

2 eggs

1c. mashed banana

2c. grated zucchini (mine was frozen and moisture removed)

3/4 c. white sugar

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tbsp. vanilla

1/2 c. light oil

optional:

chocolate chips or walnuts (I did not use in my recipe)

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Mix all dry ingredients together.

Add in wet ingredients and stir.

Add in mashed bananas and zucchini and fold in completely.

Grease and lightly flour your loaf pan.

I used my beautiful le crueset loaf pan that bakes everything perfectly! Fill loaf pan half way.

Put into oven and bake at 350F for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on your oven and altitude. My loaf took the entire 75 minutes. Do a poke check and see if your bread is baked inside.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Loosen cool bread from loaf pan and transfer to a flat surface.

Slice and serve!

Everyone will rave about it!

Enjoy!!

Make yours today and share with us how you loaf turned out! Find us on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to tag us in your posts!

Happy Cooking & More!

Fuad, Shannon and Nadia

Our Introduction!

September 22, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: cooking, crochet, crocheting, Decorating, diy, experience, family, fashion, fashion blogger, foster care, fostering, fuad, Fuad and Shannon, get to know us, handmade, how to, introduction, nadia, our family, parents, teach, trauma informed, treatment, video, yarnutopia 14 Comments

Hello YARNutopians,

Since everyone here knows Nadia so well, and is familiar with her and her craft, Fuad and I wanted to introduce ourselves to this audience. We hope to get to know you more, as well as opening our home and hearts to you, as we take some new direction with YARNutopia.

We are Nadia’s parents, Fuad and Shannon. We are the behind-the-scenes operation team of YARNutopia. As we prepare to take this platform to new places, we thought it would be a great time to share more about ourselves beyond what has popped up from time to time.

Getting To Know Us

Fuad and I have been married for 35 years. We have three wonderful adult children; two of whom are married. We have three grandchildren. We are also foster parents to three teen girls. Fuad and I have been licensed foster parents for just over two years and are trained in Level 4 Trauma-Informed Foster Care.

Outside of family, we love to explore nature, travel across the globe, and even find adventure right in our own back yard. We live in a rural community in North Central Wisconsin and love this area tremendously. It is full of an abundance of nature and wildlife; much of which we hope to explore more with you here.

Our hobbies include photography, videography, woodworking (visit our Etsy shop HERE), jewelry making, cooking, baking, home projects, DIY, decorating, and so much more! We ARE BUSY and hope to show some of these activities to you. In our spare time, Fuad loves to tinker on cars, film and photograph wildlife(you can find our other YouTube channel HERE), and I love to read and write – when life quiets down enough to pull out a good book. Be on the lookout for some book reviews as well! When I read a fantastic novel, I want to tell the world!

Not so long ago, I used to work in leasing and together we ran a portrait studio, Image By Fuad. Now we are busy with home and family, as well as running our small businesses. We also stay VERY active as a treatment foster home to teens. We have a lot of experiences to bring to the table. We are so glad you are along for the ride!

So join us as we begin this new adventure here on YARNutopia. Keep coming back each week to see what we have going on in our world and we guarantee that you will love what we have in store!

Happy Hooking & More,
~Shannon & Fuad

Taking A New Direction

September 21, 2022 By Nadia Fuad in Blog Posts Tags: changes, cooking, crochet, Decorating, diy, family, fashion blogger, Fuad and Shannon, Fuad Azmat, Fun Stuff, how to, how to do, lifestyle, more, Nadia Fuad, new direction, teach, tutorial, video, yarnutopia 19 Comments

Hello Yarnutopians!

It has been no surprise that Nadia has had her hands full with Nasir and motherhood. She is extremely busy and has scaled back considerably on her crochet. She is still busy creating and sharing her work, just not at the level you have grown accustomed to. Understandably so. Nasir keeps her on her toes!!

We have a fantastic audience of creative individuals that check in daily to see what is new in our neck-of-the-woods. For that reason, our family has decided to take YARNutopia in a new direction. Crochet has, and always will be, the foundation for this platform. Nadia will continue to create and share her creations as often as time allows. Fuad will continue to film some of those creations as well. We know you have grown to love this combination of easy-to-follow patterns and clear, precise videos that allow the viewer to see everything in detail. That will still remain. However, we hope to grow this platform in new directions. It is for that reason, we have decided to add a few more elements to our website for you to enjoy.

What to expect

Many of you know Fuad as our cameraman. You have seen him on camera from time to time. He is also busy behind-the-scenes with us doing much more than working the camera. We hope to use YARNutopia to share some of those interests and make this more of a family/lifestyle blog. As Nadia’s parents, you may not see us as often in front of the camera but we stay quite busy in other contributing ways to this platform. We enjoy much more creative outlets in our spare time and together with Nadia, we want to share some of those with you. Things such as cooking, woodworking, DIY projects, and so much more. We will be changing our name to YARNutopia & More to encompass all that we hope to share with you!

We look forward to you staying around to see some of the new changes, as well as enjoying Nadia’s newest patterns. Keep those crochet hooks handy! You will need those! Her hands may be full but she still keeps them busy with crochet projects every day! We just plan to add some fun family and lifestyle blogs alongside her crochet projects! Don’t go anywhere, because there’s a lot of exciting content about to come your way. Stay Tuned!!

Happy Hooking & More!

Fuad, Shannon, & Nadia

Pattern:

Hat:

Hats as costumes? Yes, please!!

And the second hat costume is…

Pikachu, Ash, and Misty: The Perfect Family-of-Three Halloween Costume

Cast of characters

Special Orders

Why make amigurumi?

More benefits

Make it your summer staple!

If you’re looking for sustainable fashion

It’s up to you!

Recipe

Instructions

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

Corner to Corner Delight

A meaningful gift

From the Heart

Wrapping up

What are music festivals?

The Significance of Handmade Gifts

Symbolism of the Mushroom

The Therapeutic Joy of Crafting

Fostering Community Through Gifting

Peace, Love, & Wubs

~Nadia

Why Stay In?

Setting Up the Perfect Weekend To Crochet or Craft

A Weekend in the Life of a Crafter

The Benefits of a Crafting Weekend

Staying Inspired

You can find the crochet pattern for the Sally Dress on Etsy from this shop. Click HERE

Below you will find the crochet pattern for the Ghost Dog Costume Poncho

Pattern:

Hat:

Eyes:

Mouth:

Foundation for Fostering

Providing Stability and Love:

Fostering Growth and Development:

Emotional Support and Encouragement:

Long Lasting Relationships:

Advocating for Children’s Rights:

Overcoming Challenges:

Final Thoughts

Pattern:

Dress:

Shirt:

Potholders

Jar Covers

Washcloths

Scrunchies

Coasters

Scrubbies

Bookmark

Mug Cozy

Beanie Hat

Basket

Gift/Gas Card Holder

Baby Booties

Pattern:

Square:

Brim:

Pattern:

Square:

Pattern:

Shorts:

First Leg Hole:

2nd Leg Hole

Drawstring:

Materials you will need:

Pattern:

Strap:

Materials you will need:

Pattern:

Materials you will need:

Materials you will need:

Pattern:

Materials you will need:

Pattern: