Monday 19 October 2015

SOFT TOYS FOR KIDS


Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the Lemon ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the flower ball
BALLS – SOFT TOYS FOR KIDS

A friend’s daughter teaches at the +Delhi Waldorf school.  As this young girl was talking about the school philosophies, and the toys that they use with the children, I remembered seeing these superb toys online and on my *to-do* list and told her I’d love to make something for her. 

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Materials used : Today I’ve used some of our lovely Indian Vardhaman acrylic yarn with a 3 mm crochet hook ; a little embroidery thread ; embroidery needle fabric glue to seal ends ; crochet stitch markers ; poly-fill stuffing ; stocking net

For Indians You could use Anchor , Red rose , 4-ply knitting cotton , or unbranded knitting cotton or White Rose or bamboo knitting cotton , Milk cotton ; Silk yarns as well as  Oswal acrylic yarns ; Baby soft acrylic yarn , Ganga Spectrum as well

General yarn info : The yarn used today is not specific to this pattern.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.
     
International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn , Lily Sugar n' Cream cotton yarn, Caron Simply Soft , Bernat Softee chunky.



Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a slip stitch :  https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

What is a chain stitch ?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY


Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M


PATTERN 1 : LEMON BALL
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement.  This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project. 

These are the Crochet Amish Puzzle balls designed by the superbly talented Dedri Uys.  Thank you so much for this awesome free pattern.

So here are two of her creations. 
Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the Lemon ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of another view of the Lemon ball

No real change here except change in colour, which is why it’s not a pumpkin, but a lemon.. but the possibilities are endless and I’m sure to return to try some of the ideas whizzing in my head soon.

Note for Indian users : In her write up, Dedri says to use a yarn that does not have too much stretch as one needs a stiff outer line.  Vardhaman millennium does have a stretch, but it did work.  I do think though, that our Laura knitting cotton may work better.
Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the one section of the Lemon ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the 4 sections of the Lemon ball
 One piece                                Four pieces  

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the 2 joined sections of the Lemon ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the 2 sets of joined sections of the Lemon ball
 Joined

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo detail of the sections of the Lemon ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the stuffed sections of the Lemon ball
 Stuffed




PATTERN 2 : FLOWER BALL

Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the Flower ball

Note for Indian users : Yet again, our Vardhaman Millennium worked well, but I’d say Laura knitting cotton also deserves a try.  
Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the 4 joined section of the Flower ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the next 4 joined section of the Flower ball


Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the next 4 joined section of the Flower ballSweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , photo of the last 4 joined section of the Flower ball


Sweet Nothings Crochet free crochet pattern blog , close up photo of the Flower ball


Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. Come back right here for more freebie patterns

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Have a great day and see you soon. 

I have a few more toys made that you may want to take a look at.
The cat toys are not animal specific.. these could make really cute baby rattles as well.





  

.. and some home use / miscellaneous projects and patterns