HandMade: The Girly Skull Crochet Dress.

Hello there! Happy Handmade Thursday to you. The latest design to come from my sketch books is this crochet skull dress. I had gone back and forth with this design, especially for the graphic front piece, battling the concept of having the dress split it into two separate colors that would compliment each other. I think it came out fairly well! Definitely want to implement sleeves to this design, next time around. Seeing that I love to layer so sleeveless is usually my go to design!

With crochet pieces that involve graphic designs, they do entail a lot of time ensuring that each chain, each stitch, every row is accounted for. It's a bit stressful to say the least, but in the end, it is truly worth it.

Project Details:
(The leather bow is a hair accessory of mine!)
The yarn I used was Red Heart Super Saver (Black and White)
The hook I used was a I/9-5.50MM
The Girly Skull Crochet Dress pattern is entirely experimental, made from my own pattern! Planning to place the pattern for purchase on my Pattern Shoppe!

Have a great crafty weekend!
ashlee elle.

On My Hook.

Currently, I've been working with this forest green yarn from Red Heart, wanting to create a deconstructed skirt, utilizing a different shape than what most skirts are made. I know, that sounds confusing, but once it's completed it'll make sense..hopefully! It is a skirt that I have designed that will emulate the look of a cable stitch and draw in the appeal of a sweater skirt. Which is one of my favorite things to wear during the Fall/Winter season. 

Another addition to the mix was the selection of buttons, I went to craft store to craft store attempting to find the most fitting set that would compliment this skirt. Thankfully, one of the stores I hit up, had tons of buttons on sell, so now for future projects I am pretty much golden!

What are you currently working on?

Hope your projects are coming along quite nicely!
ashlee elle.

DIY//Halloween Special: The Crochet Crazy Eyeball Headband.

Hello there! Happy Tuesday to you! Wanting to create some sort of Halloween inspired crochet project like I did last year>> Flashback crochet. I came up with this crazy eyeball headband that kind of reminds of Sick Sad World from the animated series Daria, which was an awesome show I used to (and still do) watch. Anywho, I'm sharing this free pattern that is super quick to whip up for the upcoming festivities!

Ingredients:

>>Scissors

>> 4 different colors of yarn (all from Red Heart Yarn) (Black/Cream/Red/Green)

>> Elastic band (half an inch)

>> Yarn sewing needle

>> Hot glue gun

>> (not shown lol the obvious>> Crochet Hook H/8-5.00MM)

Crochet Abbreviations:

SC= Single Crochet

SS= Slip Stitch

ST(S)= Stitch(es)

CH= Chain

Using the black yarn:

CH 5

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

Cut off the yarn for the black to insert the green yarn.

With the green yarn.

Hook is inserted into ST, SC two times in each of the black STS.

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

For a total of 10 STS.

CH 1

This time you will *SC into the first ST only once, and the following ST you will SC two times(*you will repeat this method from until the end of the row.) 

For a total of 25 STS.

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

Cut off remaining yarn to begin using the white yarn.

Insert hook to start the white yarn.

CH 1

This time you will *SC into the first ST only once, and the following ST you will SC one time, into the third ST you will SC two times into that ST(*you will repeat this method from until the end of the row.) 

For a total of 25 STS.

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

CH 1

This time you will *SC into the first ST only once, and the following ST you will SC one time, into the third ST you will SC one time into that ST, but into the fourth ST you will SC two times into that ST.(*you will repeat this method from until the end of the row.) 

For a total of 25 STS.

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

CH 1

This time you will *SC into the first ST only once, and the following ST you will SC one time, into the third ST you will SC one time into that ST, into the fourth ST you will SC one time into that ST, but into the fifth you will SC two times into that ST.(*you will repeat this method from until the end of the row.) 

For a total of 25 STS.

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

Cut off remaining yarn to begin using the black yarn.

Insert hook to start the black yarn.

With the black yarn, you will SC around the entire circle.

Connect the last ST to the very ST by SS.

Cut off remaining yarn to sew in the edges.

For the vein like look to the eyeball:
Using the red yarn and threading the yarn sewing needle, I used a zig zag formation around the eyeball sporadically, where-ever I thought it looked right!

Happy Crafting!
ashlee elle.

HandMade: The Pumpkin Pie Crochet Shorts.

Hello there & Happy Handmade Thursdays to ya! Still feeling a bit under the weather, but I couldn't wait to show this new crochet short design I have recently made. Wanting to utilize an exposed zipper somewhere in this design, it suited the design in the end, just the way I imagined!

I feel as if crocheting shorts, for me personally, has been an evolution, I try to create better ones each time, it's basically practice. I entirely feel that there's always room to learn and experiment! I used a simple technique for creating these shorts, I wanted to keep the stitch as simplistic as possible as well as the pattern. Especially seeing that I would want to wear them all throughout the Autumn season. I didn't feel it needed anything going on with it, sometimes basic is okay! The exposed zipper on the side, offers that little bit of snug and security for this design which I could not decide on where I truly wanted to place it, I opted for the side because it adds a little detail to such a simple design.

On the real, to be entirely honest, these shorts are ridiculously comfortable! After shooting the photographs for them, I just stayed in them all day long. Truly one of my favorite designs yet, I can't wait to put the pattern up!

Crochet Pattern for my first pair of Crochet Shorts>> HERE.

The yarn I used was Vanna's Choice (Rust)
The hook I used was a J/10-6.00MM
The Pumpkin Pie Crochet Shorts pattern is entirely experimental, made from my own pattern! Planning to place the pattern for purchase on my Pattern Shoppe! It's in queue.

On My Hook.

Currently, I am feeling a bit under the weather, but I have a handful of projects that are sort of helping me feel a bit better. I've been working on a piece inspired by the mood of Halloween. It's a crochet graphic tapestry design that I have had sitting in my mind for awhile now. I am mixing black and white yarn which I will be creating a lot of this season for it is truly one of my favorite color combos!

What are you currently working on?

Now I am off to finish it!
ashlee elle.

DIY: The Autumn Bow Crochet Shoulder Shrug & Scarf.

Hello there! Happy Tuesday to you. I've had this yarn in my bin for quite awhile and this design had been in my head for the same amount of time. So I thought, why not combine the two worlds to create this shoulder shrug? For one, I love shrugs, especially this one that can also be utilized as a scarf, which is the best of two worlds. Which is why I thought I'd share the free pattern for those who love a good deal!

Ingredients:
Yarn (I used Loops & Threads//Ginseng)
Scissors
Crochet hook (5MM)
Yarn sewing needle

Abbreviations:
SC=single crochet
HDC=half double crochet
SS=Slip Stitch
CH=Chain
YO=Yarn Over  
Turn= Turn work around 

Using a puff stitch for this pattern. 
Here are some tutorials that might assist you for this pattern.
Link #1

This pattern was made for a Small/Medium. You may use your personal measurements to accommodate the cowl!

Firstly, CH 50.
Turn, HDC the entire Row 1 and turn at the end of the Row.

Row 2: DC into the first ST, *skip the following ST, DC into the next ST, *Repeat from the asterisk, End of Row, Turn.

Row 3: Starting a puff stitch. [Insert hook into stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over 5 times] into the hole that the following Row 2 created, pull through all 6 loops and CH 1. You will YO 5 times into each ST for the entire Row 3. End of Row, Turn.

Row 4: Continuing with the puff stitch.  [Insert hook into stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over 7 times] into the hole that the following Row 2 created, pull through all 8 loops and CH 1. You will create the puff stitch technique into each ST for the entire Row 4. End of Row, Turn.

Row 5: Continuing with the puff stitch.  [Insert hook into stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over 5 times] into the hole that the following Row 2 created, pull through all 6 loops and CH 1. You will create the puff stitch technique into each ST for the entire Row 5. End of Row, Turn.

Row 6: DC into the first ST, *skip the following ST, DC into the next ST, *Repeat from the asterisk until the end of Row, Turn.

Row 7-8: CH 3, *YO, DC into the hole presented by Row 6, CH 1, *Repeat from the asterisk until the end of Row, Turn.

Row 9: DC into the first 4 STS, DC two times into the 5th ST, DC into the next 4 STS, *Repeat from the asterisk until the end of Row, Turn.

Row 10: HDC the entire Row, SS at the end, cutting yarn off to sew in the edges with the yarn sewing needle.

With half a bit of yarn, if you choose. Tie the yarn right around the middle section of the shrug (I simply guessed the middle) to create the bow-esque look.

Happy Crafting!
ashlee elle.

HandMade: The Comfy Over-Sized Crochet Sweater.

I am quite in love with this oversize super comfy crochet sweater I whipped out from a design I've had in my head for months. Trust me, it feels like I am wearing a cozy blanket and that is pretty awesome. Granted I've got awhile before I can actually wear this baby out, though our mornings here have been pretty smooth, it's entirely one of my favorite pieces to wear.

The sweater is absolutely perfect for wearing with jeans, leggings, (my go-to) or even throwing a dress over it could be an option. It's just a sweater that I know I will be making more of not only for myself, but it will be up on my Etsy quite soon to purchase!

The Comfy Crochet Over-sized Sweater pattern is entirely experimental, made from my own pattern! Planning to place the pattern for purchase on my Pattern Shoppe!

Have Fun Crafting!
ashlee elle.

On My Hook.

Currently, I have an pumpkin colored number on my hook from Vanna's Choice and I am planning to create crochet shorts once again! I haven't made a pair in a few months or so and I am more than excited to create a pair I can wear during the Autumn season. I am utilizing an exposed zipper, in an attempt to create more constructed pieces which makes the process more challenging, but well worth it in the end!
What are you currently working on? I'd love to know!

DIY: The Crochet Early Snowfall Hat.

Hello there! Happy Tuesday to you. This free pattern is one that I went back and forth, trying to figure out what I truly wanted to make, so many ideas and I only bought one skein! Though to those who have been to a Michaels' lately would have seen the new line from Isaac Mizrahi craft. Truly gorgeous bits of yarn, I really wanted to grab them all and make everything out of them! Alas, I picked up a few skeins and this particular one, The Gramercy Park/Lexington style, I really wanted to make a hat out of it. Even though there is a pattern from the actual line on how to create one, (I think it can be found in stores?) I wanted to crochet a different kind of style, so here is the free pattern for this little dude!

Ingredients:
>>Scissors
>>19.00MM Crochet Hook
>>Isaac Mizrahi Craft (In Gramercy Park)
>> (Not shown/ Yarn Sewing Needle & Pom Pom maker)

Yarn Abbreviations:
HDC=Half Double Crochet
CH= Chain
SS= Slip Stitch
ST(S)= Stitch(es)

CH 3
Connect by SS and CH 1,
Row 1: HDC into each ST, Two times,
Connect by SS and CH 1.

Row 2: HDC in the first ST, One time.
HDC into the following ST, Two times.
(Repeat this method for the whole entire row around,
Connect by SS and CH 1.

Row 3: HDC in the first ST, One time.
HDC into the following ST, One time.
HDC into the third ST, Two times,
(Repeat this method for the whole entire row around,
Connect by SS and CH 1.

Row  4-7: HDC in all STS,
Connect by SS and CH 1, for the entire Rows set.

Row 8: SC the entire Row 8, connect by SS and secure the yarn, Cut and sew in the remaining yarn.

For the Side Flaps:
Connect the yarn to your hook, Insert hook on the both sides of the hat, (Individually) 7 STS apart.
HDC into 4 STS,
Turn work to Decrease the next Row by 1. (3)
Turn work to Decrease the next Row by 1 again. (2)
Turn work to Decrease the next Row by 1 once more. (1)
CH 10.
Cut a little bit of the yarn off, half an inch.
*Do this for both sides!

Pom Pom Making!
For Mini pom poms make two [Click here for instructions]
For a Large pom pom [Click here for instructions]

Mini Pom Poms
You will use the sew using the extra string on the end of the flaps, securing them using your yarn sewing needle.

Large Pom Pom
You will sew the pom pom, directly to the top of the hat, securing them using your yarn sewing needle.

Happy Crafting!
ashlee elle.