Dance the Night Away

Dance the Night Away

One year ago, and the memories are fresh as if it were yesterday!! I think we can agree that Nate and my dad are pretty good on the dance floor.

See our First Dance here:

See our Father-Daughter Dance here:

(And how cool is the surprise dholi we had enter during the father-daughter dance?! Watch the video to see my surprise reaction. On a scale from 1-10 that was a solid 10 epic surprise)

The Cat’s Out of the (YARN) Bag!

The Cat’s Out of the (YARN) Bag!

It’s no secret that my battle with my health has been mostly an uphill one. Numerous surgeries have taken their toll on my body for the past ten years as I continue my fight. My Crohn’s disease has to be considered in every facet of my existence. My life, daily decisions, activity, diet, my body, and my future are ruled by this illness and how it will affect my daily living. After ten years, it is “Normal for Nadia” to be at the mercy of this condition. It just is that way. Like a habit, living with severe Crohn’s disease becomes part of my routine.

Doctor appointments, daily meds, regular testing, procedures, and so many details have worked their way into the fiber of my ordinary existence. Even getting married in March was overshadowed by the very real possibility that I may end up sick or in the hospital on our wedding day. It’s just the reality of living with chronic illness. Fortunately, adrenaline was my friend on March 17, 2018 and it helped carry my aching body through the day without incident! Our wedding was the most glorious day ever. Sure, I paid for it afterwards, but I would do all of that 1,000 times over just to relive that beautiful day!

Hardcore family planning

Nate and I always knew we wanted a family, we also knew that it would not be an easy path to having one. Several months after getting married, we sought help from my doctors to find out if I can safely support a pregnancy since I have such a challenging health history. I underwent a series of tests, some incredibly invasive (dignity be damned). A team of specialists were assembled to oversee my care if we were able to get pregnant. According to all these insane tests, there was no reason, despite my health battle, that I couldn’t get pregnant. We were so relieved! We were aware it would be very risky; the warnings from the medical staff came across loud and clear, but we have confidence in the high-risk team overseeing my care. They were very realistic but also reassuring. I was facing my 28th birthday, and although we weren’t aggressively trying, we weren’t being careful either. So, in early November–two days after my birthday–with symptoms that screamed that I might be pregnant, I went to the store and bought a half dozen pregnancy tests.

My internal dialogue was: “I just spent a small fortune on something I  am going to pee on. Who cares!??? I need answers!”

It all comes down to a (+) sign

It was a Friday afternoon, November 9th. My friend Sarah was coming to town for a visit, and I was planning on picking her up at the bus station in a few minutes. I only had a small window to privately check out my pregnancy suspicions. So like millions of women before me, I peed on the stick and nervously waited through the minutes that could change everything. I was pacing, nervous and fidgety. How do you distract yourself for those moments without constantly checking if you have your answer? If “a watched pot never boils,” does frantically fanning a pee stick prolong the results?! Because that 5 minutes felt like a flippin’ lifetime!

The test read (+) and I freaked out! I  called my mom on Skype immediately, and I was hyperventilating and crying and couldn’t get out what I needed to say. I completely freaked her out because she thought something tragic had happened. I couldn’t speak, and my dramatic reaction had her thinking the worst. I was able to show her the pregnancy test and get her expert opinion on what it was saying. (Like I didn’t already know, right?!) Were these tests saying what I thought they were saying?  Of course they were, but I needed Dr. Mom!!! She talked me through it and asked me what Nate said about it…

Oh. My. Gosh. Nate!!! I had yet to tell Nate! How did I not think of that?

She suggested that maybe I should have called him first! Oh my goodness, absolutely! I was a bit of a frantic mess. Where’s my coat?! I’m wearing it. Where are my keys?! In my hand! I had only a few minutes because Sarah’s bus was about to arrive!  I jumped in the car and decided to stop at his work! Woops! Was that a stop sign? Just kidding! I am grateful I didn’t receive a citation on the way to tell my husband!

We are having a baby… What do we do now?

Nate came out to the car and I had the test stick in a Ziploc bag. I told him I have to tell him something and without asking, he just said, “You’re pregnant.” I cried, I laughed, and I shoved the pee stick in the Ziploc at him and told him to look at it. We were so happy! He said he had a strong feeling. He knew. What emotions! So high, but then reality started to sink in like “What are we going to do now”? Even though we didn’t know what direction to take at that exact moment, we would figure it out together. We called my mom again from the car in the parking lot at Nate’s work. After talking to her, we knew I had to see my doctors first. We had to keep this quiet for a while. By all calculations, I was only about six to seven weeks along. Things were so precarious with my health and we wanted to make sure the pregnancy was viable and baby was healthy. We also needed to be sure I was fully healthy enough to actually support a pregnancy. On a scale from one to ten our emotions were off the chart. What ARE we going to do now?! GAHHH! WE ARE HAVING A BABYYYY!!

Game Face and A No Colon Surprise Party

Nate went back to work, and I had to pick up Sarah. How was I going to keep a straight face? How do I keep this from my best friend? Although I was busting to tell her to the point I was getting twitchy, I knew I couldn’t. I am the WORST at keeping a secret, God knows, and it was stressful to not blurt it out! I put on my best game face and decided to get it out of my mind (yeah, right!) and enjoy the weekend. Little did I know that the reason Sarah was really coming to visit was because my mom, Nate, Sarah and Nida were planning a surprise party to celebrate my birthday tied into a No Colon, Still Rollin’ – 10 years later party! WHAT IS HAPPENING!??? Saturday afternoon my entire family and all my friends surprised me and I couldn’t say a word to any of them! I ate three poop emoji cupcakes just from the stress of it all. Only Nate and my parents knew, and I couldn’t talk to them with everyone around! Again, ALL THE EMOTIONS!!!

Thank goodness for poop emoji cupcakes. That’s all I’m sayin’.

Well, it’s true! We’re pregnant.

I scheduled my first appointment and we had our first ultrasound. I knew going into this that it wouldn’t be easy. Nausea, heartburn, extreme fatigue, restless legs, extremely sensitive boobs that have grown 10 times their size, body pains off the charts, visits to the ER to check scary symptoms caused by adhesions from past surgical scar tissue, phantom sharp pains in my non-existent anus, my ostomy is shifting to the side as my tummy begins to grow, the scars on my tummy are being stretched, back pain, sciatic pain, vivid dreams and nightmares, itchiness, sleeplessness, aversion to certain foods, no appetite to ravishing hunger, even more profound vitamin deficiency (particularly folic acid and magnesium), chronic asthma symptoms to the point I need my rescue inhaler constantly and now a nebulizer, and more issues are plaguing me night and day, and I’m only past my first trimester!

But, it’s all worth it.

Especially at that very moment when we saw our baby on the ultrasound.

Suddenly, it all became real. We heard the heartbeat and we laughed and cried.

We called it our “little bean.”

We instantly fell in love.

Our baby is due in June 2019, and our hearts are so full.

What now, doc?

We had our first minor complication. There was a subchorionic hemorrhage (a blood clot) that was found on the ultrasound. The doctor said it happens in implantation, and unless I had excessive bleeding (I was only having some bleeding), not to worry too much about it, and it would be monitored.  I also had to cease a bunch of my medications. In stopping the meds, I risk some complications, but I have been managing things pretty well. One medication I can’t stop is my biologic injection. I am so worried about taking it, but I can’t risk getting sick to the point it would put me and baby in danger. My team has warned me over and over not to stop it.

I have to be truthful, I was contemplating stopping my biologic injection. The grave warnings from all my doctors have me reconsidering as I face having to take it this week. There is no evident risk to baby, but to me, if I stop, it would be very grave. I could become too ill and not be well enough to sustain the pregnancy, putting both of us at risk. Every doctor concurs. I do have to stop taking it at thirty weeks into the pregnancy to best insure that baby comes into this world the strongest and healthiest it can be. I am concerned without the protection of any medication to control my disease, my body won’t cooperate. I am hopeful. I am optimistic. I am scared. I won’t lie, I know what I am facing, and I know it will be worth it, but I also know this isn’t going to be an easy journey. Nothing this wonderful ever is. I have learned this lesson over and over in my life; I am familiar with how this goes. I am familiar with the bargaining process.

Now we are three!

We are now in the planning stage. I am almost 14 weeks pregnant, and have been following all the doctors’ instruction and am closely monitored. I am also chronicling my pregnancy on The Bump Phone App! According to the app, today our baby is about the size of a lemon! I have regular doctor appointments both with my standard team as well as a high-risk OB-GYN in Rochester, Minnesota at the Mayo Clinic. I couldn’t ask for a better crew of docs overseeing our care! They are so thorough. My last appointment with the specialist was two hours! We are in great hands, and we’re hopeful that things will continue to go well. I just pray that I stay healthy and strong for our little sweet pea. My heart is so full and all I want is to provide the best for this tiny baby despite my challenges.

Merry Christmas to Us!

We told Nyle, Nabeel, Samantha and Des over Thanksgiving. We also went to visit Nate’s dad and gave him a special “Grandpa” shirt.

We also told Nate’s brothers that weekend, too.  Other than immediate family and a couple close friends, we decided to wait and reveal our news to everyone else over Christmas! Our family and friends are elated, and some told me they “just had that feeling!”

Today, I wanted to share this with our YARNutopians now that our extended families and close friends received the news. Now, my crochet project list grows! Baby stuff galore! I already have some baby projects on our agenda! What an exciting year of crochet we have ahead of us! I hope to continue with our filming and projects as long as I can and will continue after baby’s arrival! We all have so much to look forward to in the New Year. Not only are we expecting a new addition, but my brother and his wife are also expecting a new baby in January! So many reasons to crochet! Haha! I am excited and filled with joy to share our news with all of you. Cheers to 2019! Thanks for being with us on this crazy and wonderful journey!

“You are so loved, little one.”

~Your Mommy and Daddy

~Nadia and Nate

Wedding Plans: 8 Weeks Left

Wedding Plans: 8 Weeks Left

There are eight weeks left before our wedding, and this week the invitations were sent! I will be waiting for the RSVPs to come in and will be busy crocheting the color coded “meal flowers” immediately.
My colors are all jewel tones – an amethyst purple, dark sapphire blue, and an emerald/teal green and of course gold. Each flower indicates a coordinating meal and will be attached to each escort card.


Our reception will be a plated dinner and our selections are the following:

Chicken Option:
(Nadia’s Favorite Food)
Chicken (Murgh) Makhani
A Pakistani dish consisting of a spiced curry mixture of cream, tomato, and butter,
blended together with full flavored roasted boneless chicken pieces served with Basmati rice.

Beef/Seafood Option:
(Nate’s Favorite Food)
Steak/Salmon
6 oz. center cut sirloin steak with king salmon, paired with house whipped Yukon gold potatoes and fresh garlic hericot vert

Vegetarian Option:
(Combined Favorite)
Classic Pesto Linguini
Linguini in light pesto cream with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, onions, and shaved parmesan served with garlic toast

For all kids, we will be serving signature Mac & Cheese.

Before planning a wedding, one never realizes the details that go into coordinating such an event!

Since we are having a Pakistani/Irish fusion wedding held on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, there are fun details from both of our cultures being incorporated into our special day.

My Mehndi is being held a day before our wedding and this event is a fun day for the ladies.  The Henna Ceremony, or the Rasm-e-henna ceremony, typically takes place one or two days prior to the main wedding day. Mehndi is a form of body art from Ancient India, in which decorative designs are created on a person’s body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant. The henna is symbolically placed on the bride’s hands and feet by a professional mehndi artist. The designs are very intricate. Often hidden within the mehndi pattern the name or initials of the groom are applied. In Pakistan, the Mehndi is often one of the most important pre-wedding ceremonies. This ritual is supposed to bring good luck and longevity to the bride’s married life.


The wedding day will all be held at the same place with our ceremony being held in one part of the venue and reception and dinner in the banquet room.

The Walima (Groom’s Reception) is a meal that is held the day after the wedding. It is a feast of traditional Pakistani foods. It is at this ceremony that the bride and groom are formally and publicly showcased as a married couple.

Thankfully we are able to do much of the wedding DIY ourselves. My mom and I have been on the go for the past week, (well since I got engaged, but more so in the past week!) and we have been able to check a lot off the to-do list. We are definitely do-ers and planners! Nate has been sooo incredibly helpful as well, and of course, my dad weighs in to share ideas about the Pakistani parts of our wedding.

We met with our amazing DJ and planned out the music for the best dance party!

I may have mentioned in an earlier blog post that I plan to make all my flowers myself. I have been working on all the flowers for the bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, and centerpieces.


We started to put together an arrangement this past weekend to come up with how to incorporate the crochet flowers into our centerpieces. This was just a rough start, but we are loving how they look against the Lemon Leaf greenery. I have gotten a good start on the flowers and have about 150-175 left to crochet aside from those tiny meal flowers which I will know more when those RSVPs come in.


I crocheted my girls the Wrapped In Jewels Shawl which I will be gifting to them at our Rehearsal dinner. I shared those with you at the end of last year, and I was able to cross that off my list. I also have the Henna Inspired Mandalas that I crocheted and hope to somehow incorporate those into the weekend but not sure where.

Details, details, details!! I love the creative parts of the planning, but the logistics are giving me a touch of worry trying to keep everything straight and organized. So far, it is all coming together very well. My excitement is growing by the day! More updates to come!! Thank you for joining me on this journey!!

~Nadia

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 get married and move into my new home! There will be an added expense of more travel and hopefully this won’t deter our ability to provide consistent videos on a weekly basis.

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Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread Patterns Redheart Now Has Crochet Thread Red Heart Blog – laikas.info

Crochet Tutorial: Bows and Bells Napkin Rings

Our first crochet project in the 12 Days of Christmas, starts with this Bows and Bells Napkin Rings! This project takes a common household item and transforms it to make these lovely tabletop decorations.

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These napkin rings use an every day household item that usually gets tossed in the trash or recycled. This project is a great way to reduce waste and reuse your tissue paper rolls!

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While I was experimenting and playing around with the napkin ring, I noticed a flame-less tea-light candle fit inside the ring perfectly! ((Disclaimer: DO NOT USE OR LIGHT A REAL CANDLE WITH THIS PIECE)) Sitting on the side of a shelf, this looks very festive!

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

**You can always contact me via Facebook if you have any problems with the pattern. I am happy to help if you have any questions along the way.

***These patterns are copyright YARNutopia © so PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE, ADJUST OR RESELL MY PATTERN. I wrote and tested this pattern myself, from beginning to end. It took a lot of time and work, and I would really like to have it remain “my pattern.”

***You can sell anything you make from my patterns, please just link back to my website YARNutopia.com. Thank you!

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

Pattern:

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

Materials:
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in any color you want. I used Green and Red
-Jingle Bells
-Tissue Paper Insert Roll
-G/6-4.25mm Crochet Hook
-E-3.50mm Crochet Hook
-Yarn Needle
-Scissors

NOTES:
-You do not have to use a cardboard piece on the inside of your napkin ring. You can just sew it closed without anything inside.

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

Pattern:

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

Ring:
Cut pieces of cardboard from the Tissue Rings

With Green:
Ch 9
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across, ch 1, turn
Rows 2-25: SC in each st across, ch 1, turn (8 sts)
You can continue working more or less rows depending on how big your cardboard ring is.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
Sew crochet piece around cardboard piece.
See video tutorial for visual instructions.

Bow:
With Red
Ch 20
Round 1: SC in 1st ch and each ch around
Place stitch marker and work the rest of the rounds in continuous rounds
Rounds 2-5: Working in BLO, SC in each st around
Fasten off with really long tail

Bow strand:
Ch 15
HDC in 2nd ch from hook and next 5 chs, HDC3TOG, HDC in last 6 chs
Fasten off.
Weave in ends

 

 

Assembly:
Wrap yarn around bow and bow strand making a cute bow. Sew to napkin ring, sew on bow.

Enjoy!!

Crochet Tutorial: The Joyful Teapot Cozy

Crochet Tutorial: The Joyful Teapot Cozy

Holiday entertaining is right around the corner. I personally enjoy tea with friends. Add a special touch to your table setting with The Joyful Teapot Cozy!

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I added the word “Joy” to my teapot, but you can add any word. It’s very simple to chain and sew it onto the cozy. You don’t have to use holly leaves and berries as your embellishments either. Have fun with it and get creative by adding flowers, leaves, or other appliqués to make your teapot cozy personal.

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The Joyful Teapot Cozy makes a lovely gift idea. Wrapped around a vintage teapot and filled with specialty teas, this would go far in making someone’s holiday tea-rrific!

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Now it’s time to pour yourself a cup of hot tea, pull out your hook and get started today!

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Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to make this Teapot Cozy:
Information at the beginning of the video, Tutorial actually starts at 9 minutes.

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

Donate Button with Credit Cards

***You can always contact me 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!

Shop Here

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
Questions? Leave a comment!
You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my name and Etsy Shop (YARNutopia).
Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials:
Red Heart Gleam Yarn in Creamy and Patina 
Red Heart Shimmer Yarn in Red
G/6-4.25mm Crochet Hook
Sewing Pins/Needles
Small Button
Yarn Needle
Scissors

NOTES:

-This pattern is for a standard 4-cup round, side handle teapot with a lid and a curved spout. You could make it smaller or bigger just making more rows on the sides.

-You can make this cozy with any yarn: Cotton, Acrylic, Polyester

-You can make this using a bigger crochet hook if your tension is tighter

-You do not have to add the appliques, you could just have a plain teapot cozy sans the leaf/word design.

-This teapot Cozy is worked from the top down.

Special Stitches:
Ch: chain
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
Puff: [YO, Insert Hook, YO, Pull Through] 2 times. YO, pull through all 5 loops on hook. Puff made.
Picot: Ch 2, Sl st in 2nd ch from hook

Backing of Teapot Cozy

With Gleam Yarn in Creamy,
Ch 12, sl st to 1st ch to form a large ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, SC in each ch around, sl st to 1st SC. (12 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1, SC in each st around, sl st to 1st SC. (12 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, [Puff, Ch 1, Puff, Ch 1] in each st around, Sl St to 1st Puff St. (16 puff sts)

Round 4: Working in ch 1 sps: Ch 1, 2 HDC in same Ch 1 Sp, 1 HDC in next Ch 1 sp, *2 HDC in next ch 1 sp, HDC in next ch 1 sp, repeat from * around. Sl st to 1st HDC. (36 sts)

Round 5: Ch 1, HDC in each st around, sl st to 1st st. (36 sts)

Round 6: Ch 1, [Puff, Ch 2] in each st around, sl st to 1st Puff st. (36 Puff sts)

Round 7: In any ch 2 sp: Ch 2, HDC in each ch 2 sp around, sl st to beg. ch 2. (36 sts)

**You will now be working in rows:

Row 8: Ch 1, [Puff, ch 1] in same st and next 17 sts. Leave the rest unworked. Ch 1, turn. (18 sts)

Row 9: 2 HDC in each Ch 1 sp across. Ch 1, turn. (34 sts)

Rows 10-13: 1 HDC in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
(Optional: Continue working these rows until your piece is as tall as you need it to be, then go on to row 14)

Row 14: HDC2TOG, HDC in each st until the last 2 sts, HDC2TOG on the last 2 sts, ch 1, turn. (32 sts)

Row 15: HDC2TOG, HDC in each st until the last 2 sts, HDC2TOG on the last 2 sts, ch 1, turn. (30 sts)

Row 16: *HDC2TOG, HDC in next 3 sts, repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. (24 sts)

Row 17: *HDC2TOG, HDC in next 2 sts, repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. (18 sts)

Row 18: HDC in each st across.
Fasten off with Long tail for this side.
When you make the other side, you can cut your yarn short. (See video tutorial for visual instructions.

Attach your yarn to the unworked st from Round 7.
Repeat Rows 8-18

Crochet a button hole loop after your last row by chaining 6, and sl st back into st. Fasten off.

Assembly step:
Sew front closed around spout of teapot. (see video tutorial for visual instructions)
Sew button to bottom back of cozy on the opposite side of button hole loop.

Leaf: Make 7

With Patina Gleam Yarn
Ch 9
Round 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, SC in next Ch, HDC in next 4 Chs, SC in next, Sl st in next, Ch 2, Sl back in the same ch,
Working on opposite side of foundation chain: SC in next, HDC in next 4, SC in next, Sl st in last. Do not attach.

Round 2: [Sl st in next 2 sts, Picot] 3 times, sl st in ch 2 sp, ch 2, Sl st in same ch 2 sp, [Sl st in next 2 sts, Picot] 3 times. Sl st to beginning. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Berry: Make 9

With Red Shimmer
Ch 2
Round 1: 6 SC in 2nd ch from hook
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Assembly step:

I recommend watching the video tutorial to learn how to sew all the pieces to your teapot cozy.
Sew leaves and berries to teapot cozy.
For the word “JOY” just chain an amount and pin it to the cozy and sew it on. You can also embroider the word to the cozy if you wish. Have fun with it!
See video tutorial for visual instructions on all the pieces and where they go.

Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

 

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

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

 

Crochet Tutorial: Unicorn Slippers

Crochet Tutorial: Unicorn Slippers

“Perhaps the most wondrous of all mystical creatures, the unicorn is a symbol of miracles and enchantment.”

The unicorn gives us the power to believe that anything is possible. These fun and mythical creatures are what fantasies and dreams are made of. This pattern will transform a basic pair of slippers into unicorns that is fun for all ages!

Not looking to make unicorn slippers? Transform yours into other creatures with a few modifications! My video tutorial and FREE written pattern gives instructions on how to make 3 different sizes. I think we all could use some cozy unicorn slippers. Am I right?

unicorn

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

***You can always contact me 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)

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

Donate Button with Credit Cards

Share your work on Facebook!

Shop Here

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
Questions? Leave a comment!
You may sell items made from my pattern, but please reference my name and Etsy Shop (YARNutopia).
Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own.

Materials:

**Click here to get the crochet supply kit for this project**

Red Heart Super Saver Yarns in Minty, White, Black, Pink
(150 yards/strand of Minty (300 Yards of Minty total), 364 yards/strand of White (700 yards of White total), 5 Yards of Pink, 10 Yards of Black)
Red Heart Baby Econo Yarn in Newborn Prints (**Discontinued**) You can use any variegated yarn (150 yards)
Red Heart Yarns Gleam in Creamy (10 Yards)
G/6-4.25mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Stitch Marker
Poly-fil for stuffing

NOTES:

-The written pattern has sole sizes for Small 5/6 US Women’s Shoe Size, Medium 7/8 US Women’s Shoe Size, and Large 9/10 US Women’s Shoe Size

-The video tutorial ONLY shows the MEDIUM size.

-The sole is made and then the back of the slipper is made and then the front of the slipper and embellishments are made. If you are making smaller or bigger sizes, follow the written pattern for the sole and then watch the video tutorial for help on making the back of the slipper and the front of the slipper.

-The front of the slipper is the same on ALL sizes. The back may be a little different because of the stitch counts.

-This pattern is written for one foot. Be sure to make enough pieces for two feet.

-Depending on how stuffed you want this slipper, you can stuff it as much as you need. The more you stuff, the more your foot will be pushed down into the sole.

Special Stitches:
Ch: chain
St(s): Stitch(es)
Sl st: slip stitch
SC: Single Crochet
DC: Double Crochet
BLO: Work in the Back Loop Only
DC2TOG: Double Crochet 2 Together
DC3TOG: Double Crochet 3 Together

Small (Will fit Size 5/6 US Women’s Shoe Size)

Sole: With Minty, Use 2 Strands of yarn at the same time. (Make 2)
Ch 23
Round 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and across until last ch, 3 sc in last ch, sc along the opposite side, 2 sc in same st as 1st st. Sl st to 1st sc. (46 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 SC in 1st st, sc in next 8 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, 2 HDC in each of the next 3 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, SC in next 8 sts, 2 SC in last sts, Sl st to 1st sc. (52 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, 1 SC in 1st st, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next 13 sts, 1 HDC in next 6 sts, DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in each of the next 3 sts, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 6 sts, SC in next 13 sts, 2 SC in next, SC in last sts. Sl st to first st. (58 sts)

Round 4: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, 2 SC in next, HDC in next 20 Sts, DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in each of the next 6 sts, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 20 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in last sts. Sl st to first st.

Round 5: Ch 2, HDC in 1st st, 2 HDC in next 2 sts, DC in next 25 sts, 2 HDC in next st, HDC in next st, 2 HDC in nexxt st, 1 HDC in next st, SC in 4 sts, HDC in next st, 2 HDC in next st, 1 DC in next 22 sts, 2 HDC in next 2 sts, SC in last sts. Sl st to first st. (73 sts)

Round 6: Ch 1, turn, (Looking at wrong side of work), Sl st in each st around (73 sts), turn.

Round 7: Ch 1, (Looking at right side of work) SC around, Sl st to beginning.

Round 8: Ch 1, SC around, sl st to beginning. Fasten off.
Count 39 sts on the front of sole. Place stitch marker in first and last sts making 39 sts on the front of the sole (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Go on to making the Back of slipper.

Medium (Will fit Size 7/8 US Women’s Shoe Size)
Video Tutorial Features this Size

Sole: With Minty, Use 2 Strands of yarn at the same time. (Make 2)
Ch 23
Round 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and across until last ch, 3 sc in last ch, sc along the opposite side, 2 sc in same st as 1st st. Sl st to 1st sc. (46 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 SC in 1st st, sc in next 8 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, 2 HDC in each of the next 3 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, SC in next 8 sts, 2 SC in last sts, Sl st to 1st sc. (52 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, 1 SC in 1st st, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next 13 sts, 1 HDC in next 6 sts, DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in each of the next 3 sts, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 6 sts, SC in next 13 sts, 2 SC in next, SC in last sts. Sl st to 1st st. (58 sts)

Round 4: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, 2 SC in next, HDC in next 20 Sts, DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in each of the next 6 sts, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 20 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in last sts. Sl st to 1st st.

Round 5: Ch 1, 2 SC in 1st 3 sts, HDC in next 5 sts, DC in next 23 sts, 2 DC in next 4 sts, DC in next 24 sts, HDC in next st, 2 SC in last sts, Sl st to 1st sc. (75 sts)

Round 6: Ch 1, turn, (Looking at wrong side of work), Sl st in each st around (75 sts), turn.

Round 7: Ch 1, (Looking at right side of work) SC around, Sl st to beginning.

Round 8: Ch 1, SC around, sl st to beginning. Fasten off.
Count 39 sts on the front of sole. Place stitch marker in first and last sts making 39 sts on the front of the sole (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Go on to making the Back of slipper.

Large (Will Fit Size 9/10 US Women’s Shoe Size)

Sole: With Minty, Use 2 Strands of yarn at the same time. (Make 2)
Ch 23
Round 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and across until last ch, 3 sc in last ch, sc along the opposite side, 2 sc in same st as 1st st. Sl st to 1st sc. (46 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 SC in 1st st, sc in next 8 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, 2 HDC in each of the next 3 sts, HDC in next 12 sts, SC in next 8 sts, 2 SC in last sts, Sl st to 1st sc. (52 sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, 1 SC in 1st st, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next 13 sts, 1 HDC in next 6 sts, DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in each of the next 3 sts, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 6 sts, SC in next 13 sts, 2 SC in next, SC in last sts. Sl st to 1st st. (58 sts)

Round 4: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, 2 SC in next, HDC in next 20 Sts, DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in each of the next 6 sts, DC in next 3 sts, HDC in next 20 sts, 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in last sts. Sl st to 1st st.

Round 5: Ch 1, 2 SC in 1st 3 sts, HDC in next 5 sts, DC in next 23 sts, 2 DC in next 4 sts, DC in next 24 sts, HDC in next st, 2 SC in last sts, Sl st to 1st sc. (75 sts)

Round 6: Ch 2, 2 HDC in 1st st, HDC in next 2 sts, 2 DC in next 2 sts, DC in next 30 sts, [2 DC in next st, DC in next st] 4 times, DC in next 29 sts, 2 DC in next st, 2 HDC in next st, (If there are sts left, HDC in them), Sl st to first HDC. Sl st to beginning. (83 sts)

Round 7: Ch 1, turn, (Looking at wrong side of work), Sl st in each st around (83 sts), turn.

Round 8: Ch 1, (Looking at right side of work) SC around, Sl st to beginning.

Round 9: Ch 1, SC around, sl st to beginning. Fasten off.
Count 39 sts on the front of sole. Place stitch marker in first and last sts making 39 sts on the front of the sole (See video tutorial for visual instructions)
Go on to making the Back of slipper.

For all sizes:

Back of slipper:

(With White and 2 strands of yarn)
Make sure you have 39 sts free in the front of sole
Row 1: Ch up 1, SC across to marked st
Rows 2-20: Ch 1, turn, SC in each st across.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.
See video tutorial for sewing and visual instructions.

Assembly:
Fold inward toward sole, sew along Row 1 of back of slipper making a tunnel. Stuff the tunnel with polyfil and sew open ends closed.

Front of slipper:

Make sure you have 39 sts free on all sizes. With White and 2 strands of yarn

Row 1: Ch 1, SC across to last st, ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Row 2: SC across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Row 3: SC in 1st 14 sts, [DC2TOG] 5 Times, SC in last 15 sts, ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Row 4: SC in 1st 10 sts, [DC2TOG, DC in next st] 4 times, DC2TOG, SC in last 10 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: SC in 1st 8 sts, [DC2TOG] 6 times, SC in last 9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 6: SC in 1st 6 sts, [DC2TOG] 6 times, SC in last 5 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sts)
Row 7: SC in first 4 sts, [DC2TOG] 4 times, SC in last 5 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 8: [DC2TOG] 3 times. DC in next st, [DC2TOG] 3 times. Ch 1, turn.
Row 9: DC3TOG, DC in next, DC3TOG. Fasten off.

Top Front of slipper:

This piece is worked separately and then sewn onto the slipper.
With 2 strands of white yarn,
Ch 40

Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: SC across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sts)
Row 3: SC in 1st 14 sts, [DC2TOG] 5 Times, SC in last 15 sts, ch 1, turn. (34 sts)
Row 4: SC in 1st 10 sts, [DC2TOG, DC in next st] 4 times, DC2TOG, SC in last 10 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: SC in 1st 8 sts, [DC2TOG] 6 times, SC in last 9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 6: SC in 1st 6 sts, [DC2TOG] 6 times, SC in last 5 sts. Ch 1, turn. (17 sts)
Row 7: SC in first 4 sts, [DC2TOG] 4 times, SC in last 5 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 8: [DC2TOG] 3 times. DC in next st, [DC2TOG] 3 times. Ch 1, turn.
Row 9: DC3TOG, DC in next, DC3TOG. Fasten off with very long tail for sewing.

Eyes and Circle under Horn:
Use Red Heart Yarn in Black for the eyes, use Variegated yarn for the circle under the horn.

Ch 2
Rnd 1: Sc 6 in 2nd ch from hook. Sl st to 1st st. (6)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, Sc 2 in each st. sl st to 1st st (12)
Rnd 3: ch 1, (Sc 2 in next st, sc in next st) 6 times. Sl st to 1st st (18)
Fasten of with long tail for sewing.

White pupils for the Eyes:

Ch 2
Rnd 1: Sc 6 in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Fasten off with long tail.
Sew to black portion of eye.

Horn:
In Gleam yarn in Creamy, work in continuous rounds
Ch 2
Rnd 1: 4 SC in 2nd ch from hook (4)
Rnd 2: SC in each st around
Rnd 3: 2 SC in each st around. (8)
Rnd 4: SC in each st around
Rnd 5: 2 SC in next st, SC in next 7 sts (9)
Rnd 6: SC in each st around (9)
Rnd 7: 2 SC in next st, SC in next 8 sts (10)
Rnd 8: SC in each st around (10)
Rnd 9: 2 SC in next st, SC in next 9 sts (11)
Rnd 10: SC in each st around. (11)

Ears: Make 2 in White
Ch 6
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across, ch 1, turn. (5)
Row 2: SC in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (5)
Row 3: SC2TOG, SC in next, SC2TOG, ch 1, turn. (3)
Row 4: SC across, ch 1, turn. (3)
Row 5: SC3TOG
SC around entire ear. Fasten off with long tail for sewing.

Cheeks: Make 2 with pink yarn
Ch 6
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook, HDC in next, DC in next, HDC in next, SC in last.
Fasten off with long tail for sewing.


Shop Red Heart, America's Favorite Yarn

Mane:
With Variegated yarn and work in continuous rounds.
Ch 8
Rnd 1: SC in 1st ch and around
Rnd 2-6: SC in each st around.
Rnd 7-9: SL ST in 4 sts, SC in 4 sts
Rnds 10-19: SC in each st around
Rnds 20-22: SL St in 4 sts, SC in 4 sts
Rnds 22-28: SC in each st around
Fasten off with long tail. Stuff it.
Sew to slipper behind eyes/horn.

Assembly step:
Sew all pieces to slipper. Embellish by embroidering the mouth and nose.
Add fringe to the piece behind the horn to make the mane.
See video tutorial for visual instructions on all the pieces and where they go.
Sew everything closed after stuffing.

Weave in all ends.

Enjoy!!

Like these unicorn slippers?? Try the Tutti Frutti Crochet Slippers!!

 

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

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

Crochet Tutorial: Birthday Wish Granny Square

Crochet Tutorial: Birthday Wish Granny Square

It’s my birthday! I created this Birthday Wish Granny Square to add to our 365 Days of Granny Squares project. It uses variety of crochet stitches to create an interesting design! I hope you enjoy making your square!

A couple disclaimers before you start: Be sure to check your tension and use the correct size hook for your square. I demonstrate with an H-5.00mm crochet hook in the video tutorial, but you can make yours bigger or smaller by using a bigger or smaller hook. Also, if yours turns out wonky when you are finished, you may need to block this square to make it nice and flat.

birthdaywish
Watch this video to learn how to make this square:

 

**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!
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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!

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:
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in as many colors as you want.
H-5.00mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors

NOTES:
-You can use a smaller or larger hook to make this square depending on your tension. I wouldn’t use anything larger than an I-5.5mm Crochet Hook though.
-The finished square measures 7 inches (18 cm)
-This square is worked from the center outward

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
Beg. Popcorn: Ch up 3, 4DC in same sp, remove hook, put hook in ch up 3, put loop back on hook, pull through and pull tight.
Popcorn: 5DC in same sp, remove hook, put hook in 1st dc of grouping, put loop back on hook, pull through and pull tight.
Picot: Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook. Picot made.
Long DC: Double crochet in Picot of Petal

Pattern:

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

Ch 13

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (12)

Rnd 2: Work in BLO, Ch up 1, turn, Sc across

Rnd 3: Work in FLO Ch 1, turn, SC across

Rnd 4: Repeat row 2, fasten off, weave in ends.

Rnd 5: Sk 3 sts, Attach yarn in BLO of next st, ch 1, sc in same st and in next 5 sts, leaving last 3 sts unworked. (6 sts)

Rnd 6: Ch 1, turn, SC in FLO across. (6 sts)

Rnd 7: Ch 1, turn, Work in BLO, SC across. (6 sts)

Assembly: SC around cake (40 sts evenly) See video tutorial for specific stitches.

Rnd 8: (See video tutorial to learn how to do this round) In top right st of the top layer of cake: Ch 1, sc in same st, Ch 4, sk 4 sts, sc in next st, Ch 4, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 4, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, ch 4, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, [ch 4, sk 2 sts, sc in next st] 5 times, ch 4, sk 3 sts,  sc in next st, ch 4, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 4, sk last sts, sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 9: Sl st in ch 4 sp, ch 1, SC in same sp, *Ch 4, SC in next ch sp, repeat from * around. Sl st to beg sc

Rnd 10: Sl st in ch 4 sp, Ch up 3 (counts as DC), 3 DC in same sp, *[4 DC, ch 2, 4 DC] in next sp, 4 DC in next 2 ch sps, repeat from * around. Sl st to beg. ch up 3.

Rnd 11: DC in each st around, [2dc, ch 2, 2dc] in corners. Fasten off

Weave in all ends.

Frilly siding:
Turn square upside down,
Working in front loops of bottom layer of cake:
Sc in 1st st, *ch 3, sc in next st, repeat from * across. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Candle:
Row 1: Attach yarn to edge round on top center of cake, ch up 1, sc in same st and next st
Row 2, Ch 1, turn, SC in 2 sts
Fasten off, weave in ends.

With Yellow, attach yarn to st, ch 3, sl st in next st, fasten off, weave in 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

Thank you YARNutopians!

Usually it’s only my hands that are seen. As we passed over the 100,000 subscribers mark on our YouTube channel, we felt the best way to express our gratitude to those who are watching, sharing, and recommending our videos was to post this small personal video of thanks.

Thank you doesn’t even begin to express all we wish to say to you for the love you have shown us over the past two years. Because of you, we have been able to do something we love. It is hard to believe that a few of years ago, I picked up a hook and a skein of yarn to help me cope with long stays in the hospital and that would lead me on this amazing path, but here we are!!!

I could not have reached this amazing goal without YOU, but my family has been instrumental in making YARNutopia what it is as well and deserve a mention of sincere thanks. My mom is my creative guidance, the person who helps me bounce around ideas, a constant support and best friend. My two older brothers and my sister-in-law are one of the most encouraging teams around! My nephew, who shows up from time to time as a model, is the cutest little guy anyone could ever ask for. And of course, Nate. He is the one who is there to cheer me on when I am frustrated and helps me untangle my yarn when my projects go awry! But the most important Thank you behind the scenes goes out to my Dad! His camera skills are unsurpassed and he does so much work in the studio that no one sees.

In this video, I am onscreen with my Dad, Fuad Azmat – yes, my dad comes out from behind the camera to give a huge shout-out to everyone and to tell you how much it means to us to have you as a part of our YARNutopia community. We love bringing you crochet tutorials and hope to continue to grow for years to come!

Thank you once again YARNutopians, you are the BEST!!

Happy Hooking! 
~Nadia