Crochet Baby Owl Cocoon with Hat in Newborn and 3-6 Month Sizes

I love owls, and I love baby cocoons, so I created this Baby Owl Cocoon with Hat to give to a dear friend for her baby shower.  Her husband and I worked together and when he noticed me in the break room making a similar owl cocoon for another person, he said he just had to have one of his own for his baby girl.  They are decorating their daughter's nursery in light green and lavender, so this little number fit the bill perfectly.  Since then, I have made more of these adorable cocoons as well as shared instructions on how to make it with others.

There are many owl cocoons online, but mine is different.  I take pride in that.  It may be a similar "concept" as other baby cocoons, but this is my own swing on it. That's what is so great about the crafting world--there are countless crafters out there creating a vast array of beautiful things, and they all inspire one another to use their own creativity to make their own beauty.  The possibilities are endless!

ORDERING THE CUSTOM-MADE SET ON ETSY
If you are interested in ordering a custom-made Baby Owl Cocoon with Hat Set, just click HERE for the link to my Etsy shop listing.

PATTERN NO LONGER AVAILABLE

I put a lot of work into creating this cocoon and writing the pattern from scratch. However, I am very sad to say that I can no longer share the free pattern. I really enjoyed sharing it with others and asked for nothing in return except a photo or two of finished projects. The best part of sharing it was seeing so many interpretations in the way of color combinations, embellishments, design adjustments, etc.  I also loved hearing everyone's stories about their reasons for making the set as well as their loved ones' reactions when receiving it as a gift.  

Oh well... Life does go on...  There is no point in stressing over it now.  However, I do feel badly for any crocheters who may be in the middle of making this set and now can no longer access the instructions. To those effected, please accept my sincere apologies for this inconvenience.

I will still share photos of owl cocoon sets, which others have made and shared with me.  These fellow crochet lovers shared them with me out of pride for their handiwork, and I just love seeing and sharing their creativity and hard work. Below are a few that I have enjoyed receiving so far and have been given permission to share:

January 18, 2016

I really enjoy seeing other crocheters' interpretations of this set. Check out this owl cocoon that Roxanne from ⊱Twisted Knots Crochet⊰ made!  I think it turned out so lovely.  I love the color combination she chose!

February 10, 2016

I am so pleased that so many people are using this idea to create their own lovingly-crafted creations!  A lovely lady named Marlea was so kind to e-mail a photo of the owl cocoon she made for her soon-to-arrive niece.  I think her niece is going to be snug as a bug in her aunt's beautiful handiwork!  Congratulations, Marlea, on your sweet new niece!

March 15, 2016

Fellow crochet lover and enthusiast, Mary, has just finished her version of the owl cocoon.  I enjoy when crocheters take a concept and add their own personal touches to make it their own.  She did a fine job, didn't she? 

April 4, 2016

I really like when crocheters share photos and stories of their finished projects.  Ashley was kind enough to share the owl cocoon set she just finished.  She made her set in 3-6 month size.  Great work!  The colors are fantastic, and I like the subtle sparkle in the grey yarn that she used.  A little bling is always a good idea in my opinion.  :)

June 2, 2016

A customer, "M", contacted me in May 2016 with an extra special request. Her niece was having a baby boy, and she wanted to order an owl cocoon which was lively, bright and colorful to suit her niece's bold personality. This is the first owl cocoon I've made for a little boy, so I wanted to make it more masculine. To do this, I changed the shell stitch originally used in the cocoon body and hat to my rolling meadow stitch and used the bright boy colors that "M" and I had agreed upon. To tie all the bold colors together with a neutral element, I incorporated a dark grey into the eyes, wings and breast feathers. I really like how it turned out, and she was so excited to give it to her niece!

Crochet Girl's Owl Scarf and Hat Set

This adorable owl hat ensemble is made using soft yarn in aqua, mint, grey, coral and salmon.

The scarf is composed of 10 circular owls and one un-decorated circle at the center of the scarf to allow the owls to change direction and drape right-side-up on both sides of the neck when worn. Each owl circle is crocheted individually, and then every circle is sewn together end-to-end. The eyes and beaks are appliqued onto each owl, and two pairs of feet are added to the owls on each end of the scarf. Around the exterior of the scarf is a mint & aqua border, which not only creates a raised texture around the grey edges of the owls and ears but also frames the owls and adds durability. The scarf measures 53 inches long x 5.5 inches wide.

The hat is a beanie style cap with appliqued eyes, beak, ears and bow. The pupils of the eyes are shiny silver-rimmed black buttons. The bottom border of the hat coordinates with the colors and pattern of the scarf.

Crochet Baby Owl Octagon Granny Afghan Pattern

This baby afghan pattern is of my own design. The instructions consist of octagon granny pieces that are sewn together to create an adorable detailed owl afghan with 3D features that add character and are fun for baby's play time. Also included are instructions for creating the small square and half-octagon "filler" pieces as well as the owls' eyes, ears, beaks and feet.

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Supplies Needed:

• Size I crochet hook
• Medium Weight Yarn (I use Red Heart Soft Yarn)
• Color # 1: 4 skeins white (5 oz. each) (or your preferred main color)
• Other Colors: Multiple colors of the same weight or coordinating per your preference. (3-4 oz. skeins/balls each)
• (Optional) Small buttons for the round-eyed owls
• (Optional) Standard sewing needle and black/white thread
• Yarn needle

Stitches Used:

• Chain
• Half Double Crochet
• Double Crochet
• Double Crochet Two Together
• Single Crochet
• Slip Stitch

Crochet Octagons & Circles Granny Baby Afghan

This baby afghan pattern is of my own original design. I created it as a baby shower gift for a new baby boy.  I chose to go with a nontraditional color palate of muted blues, greens and grey for his stylish mama-to-be.

To accompany this afghan, I also created matching booties and an ear flap hat.  I look forward to her reaction!

The instructions consist of octagon granny blocks that are sewn together along with diamond-shaped blocks to create a beautifully detailed afghan. The finished afghan measures approximately 33 inches long x 26 inches wide.

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Supplies Required
• Size I crochet hook
• Medium Weight Yarn (I use Red Heart Soft Yarn)
• Main Color: Bernat Softee Baby Yarn - 2 skeins of Antique White (3.5 oz. each)
• Bernat Softee Baby Yarn – 1 skein of Blue Jeans (3.5 oz.)
• Bernat Softee Baby Yarn – 1 skein of Mint Green (3.5 oz.)
• Bernat Satin Yarn – 1 skein of Sage (3.5 oz.)
• Bernat Satin Yarn – 1 skein of Heather Grey Mist (3.5 oz.)
• Yarn needle

Stitch Key
• Chain (ch)
• Half Double Crochet (hdc)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog)
• Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog)
• Single Crochet (sc)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

Crochet One-Sided Mermaid Tail Afghan

I created this pattern as a special request for a desperate lady, who wanted to make her granddaughter a mermaid tail, but her granddaughter hated the constriction of the cocoon-style mermaid tail.  It took one full weekend, but I did it!  Not only that, but I also created two different tail fin styles and a feet pocket panel option.

For a texture that resembles a scaly appearance, I decided to modify my own previously-created version of a scale stitch. Others have inquired if I use a modified version of the crocodile stitch. Although my stitch may resemble the crocodile stitch from a distance, it really is not.  My goal was to create a stitch that is much less bulky than the crocodile.  Don't get me wrong--I like the crocodile stitch just fine--but I simply wanted to achieve more of a smooth-laying, fine scaly-textured appearance for the Mermaid Tail Afghan.

Two Tail Fin Styles

      

Crochet Mermaid Glass Beer or Soda Bottle Cozy

Enjoy a refreshing, cold summer beverage in style with this elegant mermaid cozy!

This mermaid companion includes a scaly-textured tail, beautifully fanned tail fin, bikini top, flowing mermaid hair and embroidered facial features.

She easily slips over the top of any standard glass beverage bottle and is sure to make a statement at any summer gathering.

Custom requests are always welcome if another color combination is desired. The color of the tail, bikini top, skin color and hair are easily changeable.

Crochet Minions Galore

Minions, Minions, Minions! As you can see, we are Minion-crazed in our household lately.  I have been busily processing the requests of my kids and friends to meet their Minion needs.  It has been a blast having fun creating these little guys!

Crochet Sweet Pink Lady Minion Girl's Lined Bag

This crochet girl's purse / handbag was inspired by the "Minions" and "Despicable Me" movies. This is my interpretation of how a lady minion might look. She has a frilly pink dress, pretty batting eyelashes, pink bows and pigtails atop her head and dangling legs and arms.

This girl's purse also includes a hand-sewn yellow gingham interior lining, button flap closure at the top of the minion's head and convenient shoulder strap.

The main bag portion measures 7 inches wide by 8 inches tall with a depth of approximately 2 inches.

Minion Hat

This hat, inspired by the "Minions" and "Despicable Me" movies is made-to-order by me using soft yarn. This hat can be custom-made in any minion facial expression desired (within reason). The goggle eye(s) is(are) crocheted separately and appliqued onto the hat; the mouth is embroidered or appliqued depending on the design; and the hair is added as the finishing touch.

Minion Ice Pop Cozies

These unique and lovingly detailed "Minions" inspired ice pop cozies are perfect for protecting little (and big!) fingers from frosty-cold ice pops. Both ends of each cozy "sleeve" are open, so they can be slid up the ice pop with ease while pushing the yummy ice inside to the top.

These are not only cute but practical as well. There is no need to waste paper towels each time your kiddos enjoy an ice pop treat because these can be used multiple times. If they become soiled, just pop them in the wash! Also, when summer is over, they'll make adorable finger puppets!

NEW ADDITION: The Hawaiian Luau Minion with grass skirt and coconut bikini top!

Meet Stuart, Kevin & Bob!

Minion Mini Dolls

This little, snuggly doll version of "Kevin", the big brother of the "minions", is the latest addition to my minion crew.  This is my first attempt at amigurami style crochet, and I have to admit it wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined.  I'm also working on a female minion with a dress and bows in her hair.  Stay tuned for more!

Crochet Ice Pop Cozies / Ice Pop Sleeves / Ice Pop Holders

My kids gave me a wonderful summer crochet idea--Crocheted sleeves that slide up and down ice pops to protect their fingers from the cold.  Of course I had to consult Google to investigate this further.  Lo and behold, ice pop cozies are  "thing" after all!

These unique and lovingly detailed ice pop cozies are perfect for protecting little (and big!) fingers from frosty-cold ice pops. Both ends of each cozy "sleeve" are open, so they can be slid up the ice pop with ease while pushing the yummy ice inside to the top.

These are not only cute but practical as well. There is no need to waste paper towels each time your kiddos enjoy an ice pop treat because these can be used multiple times. If they become soiled, just pop them in the wash!

Also, when summer is over, why not re-purpose and play with them as adorable finger puppets?

Mermaids, Dragons, Unicorns and Dinos... Oh my!

Because my kiddos are into all things whimsical, I decided to create a set of four fun ice pop cozies to start.  My first set consisted of a mermaid, dragon, unicorn and dinosaur.  They are highly detailed with 3D appliques, embroidery and button eyes.  For children under 3 years old, I can make the eyes with crocheted appliques and embroidery instead of tiny buttons for obvious safety reasons.  These cozy creatures can be found in my Etsy shop and by clicking on the photo link below.

Chilly Arctic Critter Cozies

My next idea came about then considering critters, who are accustomed to the Arctic chill.  What better to accompany a frozen treat than these little polar bear and penguin ice pop cozies!  They are created with 3D applique and embroidery as well.  These cozy critters can be found in my Etsy shop and by clicking on the photo link below.

Sophisticated Garden Party Flower Cozies

The idea for these festive summer garden party themed cozies came to me one day after spending time in my garden among the posies.  How cute would these be for a garden-themed party, a little girl's birthday party or even a bridal shower?  These floral cozies can be found in my Etsy shop and by clicking on the photo link below.

Crazy for Minions Cozies

These little guys were inspired by the "Minions" and "Despicable Me" movies.  Meet "Stuart", "Kevin" and "Bob"!  

I also made a Hawaiian Luau Minion inspired by the beach island scene in "Despicable Me 2" complete with grass skirt and coconut bikini top.

Crochet Chevron & Mermaid Scale Lined Beach Tote Bag

This adorable crocheted tote bag is 18" x 16" x 3".

The exterior is made in luxurious and stylish Bernat Satin yarn, which is super soft and has a smooth satin-like sheen.  The top portion of the bag is a trendy thin-striped chevron pattern in grey and white, and the bottom is my own mermaid scale design in aquamarine. Canvas lines the interior of the bag to help secure valuables, and it has sturdy exposed-canvas handles.

Unlike the crocodile stitch, my mermaid scale design is much simpler and uses much less yarn. That's what I love so much about it.  The texture is similar, and there is both a time and cost savings!

It's also easy to launder--just wash in warm/cold water and dry on medium heat.

It is available in my Etsy shop as a finished product as well as my very own written-out pattern.

Crochet Lace Infinity Scarf

I was yarn shopping one day and discovered the softest, silkiest baby yarn (Bernat Softee Baby) in the perfect shade of soft peach.  Even though I had no idea what do make with it, I bought it anyway.
Weeks went by.  The yarn sat in my stash teasing me to come up with a use for it.  Then it occurred to me... why not a lacy infinity scarf!

I created this lovely, soft and feminine lacy infinity scarf with an open, detailed lace design. Because of its airy design, it's perfect to wear in late summer or early fall, and it would also make a fine accessory for warmer winter days.

I also wrote the pattern, which is available in my Etsy shop.

It's also easy to launder--just wash in warm/cold water and dry on medium heat.

This beauty is available in my Etsy shop as a finished product.  If you would like to make this yourself, feel free to check out my pattern.

Crochet & Up-cycled Denim Wine Bottle Holder / Bag / Carrier

These unique wine bottle holders/bags/carriers are made using up-cycled blue jeans. I love finding new uses for otherwise discarded things. It not only reduces waste but creates something truly unique and special.

These wine bottle holders would be adorable for a country chic picnic, a gift/care basket for a wine lover or even a bridal shower gift.

The base of the bags are hand-stitched and crocheted as well as the handle and flowers decorating the top.

Two styles are available--one in aquamarine & navy and another in salmon and ivory. Because they're so unique, there are only one of each available.

Crochet Ladies' Lacy Chemo Cap

A few days ago, a former high school classmate contacted me.  She explained the situation of a friend and co-worker of hers, who has fought breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy.  She also described her as a fellow nurse with a big heart, who is not only determined to kick breast cancer's butt but to also take care of her family and patients simultaneously.  Since chemotherapy has caused the loss of her long, beautiful hair, she is concerned about the affect her appearance may have on her patients.  Now THAT is a true definition of nursing compassion!

My schoolmate asked if I would create a chemo cap for her friend and donate my time and materials. Needless to say, of course I said yes!  Then I set out to make it as special as possible.  Since her friend is a nurse in her 30s with a young, fun, loving personality. I wanted to make her something really special. Because this is the first time I've made a chemo cap, I asked fellow crocheters and knitters for advice. She needed something functional yet fun... soft enough that it wouldn't irritate her scalp... lightweight yet not too light that it would fall off during care giving... light enough to cover her head but not too warm... etc.  Taking all of those elements into consideration, I envisioned a lacy-patterned cap that would be feminine, soft, breathable, cool and functional.

Here is what I created!

Front View

Top View

Close-Up View of the Lacy Pattern and Scalloped Edging

What I created for her was...

• A free-form crocheted lacy-patterned cap that is feminine and pretty; 
• It's made with super-soft, silky baby fingerling yarn; 
• It's breathable due to the open lacy pattern, allowing for plenty of air circulation to keep the wearer cool;
• Its open lacy pattern is fine enough to conceal uneven hair growth without worrying about it poking out through wide holes;
• It's functional because it fits snug around the face with a pretty scalloped border. Fitting snugly is important as to prevent slipping off while bending over (or in a medical field of work--caring for patients); and
• Because it is free-form crocheted, it's unique.  Like snowflakes, no two hats made in this style will be identical. The style and basic design will be the same, but each time a hat is made, the stitches in the lacy patterns will be unique. I call THAT an added plus!

The day after I created the pink lacy hat, I couldn't resist making another but this time in a neutral color.  This one is my favorite of the two because it can be worn FIVE different ways. It has three decorative buttons on the front and can be worn as-is, OR the wearer can choose to simply slip one of the four flowers over the largest button for a fun, funky look.

The Hat with Simply the Buttons

Close-Up of the Buttons

           

It warms my soul to do this for her.  She is a complete stranger, but that doesn't matter.  My sincere hope is that by wearing this lovingly-crafted hat, she will feel beautiful and confident.  I also plan to make her another cap in a different color and style, so she can change up her look and have an alternative to wear when one is in the wash.

I realize how important it is for women in similar circumstances, who may feel a bit like they've lost a fraction of their femininity, to feel pretty and a little less self-conscious during their time of transition.  That is why I'm offering this cap at a reduced price in my Etsy shop.  I want to help serve people like her, who are fighting their own battles against the beast called cancer.  Family as well as friends of cancer warriors (like my schoolmate) can make special requests to make something truly unique for their loved one.  All I need to know is a little about the recipient's personality, color preferences and certain details about their lifestyle (such as hobby, profession, activity level, etc.) to ensure their custom-made cap fits as well as meets their individual functional requirements.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about my latest adventure.  A few weeks ago, my friend informed me that my mystery client LOVES her hats, and that makes me the happiest crocheter on earth.  Since then, I have made numerous hats for others purchasing for friends or family.  Most has responded that their loved one is very happy with their hats.  I am so pleased to hear this.  <3