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
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!!
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
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!!
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!
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
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!!
Bring color to your world and wardrobe with my Rainbow Clutch. Create your own rainbow in this easy to follow pattern that works up fast and fabulous! Because I know we all have it in us to be FABULOUS!
This is the first time I used a zipper in my work and I LOVE IT!! This fun clutch bag has plenty of room for the few most important essentials to carry on the go. The zipper closure is perfect for keeping everything contained and secure. The bright tassel embellishment adds the perfect finishing touch to this small purse that is sure to catch everyone’s eye!
**There is no video tutorial for this project yet**
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
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-This is made as a 12 inch circle and then folded in half to form the half circle design.
-The zipper is optional. You can use a button closure if you choose as well.
-Work over the top of the main color yarn for every round that changes color.
-The Even numbered rounds are the RS (outside of bag) and the Odd numbered rows are the WS (inside of bag)
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
HDC: Half 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.
Clutch:
With Main Color Rnd 1: Ch 2, 10 HDC in 2nd Ch from hook, Sl st to first HDC, Turn (10 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 HDC in each st around, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (20 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st] 10 times, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (30 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, With Main color, 2 HDC in next st, Change color to Purple but work over the top of your main color yarn, HDC in next 2 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts] 4 times, 2 HDC in next st, Change back to main color and drop purple in the front of your work, HDC in next 2 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts] 5 times. Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (40 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 3 sts] 5 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st, Change color to purple by picking it back up, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 2 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 3 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st, Change back to main color and fasten off purple, HDC in last 2 sts, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (50 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st, Change color to Pink, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 3 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st, Change back to main color and drop Pink in the front of your work, HDC in next 3 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts] 5 times, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (60 sts)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, HDC in next 33 sts, Change color to Pink by picking it back up, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 24 sts, Change back to main color and fasten off Pink, HDC in last 3 sts, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (60 sts)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts, Change color to Turquoise, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 3 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts, Change back to main color and drop turquoise in the front of your work, HDC in next 3 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts] 5 times, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (70 sts)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 6 sts] 5 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts, Change color to Turquoise by picking it back up, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 4 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 6 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 2 sts, Change back to main color and fasten off turquoise, HDC in last 4 sts, Sl st to first HDC, turn. (80 sts)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, HDC in next 44 sts, Change color to Green, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 32 sts, Change back to main color and drop green in the front of your work, HDC in last 4 sts, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (80 sts)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 7 sts] 5 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 3 sts, Change color to Green by picking it back up, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 4 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 7 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 3 sts, change back to main color and fasten off Green, HDC in last 4 sts, sl st to first HDC, Turn. (90 sts)
Rnd 12: Ch 1, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 3 sts, Change color to Yellow, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 5 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 8 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st, Change back to main color and drop Yellow in front of your work, HDC in next 7 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 8 sts] 5 times, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (100 sts)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 9 sts] 5 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts, Change color to Yellow by picking it back up, Work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 5 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 9 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts, change back to main color and fasten off Yellow, HDC in last 5 sts, Sl st to first HDC. Turn. (110 sts)
Rnd 14: Ch 1, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts, change color to Orange, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 6 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 10 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 4 sts, Change color back to main color and drop Orange in the front of your work, HDC in next 6 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 10 sts] 5 times, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (120 sts)
Rnd 15: Ch 1, HDC in 66 sts, Change color to Orange by picking it back up, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 48 sts, Change back to main color and fasten off Orange, HDC in last 6 sts, sl st to first HDC, turn. (120 sts)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts, Change color to Red, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 6 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 11 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts, Change color back to main color and drop Red in the front of your work, HDC in next 6 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 11 sts] 5 times, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (130 sts)
Rnd 17: Ch 1 [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 12 sts] 5 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts, Change color to Red by picking it back up, work over the top of your main color, HDC in next 7 sts, [2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 12 sts] 3 times, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next 5 sts, Change back to main color and fasten off Red, HDC in last 7 sts, Sl st to first HDC, Turn. (140)
Rnd 18: With main color, Ch 1, HDC in each st around, Sl st to first HDC, Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Assembly step: Fold piece in half so it looks like a delicious taco, Sew up each side to leave an opening at the top for a zipper. With sewing thread, sew on a zipper (I hand sewed mine, but you can use a sewing machine if you have one), Tip: Sew your zipper on while your bag is inside out.
Add a tassel and a strap. See instructions below for a strap.
Strap:
Foundation Half Double Crochet 45, Fasten off with long tail, Sew around a key ring, and attach the key ring to the zipper.
Add the tassel to the keyring.
Fasten off, weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of WeCrochet
Sometimes things don’t go the way we expect and we have to improvise. Which is exactly what I had to do for this beautiful Chunky Basket. This is my latest project for the Funky with Chunky yarn event! Using Bernat Maker Big Yarn I created this very practical, very sturdy basket that is perfect for so much around the house. Great for storage, toys, organization, towels, you name it, one or more of these baskets will come in handy and look stylish, too!! I know for my house, this basket will be great for storing either yarn or Nasir’s toys. With Easter around the corner and the ‘safer at home’ quarantine ordinance in place, this would make a great kids basket. I am sure we will get a lot of use out of this home accessory. Be sure to follow along in today’s video tutorial or written pattern to make your own. Don’t have this yarn? Use tee shirt yarn or any variation of chunky yarn that’s size 5 to create this piece.
This video was not filmed in typical YARNutopia fashion. Because of the latest mandates imposed by the Governor regarding Safer At Home policies. My parents will be unable to travel. Therefore, this was filmed by yours truly. Enjoy!
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
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-You can make this as tall as you want. The smaller the hook you use, and the tighter the tension you have, the sturdier your basket will be.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
BLO: Back Loop Only
FLO: Front Loop Only
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SK: Skip
SC: Single Crochet
SC2TOG: Single Crochet Decrease
HDC: Half Double Crochet
ESC: Extended Single Crochet (Insert hook, YO, pull through, YO, pull through ONE loop, YO, Pull through 2 loops, stitch made)
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.
Basket:
Work in continuous Rounds for the base
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 8 ESC into 2nd Ch from hook. (8)
Rnd 2: 2 ESC in each st around. (16)
Rnd 3: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next st] 8 times. (24)
Rnd 4: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 2 sts] 8 times. (32)
Rnd 5: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 3 sts] 8 times. (40)
Rnd 6: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 4 sts] 8 times. (48)
Rnd 7: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 5 sts] 8 times. (56)
Rnd 8: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 6 sts] 8 times. (64)
Rnd 9: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 7 sts] 8 times. (72)
Rnd 10: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 8 sts] 8 times. (80)
Rnd 11: [2 ESC in next st, ESC in next 9 sts] 8 times. (88)
Rnd 12: Work in BLO for this round only. Sl st into next st, Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), DC in the BLO of every st around, sl st to first st. (88)
Rnds 13-21: Ch 2, DC in each st around working in both loops, Sl st to first st. (88)
Rnd 22: Mark your stitches to make handles (see video tutorial for visual instructions), Ch 2, DC in first st, Ch 8, Sk 8 sts, DC in next 35 sts, Ch 8, Sk 8 sts, DC in the rest of the sts around, sl st to first st.
Rnd 23: Ch 2, DC in all sts and all chs around, sl st to first st.
Fasten off, Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Yarnspirations
When planning a wedding, one of the very first things you consider is the type of wedding you want and the budget to go along with your dream. It isn’t always easy to have those two things come together seamlessly unless you have all the resources available without the concern of finances. That’s why DIY (or do-it-yourself) is a great way to cut costs and bring some of those wedding expenses down – and dreams to life – using your own creativity. Be aware – there’s a cost to that too, just not always in dollars.
It Starts With YES!
When Nate proposed, we were in Amsterdam, Netherlands on a high – figuratively not literally. (read about it here) Excited from the thrill of getting engaged on this European trip, planning a wedding in that moment was not on the forefront of our minds. We hadn’t even chosen a date for our wedding until weeks following our engagement. I am such a planner, so I needed time to organize our wedding with guests from overseas, so we decided on March 17, 2018, St. Patrick’s Day. This was the perfect day to have our Pakistani/Irish fusion wedding. I wanted the Pakistani features and Nate is Irish, so he wanted to incorporate some Irish elements into our special day.
Looking a year ahead gave us much needed time to sort out details for this fusion wedding and put finances on paper. Thankfully, our parents were able to help, but how much would this all cost?
We visited vendors which was exciting and full of promise. Yet, when we started to talk dollars and cents, we began to realize that we needed to scale down considerably on some of our “wants.” Our budget was limited. One of the more shocking realizations was finding out that for flowers; personal flowers such as bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages along with centerpiece arrangements and other floral décor, would cost over $2000 USD. As much as I LOVE fresh flowers, spending $2000 on that one detail was out of the question.
Famous Last Words
Ideas began to formulate. I knew I wanted to incorporate elements of crochet into my wedding, and the more I considered it, the more it made sense for me to make all of the flowers. I knew it would be a lofty goal. Hand crocheting 200+ flowers for all my floral elements, as well as 200 place card meal flowers, was no easy task. But spending $2000 on bouquets and arrangement fresh flowers, which will wilt and be discarded was hard to contemplate. I could save a huge chunk of money if I did these myself. So, it was decided almost a year ahead of time, I would crochet the flowers. I had plenty of time, right?
I think I remember vaguely in the fog of my over-zealous wedding-muddled mind, Nate saying to me,
“Are you sure you want to do that? I don’t want you to get too stressed out…..” Brides and stress? Phfft…
Oh, how prophetic that conversation would be.
My flip response was something on the lines of,
“No worries, I won’t get stressed. It’s a year away. I have plenty of time.” Eye-roll please…
The Best Laid Plans…
Eleven months in advance may seem like plenty of time to take on a project like this. That is if you have NOTHING to do BUT this. I started out pretty well. I decided on using Red Heart Yarns Aunt Lydia’s Thread in the colors of my bridesmaids’ dresses for their bouquets and a throw bouquet. I would pair the groomsmen’s boutonnieres in coordinating colors. My bouquet would be shades of red and Nate would have a matching flower to mine. I could get a jump start on place card flowers once I decided on the coinciding meal. I would crochet similar coordinating flowers to use for my table centerpieces. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Puhll-eeaaazzze…I got this!
I mapped out the year. I could crochet three flowers a day which would put me on a course to finish in plenty of time for the wedding. It would give me an ample time-frame to make bouquets, plan those centerpieces, decide on any other arrangements, and color code all the seating place cards. The only thing is, I had to stay on task. One missed day meant the next day I had to make six flowers. One missed week meant making 21 flowers to catch up. Do you get my drift? Don’t even ask what it required to catch up on a lost month. There are no words…
(If you are looking for a tutorial on how to make these flowers, click here)
Fast forward to six weeks before the wedding and my fingers felt like they were falling off due to the insane flower making schedule I had going on. Every plan and deadline shot to hell. I even sliced my hand with that tiny 1mm crochet hook I was using! Haha! I remember at 2 a.m one morning, my eyes going crossed and mind delirious, thinking up curse words while miscounting my stitches, and repeating over and over that I will NEVER crochet with thread or make another flower in MY LIFE ever again. I must have asked myself a hundred times…WHY!? Why did I decide to do this?!
Honestly….This is why….
This Is What Dreams Are Made Of
I am such a detail person. It comes from my mama. And just like my mama, I believe those tiny details matter. Every single one of these details mattered to me. I would not have done it otherwise. Looking back, I know I complained, I may have even cried, but the results of all the hard work and late nights paid off. Each detail, each flower, each element came together in perfect harmony on our wedding day and it was so worth it! So, so worth it! Details, details, details….
The bouquets I designed consisted of 12-14 crochet flowers in the final assembly. I accented the burst of color using gold beads, gold tulle, gold ribbon, and gold jewels to wrap the handle of the bouquet holders I chose. I crocheted roses for my bridal bouquet and crocheted an assortment of handmade flowers for the bridesmaids and the throw bouquet. My sister-in-law/maid-of-honor and I still have the scars from the blisters burned on our hands from the hot glue! Bouquet assembly was not easy!
Each boutonniere consisted of a coordinating crocheted single flower attached to a stem and leaf. For Nate’s two younger brother’s, I created a trio of crocheted small flowers as an alternate look since they were our ushers and groomsmen! Even our little ring bearer had his own!
Each centerpiece was a combination of Moroccan Lanterns alternating with floating candles on opposite tables. Small votive candlesaccented each table, along with the gold framed table number we added Salal Lemon Leaf and Evergreen Huckleberry for a splash of deep green on our black table cloth linens. I accented the leaves with a combination of three crochet flowers on one side and an accent flower on the opposite side of the arrangement for a splash of crochet color and balance.
For the last table detail, we added small place card holders that were tiny replicas of brass oil lamps. Each name card was paired with a tiny crochet flower detail indicating the meal choice of each guest and inserted into the place card holder. I had four meal options, and each option had a color coordinated flower that matched the meal choice of each guest. Each place card was printed with our guests’ names, and I attached a tiny flower on the end with a gold brad using a paper hole-punch. This tiny, but impressive, element was a huge hit with our guests!
It Doesn’t Stop There
Aside from the details that adorned our tables, we had a couple other crochet specifics that I incorporated into our wedding day. Since it was a Pakistani/Irish Fusion wedding a few live flower arrangements had elements of plants indigenous to Ireland. Bells of Ireland mixed with Fringe Cups, Burdock, Thistle, Ladies Mantle, Clover and an assortment of other greens decorated our reception room. I decided to add crochet Calla Lilies to this greenery mix! I found an amazing pattern by Happy Patty and purchased it from her Etsy Shop! I fell in love with these Irish fused greenery arrangements even more with this added detail. Bittersweet Florist was fun to work with and loved the idea of adding crochet Callas. They had never seen crochet lilies before!
It may seem like an overwhelming amount of crochet flowers and crochet elements added to the wedding day. I did not want it to look like too many crocheted components pulled together, hoping it appeared as attractive as imagined when I started on this project. When we put it all together, it wasn’t at all over the top or too much. It was just the right amount. I even added the Henna Inspired Mandala as a table top cover in our reception area. I used it under some Huckleberry leaves to accent our seating chart table. Subtle yet lovely…a tiny splash of crochet color made it just the perfect element to add in this one spot.
It’s All in the Details
It took a lot of planning, but that’s my thing. I love planning, and details can make all the difference. Like I mentioned, I am a detail oriented person and being a bride didn’t change any of this. In fact, it amped it up! Just be careful not to get caught up in too many little things. It can suck you in! Doing all these crochet elements made this uniquely my own. It was such a wonderful feeling that I made each of these details come to life with crochet.
In the end, each guest had a small crochet take-away aside from their wedding favor. My bridesmaids, men of honor, groomsmen, ring bearer, and family, each had their flowers to have as a keepsake from our special day. One lucky guest caught the Throw Bouquet! Even the centerpiece flowers became souvenirs for some guests. We could not ask for more! This is what every bride should feel. I accomplished this incredible feat and brought a lot of joy not only to myself but to each guest who attended our wedding. It truly mattered in showing each person who attended how special they are and how much it meant to us that they were to celebrate our love.
In the end, I crocheted 140 centerpiece flowers, 70 bouquet flowers, 19 boutonniere flowers, 3 wrist corsages, 200 place card flowers, as well as the Calla Lilies to accent the greenery arrangement, the Henna Inspired Mandalaand lastly, I did make each of my girls a special wedding shawl which I will share in a separate blog. I did this work all in the months leading up to our wedding. It wasn’t easy, but it was so very special. I saved more than $1,500.00 USD by doing this myself.
Do-It-Yourself: Lovely But Not Easy
My advice for anyone planning to take on the task of DIY projects for your wedding would be to plan it out, give yourself plenty of time to tackle a project of this magnitude, know the commitment you are making because it can overwhelm you, and it is ok to get frustrated. Just don’t take on a project that consumes you to the point that you lose the joy in the reason you started this in the first place. With the right frame of mind, in the end, you will have a wedding that has the special added touches that make it your unique day with elements that are talked about for years! Always remember: This is YOUR special day do what feels right for YOU. Have fun and enjoy it all!
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make wedding flowers:
A special thank you to the following:
Our amazing parents for supporting us and making all our dreams come true.
Our entire wedding party for helping us through this whole journey and being the best wedding party ever!!
All of our guests, you are so special to us, and we were so happy to celebrate our special day with each and every one of you!
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
When Nate and I bought our house this past July, one of the bedrooms was in pretty rough shape. It had a behemoth wall cabinet built around a bed that fit into the center. I remember Nate’s dad remarking that it looked like the drawers in a wall at a morgue, and my first thought was this thing had to go!
Behind the bed was exposed wall and mortar. We even discovered a small hole where we could see light from outside! We found little critter poo in the area behind where the previous owner had their bed. I had total heebie-jeebies following that discovery! The first step was to ensure that there were no openings to the outside where critters can enter, so my dad filled the cracks and holes both inside and out. That went a LONG way to giving me peace of mind!
Where to start?
The room was poorly painted in a funky celery green color that was dirtied with age, with patches of the former paint peeking through. Our first inclination was to tear everything out and gut that insanely HUGE cabinet. After careful consideration, we decided to repair everything, repaint the room a soft gray with white accents, and try to work with the massive shelving (that was actually very well constructed). The previous owner had built the cabinet by hand out of solid oak, so the quality and construction was excellent. We all felt it would be a shame to completely destroy it. But what to do??!
The idea of facing this DIY project was a bit daunting, yet, when we started to disassemble and remove the drawers my mom came up with the idea of using this as a yarn storage wall! That had me shifting into 5th gear with an excited, “YES, PLEASE!” So, Nate, myself, my mom, and dad reinvented this wall unit into a yarn storage and turned the bedroom into my new studio/craft-room! It’s a night and day difference, and I couldn’t be happier with the results!
A little hard work never hurt anyone. It can however make me scream.
We started with the carpets. We rented a Rug Doctor and shampooed the carpets several times over. Once the floors dried, my dad removed the remaining drawers and hardware, leaving empty openings in their place. He measured and cut the wood for each “shelf” that needed a bottom. Then, we inserted each shelf into its cubicle and secured them with nails. We had 23 to reconstruct. I left two of the bottom drawers intact for notions, crochet hooks, and other supplies.
We decided then to paint the room. Since this room eventually will be my filming studio, I could only choose from white, cream, or gray paint so the lighting didn’t cast a strange color on my videos. So, I chose the soft gray with white trim. What should have been a simple paint job, was a disaster. One, we had to wash years of grime off the existing walls. Two, it took more than 3 coats of the light gray to cover the green color beneath. Three, I stepped off the ladder and the can of gray paint tipped over spilling and splashing paint EVERYWHERE all over the carpet! I screamed!! What a mess to clean up!! It took two full days to finish painting this small room. I still have a bit of trim to fix, paint, and replace, but overall it looks 100 times better than it did!
The Fun Part
Now the task of filling those compartments of my wall unit was next. My mom and I unpacked boxes upon boxes of yarn and began organizing them into colors. That took hours and hours! I think I went up and down the step ladder a hundred times that day. My legs were burning by the end! But what a difference it made! It transformed from being this massive thing with cold, empty caverns, into a wonderful warm, colorful work of art (haha!). My excitement just grew by leaps and bounds!
My dad and Nate repaired the back wall and constructed the table where I will be filming. They custom built the table for me to work and do my tutorials. They also added lighting fixtures to illuminate my work area. Once that was complete, my mom and I began to add personal touches to the room. The first thing to be hung on the wall was my Silver Play Button I was awarded from YouTube for surpassing 100,000 subscribers. One of the last pieces to be done was changing the ceiling fan into a hanging light fixture. We also accented with a black room darkening curtain so we can eliminate light coming through the window while filming. Soon the room began to truly come to life.
Finishing touches
Over the course of the past few weeks, I added a big comfy chair and additional artwork to the room. Most of the items are second hand or gifts that add to that personal charm to make this space my own. It is one of the coziest and happiest places in our new home. It is the perfect place for me to spend most of my time!
I am still transitioning between homes as I still live with my parents until our wedding. In 5 months, I will be getting married and will be moving ALL my yarn to our home permanently and those shelves will be full! YARNutopia will have a new home with a new beginning! I am excited to make these changes not just in my personal life, but in the life of our online community! Lots of exciting things to come and I am so happy to share this journey with all of you!
We still have to add some finishing touches. I will be keep you updated on more changes to come as well as posting about the day we film our first tutorial in my NEW studio!! Thank you for joining me and sharing this adventure!
Let me know stories of your own home DIY projects! Have you remodeled a room? Share in the comments section!
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!!
My dad will continue to be the videographer, editor, and photographer for our videos.
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.
Chunky blankets are all the rave lately. Perfect for any decor, be it the bedroom, living room, or cozy sitting area, my Star Stitches and Stripes Chunky Blanket will be the ultimate room accessory. A bold statement that is not only striking in any room of your home but also functional.
Please check out the new beginning graphic designed and developed by my brother Nabeel. He and his wife own and operate NFD Graphics. Please hop over to their Facebook page and show them some love! For all your graphic and video/logo design needs be sure to contact them today! http://www.nfdgraphics.com
Follow along with this video tutorial to make this blanket:
Support YARNutopia today so we can continue to bring you clear, quality crochet tutorials
**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.
***You can definitely sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
NOTES:
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-Watch the FULL introduction of the video tutorial for frequently asked questions and watch the full video for tips on how to make these smaller or bigger.
-You will need 966 Yards of yarn for this whole project.
-You can use any type of Worsted Weight, Aran, or Bulky yarn to crochet this blanket
-Different Afghan Sizes can be found in the middle of this page here.
You can buy any of the items in this kit. Buy all or buy one item. Check it out to see the supplies you can get online to make this project!
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
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Pattern:
Ch 75 or any multiple of 2 +1
Row 1: In the Second Ch from hook, pull up a loop in each of next 5 chs, YO and pull through the 6 loops on hook, ch 1. *Pull a loop through the “eye” formed by the Ch 1 just made, pull a loop through back of last loop of star st, pull a loop through same ch where last loop of star st was made, pull a loop through each of next 2 chs, YO and pull through the 6 loops on hook, ch 1. Repeat from * to the end of the row, HDC in the last ch, Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: SC in HDC, SC in “eye” of next star, 2 SC in the “eye” of each star stitch across, ending with SC in top of the turning Ch, Ch 2, Turn.
Row 3: Pull a loop through front strand of 2nd Ch from hook, pull a loop through back strand of same Ch, Pull a loop through each of the next 3 Sts, YO and pull through the 6 loops on the hook, Ch 1. *Pull a loop through the “eye” formed by the Ch 1 just made, pull a loop through back of last loop of star st, pull a loop through same St where the last loop of star st was made, pull a loop through each of next 2 Sts, YO and pull through the 6 loops on hook, ch 1, repeat from * to end of the row, HDC in last turning Ch. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 4-70: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 ending with a repeat of Row 2 (Single Crochet Row)
Assembly step:
I changed color every 10 rows. See video tutorial for visual instructions on changing color and if you run out of yarn during your project.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the 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.
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
I don’t have sisters but a group of best girlfriends who are my “sistys.” These ladies and I have made the panda our honorary group mascot. I’m not sure how that came about, but it has now become our thing. This Panda Clutch Purse design is dedicated to my sistys who are all over the globe from Comoros Africa, to Virginia, to Germany, to Wisconsin. I have been thinking about them and missing them so much lately. I am inspired everyday by these special ladies that are out changing the world. To my Panda, Panda, Panda crew, this one’s for you!
For those of you who are fans of pandas and all things related to pandas, this is a great project!
Did you know that pandas are a symbol of peace? In writing this blog, I looked up a few fun facts and came across this interesting blog if you want to learn more!
Check out this funny clip of me as a panda in a tree! Thanks to Snapchat! LOL
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this Panda Bag:
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.
Please check out the new beginning graphic designed and developed by my brother Nabeel. He and his wife own and operate NFD Graphics. Please hop over to their Facebook page and show them some love! For all your graphic and video/logo design needs be sure to contact them today! http://www.nfdgraphics.com
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.
You can buy any of the items in this kit. Buy all or buy one item. Check it out to see the supplies you can get online to make this bag!
NOTES:
-This project uses less than 200 yards of yarn.
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-Watch the FULL video tutorial for visual instructions for each row and tips on how to make this smaller and bigger.
-Weave in all the ends as you go so you don’t have to weave them all in at the very end.
-If the instructions above are confusing, please message me on Facebook, and I will answer any questions you may have. Please be specific in your questions. Thank you!!
-The measurements for this bag is 10 inches wide and 7 inches deep, but you can make this as big as you want.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
BLO: Back Loops Only
prev.: Previous
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
SC2TOG: Single crochet decrease
DC: Double Crochet
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Bag:
Ch 31 Row 1: SC in 2nd Ch from hook and across, ch 1, turn. (30) Row 2-70: SC in each St across, ch 1, turn. (30) Row 71: SC in 13 sts, Ch 3, sk 4 sts, SC in last 13 sts.
Fasten off, weave in all ends.
Assembly Step:
Fold rectangle in 3 and sew up the two sides. See video tutorial for visual instructions.
Sew button on bag.
Eyes:
With Black: Make 2
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to 1st sc. (6) Rnd 2: Ch 3 (Counts as DC), DC in same st, [HDC, SC] in next st, [SC, HDC] in next st, 2 DC in next st, [HDC, SC] in next st, [SC, HDC] in last st, sl st to beg. ch up 3. (12) Rnd 3: Ch up 2 (Counts as HDC), HDC in same st, 2 HDC in next st, SC in next 4 sts, 2 HDC in next 2 sts, SC in last 4 sts.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
With White: Make 2
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to 1st sc. (6) Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 SC in each st around. (12)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
With Black: Make 2
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to 1st sc. (6)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing
Sew a fleck of white in the pupil
Assembly Step:
Sew eyes together and sew to bag (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Embroider Mouth under button on bag using black yarn
Ears: Make 2 With Black
Ch 2 Work in BLO and in continuous rounds Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook. (6) Rnd 2: 2 SC in each st around. (12) Rnd 3: [2SC in next st, SC in next st] 6 times. (18) Rnd 4: [2SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24) Rnds 5-6: SC in each st around. (24) Rnd 7: [SC2TOG, SC in next 2sts] 6 times. (18) Rnd 8: [SC2TOG, SC in next st] 6 times. (12)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Assembly Step:
Sew Ears to bag
Cheeks:
With Pink: Make 2
Ch 2 Rnd 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to 1st sc. (6) Rnd 2: Ch 3 (Counts as DC), DC in same st, [HDC, SC] in next st, [SC, HDC] in next st, 2 DC in next st, [HDC, SC] in next st, [SC, HDC] in last st, sl st to beg. ch up 3. (12)
Leaves:
With Green: Make 2
Ch 7 Rnd 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, SC in next, HDC in next, DC in next, HDC in next, SC in last, ch 2 (work on opposite side of foundation ch), SC in same st as last st, HDC in next, DC in next, HDC in next, SC in next, Sl st in last
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Handle:
FDC 35
Fasten off with long tail for sewing
Assembly Step:
Sew leaves behind ear, Sew handle to bag.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
You asked. I answered. I hear you! My Spring Sun Mandala Vest is complete! Yes, this makes me as happy as it will you! This was made with Red Heart Yarns Super Saver Ombre in the color Cocoa. Can I say I am completely in love with this yarn without making my fiancé jealous? Let’s hope, because I am!
I made this to fit me. I am 5′ 2″ and I generally wear a size Small/Medium. I have given instructions in the Notes Section and in the video tutorial to alter this pattern to make it larger.
Something you may not know about my work process, is that I design my pieces off camera first, perfect the pattern, fix all the quirks, and get all my mistakes ironed out before filming my final piece in my tutorials. I first designed my Spring Sun Mandala Vest pattern using Caron Cakes in the color Macaron. This was my original prototype for testing the pattern. I filmed the video in the Red Heart Yarns Super Saver Ombre that I posted above, but if you are interested in seeing how the Cakes work for this piece, this should give you a pretty good idea! No matter what yarn is used, this piece is sure to be a big hit!
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this Mandala Vest:
Please check out the new beginning graphic designed and developed by my brother Nabeel. He and his wife own and operate NFD Graphics. Please hop over to their Facebook page and show them some love! For all your graphic and video/logo design needs be sure to contact them today! www.nfdgraphics.com
Teacher: Nadia Fuad
Video and Editing: Fuad Azmat (My Daddy)
Share your work on Facebook!
Add me on Snapchat: YARNutopia
Follow me on Instagram
Visit My Ravelry Store and add this to your Favorites!
Follow me on Twitter: @YARNutopia
Enjoy this video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube for more tutorials on how to crochet!
Leave a comment, and share with your friends!
Pattern:
Designed by Nadia Fuad You *may* sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my website YARNutopia.com.
Please do not copy, sell, and/or post this pattern and claim it as your own.
Although I used Red Heart Yarns in this project, here is a great substitution of yarn that works great as well. Brava yarn by WeCrochet/Knit Picks
You can also use Lion Brand Mandala Yarn here
You can buy any of theitems in this kit. Buy all or buy one item. Check it out to see the supplies you can get online to make this mandala vest!
NOTES:
-This project uses 1100 yards of yarn.
-Use a smaller hook to make these smaller
-Use a bigger hook to make these bigger
-Watch the FULL video tutorial for visual instructions for each round and to learn how to make this BIGGER
-Weave in all the ends as you go so you don’t have to weave them all in at the very end.
-This Mandala is 43 inches across (112 cm), Arm Holes are 18″ around (46cm), and Shoulders across are 15″ (38cm)
-This project took me approximately 20 hours to complete.
-To make this bigger, you can repeat Round 16 when you get to that point, you can also repeat Round 18 when you get to that point, you can repeat Round 26 when you get to that point, you can repeat Round 28 when you get to that point, and you can repeat Round 31 when you get to that point.
-I used 2 full Caron Cakes, but I was unable to finish the last 2 rounds of the pattern, so I would suggest about 3 Caron Cakes to finish the pattern.
Special stitches:
Ch(s): chain(s)
YO: Yarn Over
St(s): Stitch(es)
prev.: Previous
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
HDC: Half Double Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
DC3TOG: Double Crochet 3 Stitches Together
DC4TOG: Double Crochet 4 Stitches Together
V-Stitch: [Double Crochet, Chain 2, Double Crochet] in indicated space
BPSC: Back Post Single Crochet
FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
FDC: Foundation Double Crochet (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Mandala Vest:
Start with Magic Ring or Ch 6, Sl st in 1st ch to form a ring Rnd 1: Ch up 2 (Counts as HDC here and throughout), 15 HDC into ring. Sl st to beg ch up 2. (16)
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (Counts as DC here and throughout), DC in same st, * CH 2, SK 1 st, 2 DC in next st, repeat from * around. Sl st to beg ch up 3. (8 ch 2 sps, 16 sts)
Rnd 3: Sl st into ch 2 sp, Ch 2, 2 HDC in same sp, *Ch 3, 3 HDC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to ch up 2. (24 HDC, 8 Ch 3 sps)
Rnd 4: Sl st into Ch 3 sp, Ch 1, [SC, HDC, 3 DC, HDC, SC] in ch 3 sp, * Ch 2, [SC, HDC, 3 DC, HDC, SC] in next Ch 3 sp, Repeat from * around. Sl st to 1st SC. (8 petals made)
Rnd 5: Sl st to middle DC of a petal, Ch 1, SC in same st, *Ch 2, V-Stitch in next Ch 2 sp, Ch 2, SC in middle DC of next petal, repeat from * around, Sl st to 1st SC. (8 SC, 16 DC, 24 Ch 2 sps)
Rnd 6: In SC, Ch 1, SC in same st, *Sk ch 2 sp, [4 DC, ch 2, 4 DC] in next V-Stitch, Sk ch 2 sp, SC in next SC, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC. (8 Ch 2 sps, 64 DC, 8 SC)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, BPSC around 4 sts, *[2 SC, ch 2, 2 SC] in ch 2 sp, BPSC around next 9 sts, Repeat from * around, sl st to first BPSC.
Rnd 8: Ch up 3, DC in next 2 sts, *Ch 2, SC in next Ch 2 sp, Ch 2, Sk 2 sts, DC in next 3 sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 sts, DC in next 3 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to beg ch up 3. (48 sts)
Rnd 9: Sl st in each st to get to next ch 2 sp before a SC, Ch 1, 3 SC in ch sp, *SC in next SC, 3 SC in next ch sp, SC in next 3 sts, (Working BEHIND ch sp) DC in next 3 sts sk’d from Previous round, SC in next 3 sts on current round, 3 SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC.
Rnd 10: Sl st to middle SC that’s in a SC from prev. round (See video tutorial for specific location), Ch 1, SC in same st, Ch 3, * [3DC, 3TR, 3DC] in ch 3 sp from Rnd 8, Ch 3, Sk 6 sts, SC in next st, Ch 3, Sk 6 sts, repeat from * around, sl st to first SC. (8 Petals, 8 SC, 16 ch 3 sps)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, SC in same st, *Ch 7 SC in middle TR of Petal, Ch 7, SC in next SC, repeat from * around, Sl st to first SC if you are changing color. If you are not changing color, End with Ch 3, TR in first SC of round. (16 ch 7 sps)
Rnd 12: In Ch sp, Ch up 1, SC in same sp, *Ch 7, SC in next Ch sp, repeat from * around, end with Ch 3, TR in first SC. (16 ch 7 sps)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, SC in same sp, *Ch 8, SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, Sl st to first SC. (16 ch 8 sps)
Rnd 14: Sl st into Ch 8 sp, Ch up 3 (counts as DC), 9 DC in same sp, *10 DC in next ch sp, Repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (160 DC)
Rnd 15: Ch 1, FPDC around 1st st, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, sl st to first FPDC. (160 sts)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, FPDC around 1st FPDC, *BPDC on next st, FPDC on next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to first FPDC. (160 Sts)
Larger Sizes: **Repeat Round 16 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 17.
Rnd 17: Ch 5 (Counts as DC + Ch 2 sp), DC in same st, *Sk 1 st, [DC, ch 2, DC] in next st, repeat from * around, Sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 5. (80 V-stitches)
Rnd 18: Sl st into V-Stitch, Ch 5, DC in same sp, V-Stitch in each V-Stitch around, sl st to 3rd ch of beg. ch 5. (80 V-Stitches)
Rnd 19-20: Repeat Round 18
Larger Sizes: **Repeat Round 18 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 21.
Rnd 21: Sl st into Ch 2 sp, Ch up 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC in same sp, *3 DC in next V-Stitch, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (240 sts)
Rnd 22: In gap between 3DC grouping, Ch 1, SC in same gap, Ch 4, Sk 3 sts, SC in next gap, repeat from * around, Sl st to first SC. (80 Ch 4 sps)
Rnd 23: Sl st in Ch 4 sp, Ch 1, [SC, HDC, 3 DC, HDC, SC] in each ch 4 sp around, sl st to first SC. (80 petals)
Rnd 24: Start in the middle DC of a petal (See video tutorial for specific location), Ch 6 (Counts as DC + Ch 3 Sp), DC in middle DC of next petal, *Ch 3, DC in middle DC of next petal, repeat from * around, Sl st to 3rd Ch of beg. ch 6. (80 DC, 80 Ch 3 sps)
Rnd 25: in Ch 3 sp, Ch up 3 (Counts as DC), 5 DC in same ch sp, * 6 DC in next ch sp, repeat from * around, sl st to beg. ch up 3. (480 sts)
Rnd 26: Ch up 3, DC in each st around. Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (480 sts)
Larger Sizes: Repeat Round 26 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 27.
Rnd 27: Making the Armholes: Ch 3, DC in next 9 sts, Ch 2, FDC 25, Sk 20 sts, DC in next 40 sts, Ch 2, FDC 25, Sk 20 sts, DC in the rest of the sts on this round, sl st to beg. ch up 3. (490 sts)
Larger Sizes: **If you need the armholes to be bigger or smaller, just FDC more or less and skip more or less stitches**
Rnd 28: Ch 3, DC in each st around, Sl st to beg. ch up 3. (490 sts)
Larger Sizes: Repeat Round 28 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger, then go onto the instructions for Round 29.
Rnd 29: Ch up 3, DC3TOG, *Ch 4, DC4TOG, repeat from * around, Sl st to beg DC3TOG stitch.
Rnd 30: In ch 4 sp: Ch up 3, 4 DC in same sp, *5 DC in next Ch 4 sp, repeat from * around, sl st to beg ch up 3. (610 sts)
Rnds 31- 35: Ch up 3, DC in Each St around, Sl st to beg ch up 3. (610 sts)
Larger Sizes: Repeat Round 31 for 2-3 more rounds if you need to make this larger.
Fasten off.
Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the 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.
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
Follow this link to see a great mandala design! Click on this Henna Inspired Mandala to make this beautiful project today!!
This blog is compiled to show the costumes I made for Nate and myself. You can find them all in one place rather than navigating through my blog to find each individual pattern. Here, I have them all in one spot for your convenience. You can click the links in the paragraphs before the photos or you can simply click the photos to view the video tutorials and written patterns for each individual piece for these costumes.
We start with the Beast Hat. It’s perfect not only for a costume (although, I will warn you, it is very warm, and won’t last long in a crowd of people), but also for cold days! It’s an easily adaptable and versatile pattern by changing colors and embellishments to make any animal-istic creature that you fancy!
Second, you will find the Beast Gloves here. With some simple modifications, you can take these very scary beast gloves and turn them into an easy pair of hand-warmers, just by omitting the finger portion of the pattern. These were made to enhance the crochet costume. Have fun with it!
Next up, by making a very simple chain, I was able to create this embroidery embellishment detail that I sewed onto the costume jacket. I first traced out the design in a chalk pencil, chained the length needed for each scroll design and sewed it on using a yarn needle. I added some lace and just pinned it inside the sleeves and on the collar.
Lastly, I made these simple foot coverings. These are a very basic flat panel using double crochet with an ankle cuff that wraps around the bottom of the leg. Once complete, I sewed fur through the stitches to give it a paw-like look that can be worn over shoes. (These do not have a written pattern or a video tutorial)
For the Princess costume, I created the shirt here. This is one of two pieces for the dress ensemble. I added tulle and embellished the outfit with medium sized flower roses that I used in my Floral Dream Crown tutorial.
The Princess Costume Skirt was the second piece I crocheted for this ensemble. As you will see in the pattern, you can make this as big or as small as you want it to be. This can modified to be made in a variety of princess dresses by changing colors or adding different embellishments.
Lastly, I added the Enchanted Rose Cape that can be found here as a finishing touch to this princess costume. This cape can also be modified into a poncho or a bridal cape.
Here are the photos of us together in our costumes! Photos do not lead to any patterns.
So many little girls love to play dress up or pretend to be their favorite Disney Princess. I was no exception, and that spirit was something I never grew out of. I love Disney movies and the characters they embody. My Enchanted Rose Cape was inspired by one of my favorites. Fashioned after a scene from Beauty and the Beast, I created this caplet/cape combination piece to add to a costume that I am in the process of creating.
As I was creating this piece, I saw the potential for so many possibilities that could come out of this one fashion item. Changing the color to ivory, or even a sparkly white yarn, this would make a lovely winter bridal cape. In fact, just changing the color to match something in your wardrobe would make this a perfect piece for a formal cover-up. It could be an everyday poncho/cape in tones of grays or warm browns. This could also be transformed into other costume capes for characters such as Red Riding Hood, Rose Red, or any other fairy-tale or medieval character. The possibilities in color choices are endless, and the ideas know no bounds. Have fun with it!!
It doesn’t stop there. If you prefer to not include the longer cape, this would make a cute little caplet, or remove the hood and it makes a nice poncho. Adjust the size and you can change the whole look! With this easy repeat pattern and stitch, anything is possible!
Enjoy this pattern and share your photos on the Facebook page when you finish!!
Make the full costume by clicking here or clicking this photo below.
Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this cape:
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.
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.
NOTES:
-You can use a smaller or larger hook to make this square depending on your tension.
-This pattern is in multiples of 3, so you can make this as big or small as you want.
-Just continue the repeat pattern until your piece is as big or as wide as you want it to be to go onto the next step if you feel like I stopped too soon in the video tutorial. This pattern is very versatile and you can make this as big as you want.
-This piece works the poncho first, then the cape, then the hood last.
-The hood is made separately and then sewn onto the cape.
-For measurements and to learn how big mine turned out to be, watch the beginning of the video tutorial.
-This took me about 15 hours to complete from beginning to end.
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
aka: Also Known As
Pattern:
If you have any confusion or difficulty with reading this pattern, please watch the video tutorial to have visual instructions.
Poncho
Ch 90 (or any multiple of 3). Sl st to 1st ch to form a large ring.
Rnd 1: ch 1, [sc, ch 2, sc] in same ch, *sk 2 ch’s, [sc, ch 2, sc] in next ch, repeat from * around, ending with sk last 2 chs, sl st to 1st sc of the round, and sl st into ch 2 sp. (30 ch 2 sps)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 DC in same sp, put 3 DC in each ch 2 sp around, sl st to beg. ch up 3 and into next st. (90 DC)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc, ch 2, sc] in same st, *sk 2 sts, [sc, ch 2, sc] in next st, repeat from * around, ending with sk last st and beg. ch up 3, sl st to 1st sc and sl st into ch sp.
At this point, put a stitch marker at the beginning and halfway point of your work (see video tutorial for visual instructions).
Rnd 4: ch 3, 5 DC in same sp, put 3 DC in each ch sp until you get to the halfway point, put 6 DC in the halfway point ch 2 sp, then put 3DC in each of the ch sps until the end of the round.
Rnds 5-27: Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your piece is as long as you want it to be. I ended on round 27. You want to end on an ODD round (aka a repeat of round 3)
Rnd 28: Ch 3, 2 DC in same sp, put 3 DC in each ch 2 sp around, sl st to beg. ch up 3 and into next st.
Rnd 29: Ch 1, [sc, ch 2, sc] in same st, *sk 2 sts, [sc, ch 2, sc] in next st, repeat from * around, ending with sk last st and beg. ch up 3, sl st to 1st sc and sl st into ch sp.
Rnd 30: Ch 3, 2 DC in same sp, put 3 DC in each ch 2 sp around, sl st to beg. ch up 3.
Rnd 31: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to beg. sc, fasten off. Weave in ends.
**Put stitch markers where you want to keep the front open for your cape part. See video tutorial to see where to mark your work
**Row 1 of the cape is worked on the inside of the poncho in round 29.
Cape: Row 1: In a ch sp that is marked, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sk to next ch sp, [sc, ch 2, sc] in each ch 2 sp around (see video tutorial to do this round correctly), ch 1 turn
Row 2: Sl st into ch 2 sp, Ch up 3, 2DC in same sp, 3 DC in each ch 2 sp across, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sl st into middle st of 3dc grouping, ch 1, [sc, ch 2, sc] in same st, * sk 2 sts, [sc, ch 2, sc] in next st, repeat from * across skip last st, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Sl st into ch 2 sp, ch 3, 5DC in same sp, 3DC in each ch sp until the last sp, 6 DC in last ch sp, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sl st into 2nd st of 6 dc grouping, ch 1, [sc, ch 2, sc] in same st, sk 2 sts, [sc, ch 2, sc in next st, repeat from * across, sk last st, ch 1 turn.
Row 6: sl st into ch 2 sp, ch 3, 2 DC in same sp, 3 dc in each ch 2 sp across, ch 1, turn.
Rows 7-38: Repeat Rows 3-6 as many times as you want to make your cape as long and wide as you want it to be. (I ended on row 38) Be sure to end on a repeat of row 5.
Rows 39-40: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Hood:
The hood is made separately and then sewn onto neck part of poncho. See video tutorial for specifics on how to sew this to the cape.
Ch 92 (or however many chains you began with + 2)
Row 1: (1 SC, CH 2, 1 SC) in 3rd ch from hook, *Sk next 2 ch, (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc) in next ch, repeat from * across, end with 1 HDC in the last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (Counts as DC), *3 DC in next ch-2 space. Repeat from * across, end with 1 DC in top of turning ch, turn.
Row 3: Ch 2 (Counts as HDC), * (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc) in 2nd dc of next 3DC grouping, repeat from * across, end with 1 HDC in top of turning ch, turn.
Rows 4-22: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your hood is as wide as you want it to be. (End on an even row (aka a repeat of row 2).
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Sew hood to cape and sew up the top of the hood (see video tutorial for visual instructions)
Time for Fur!!
Sl st fur around hood, around bottom of poncho, and around the bottom of the cape.
Weave in all your ends, and enjoy your cape!
Enjoy!!
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
The yarn provided for this pattern is courtesy of Red Heart Yarns
Every once in a while, I’m inspired by a fashionable clothing piece that I see online or in the store, and I’m struck by the possibility that I could make something like that. Has that ever happened to you?
Recently, I ran across a cute shrug on Pinterest that inspired me for this project. Although the item was knit, I felt I could create something similar using crochet. Best intentions often go astray because this project was more challenging than I anticipated when I sat down to design it in the studio.
Earlier this year, I purchased a beautiful Peruvian Pima Cotton from Wool and the Gang and had a summer clothing piece in mind when I chose this yarn. They had a sale on their Shiny Happy Cotton in Hot Pink, and when I bought it, I thought it would be cute for a summer top or a handbag. It was my textile of choice when creating this crop top. I was not disappointed. It worked up beautifully, even if the direction I started out in wasn’t where I ended up.
My design took on a life of its own, and in the process, I created this adorable lacy piece that I christened the name “The Sun-Kissed Crop Top” because of it’s openness in its pattern.
This top is perfect for wearing over a sundress, tank top, or it can make any fashion statement that you desire! You can continue to increase the bodice to create a swimsuit cover-up or longer tunic top. Also, please note, the dolman sleeves can be made longer. Below you will find the instructional video with a step-by-step demonstration on how to make your very own! Do you like reading a pattern better?? Scroll down even more to see the written instructions!
I can’t wait to see your designs and color choices! Let’s all get sun-kissed!!
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make this crop top:
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.
**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.
***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)
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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.
NOTES:
-This pattern is made working 2 panels and sewing them together and then creating the sleeves.
-The video tutorial demonstrates a size Small/Medium but if you do more chains you can make this bigger. The video tutorial shares how to make this wider.
-To make this longer, just repeat rows 2-5 as many times as you want.
-To make sleeves longer, just repeat the ribbing pattern until you are satisfied with the length.
-Mine measured 41 inches across (106cm) unstretched and 15 inches long (38cm) unstretched.
-Before making this piece, measure your waist, your neck line, and the length you want to make this so you can mark your stitches for sewing your pieces together.
-This took me about 2 days to make, but you could make this in one day if you work on it constantly.
-The beginning chain length is explained below in the pattern.
-You can use any type of cotton or cotton blend yarn to achieve this style.
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
Shell: [3DC, Ch 1, 3DC] in same stitch
DC2TOG: Double Crochet Decrease
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 to have visual instructions.
Front and back panel:MAKE 2
Chain 99, 111, 123, 135 (if these chain amounts are not long enough, just add 12 chains to your piece until it measures the length you want it to be. Ex: chain 147, 159, 171)
Row 1: DC in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 chs, *ch 3, sk 3 chs, dc in next st, ch 3, sk 3 chs, dc in next 5 sts, repeat from * across ending with 3 dc, Turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc + Ch 2), Sk the first 3 sts, *Shell in the next DC, ch 5, sk 5 dc, repeat from * across, ending with ch 2, dc in last st, Turn.
Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc + ch 3), *5 DC in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, dc in center ch of ch 5 sp, ch 3, repeat from * across, ending with ch 3, dc in last st, Turn.
Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 3dc in same st as ch up 3, *ch 5, sk 5 dc, shell in next dc, repeat from * ending with 4dc in last st.
Row 5: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 DC in same st as ch up 3, *Ch 3, sk 3 sts, DC in center ch of ch 5 sp, ch 3, 5 DC in ch 1 sp of shell, repeat from * ending with 3 dc in last st.
Rows 6-13: Repeat rows 2-5 twice (You can repeat rows 2-5 as many times as you want to make this as long as you want, I just did 2 repeats to make it the length you see in the photos)
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Once you have your two panels made, sew them together. Watch the video tutorial at 33 minutes and 15 seconds for measurements and how to make it centered so one sleeve isn’t longer than the other.
Once your pieces are sewn together, you can work on the sleeves:
Rnd 1: Attach yarn to under side of sleeve, ch 3, (counts as dc), DC an odd number around (including ch 3 in this count), I DC’d 28 sts so I had a total of 29 DC’s on this round. Sl st to ch 3 to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, DC2TOG all around, sl st to ch up 3 to join. (14 sts and a ch up 3)
Repeat this round if your sleeve isn’t tight enough around your arm. Then go on to rnd 3.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, DC in each st around, sl st to ch up 3 to join.
Rnd 4-8: Ch 3, FPDC in next st, BPDC in next st, repeat from * around. Sl st to ch up 3 to join.
Repeat this round as many times as you want to make your sleeve as long as you want.
Fasten off when you are satisfied with the length.
Repeat this step for other sleeve.
Weave in all ends.
Next steps are optional:
SC around neck and waist openings. (see video tutorial at 1 hour 4 minutes for visual instructions)
Weave in all ends.
Enjoy!
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows.” ~Helen Keller
~Nadia
This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia
Until next time!
For those of you who are fans of pandas and all things related to pandas, this is a great project!
