May Day Dish Mop ~Free Crochet Pattern~

Happy May Day!

Now, are we talking the first of May?

Are we talking the need of Help?

Or is it Both?

Whatever the excuse to do something good for yourself, and the environment, It is a great day for this pattern.

 It will remain free, here on the blog, or if you want to print it for your own, personal use, you may buy a copy of the PDF in my Ravelry Shop for $1.49. By personal use, I mean you can print the pattern, and make as many of the dish mops as you please. You may gift the finished item, Sell the finished item, or use them yourself. You may NOT, in any way shape or form sell, or give the pattern to anyone else. Have the person who asks you for it visit my blog to get their own. Thank You for respecting me. I love to share, but I want it to be on my terms.

 This is where it started. I have been saying for over a year, that I need to crochet a new scrubbie top for the mop.  Well, today was the day!

 Cotton Yarn, Remnants from other projects. This is Lily, Sugar and Cream, but any Worsted Weight Cotton would do nicely for this. I used a 3.0 mm hook for the cotton layers, I want serious durability for this item, it will be used often.

 This one is unique, as it has a metal screw, holding the mop to the handle. While I am not a fan, because of the rust factor, it is not generally an issue that puts a person at serious risk of illness. It just is not pretty.

 So here it is, all taken apart. The original was 8 layers of sponge, and weird scubby pads, that honestly had little to no chance of being able to hold up.

 For my center, I wanted it to be smaller than the rest of the mop, some of my tall glasses narrow at the bottom. I want to be able to reach the bottom with a washing surface.

For this piece:  MAKE 2

Ch 4, join to form ring.  *Ch 4, dtr in ring twice, ch 4, sl st in ring* Repeat between * 3 times, for a total of 4 petals. Cut yarn, and weave in tails.

 This layer is whimsical, and fun, and ever so helpful. the cotton chain loops will get mooshed down into the rolls and crevises of some of our favorite glasses. You know, the ones that you hate to see the kids use for milk, but their favorite to grab.

For this piece: Make 1

Ch 4, join to form ring. *ch 15, sl st to center ring* Repeat between *  11 times, for a total of 12 loops. Cut the yarn, and weave in the ends. A bit tough, as it is only a chain surface, but you do not want the end loose, and hanging, so do it..

 Now for the FUN:  More up cycling, or re-purposing. This layer is made from the plastic mesh bag my grand daughters flavor pops come in. You can find similar mesh bags on other items in the grocery store. White ones are often on the frozen Turkey, sometimes the red ones can be found with potatoes, or Onions in the Produce section. Some are really soft, and will not give you a very scratchy product, which may be great for your Crystal, or China. You can use Tulle for this layer as well.

 Start by pulling the bag into a skinny tube, and cutting it into bits, about an inch wide.  Don't go smaller, it stretches into a thin strip that works out perfectly for this project.

 Once cut, you have rounds that need to be joined to turn it into the long strand you can crochet with.

Think of making plarn for joining these loops of plastic mesh.  If you need help, I am sure YouTube will have a video.   Oh, Kara from petalstopicot.com offered this one.  Love that it is labeled Green.
http://www.petalstopicots.com/2011/12/green-crocheting-making-plarn-html/

Scrubbing layer, Make 1
 For the foundation of this layer, Using the WW cotton,  Ch 4, join to form a ring. *ch 5, sc in the center ring.* Repeat between * 4 times, for a total of 5 loops

 For the scratchy portion of this layer, Use a larger hook, to make the process easier. I used an 8.0mm

Join to any of the ch 5 loops, *ch 7, sl st to same loop, ch 5, sl st to same loop, Ch 7, sl st to next loop. Ch 5, sl st to same loop,*  Repeat between * 4 times, for a total of 5 groups of  4 scratchy chains.  I pulled the longer loops toward the bottom, and the shorter ones up as I got ready to layer the mop, but it really is not required.

For the bottom layer, Make 1

Using the cotton yarn, and the 3.0mm hook,
ch 4, join to form a loop.
1) ch 3, 17 dc in center loop. sl st to top of ch 3.
2) ch 3, dc in same *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st.* repeat around, alternating 1 dc, 2 dc. sl st to the top of ch 3 to end the round.
3) repeat round 2
4) *ch 5, sk 1 dc, sc in next.* repeat between * around, placing final sc in base of first ch 5.
Cut yarn, and bury the ends somewhere in the midst of all those dc. :)
  This is not Flat, but not really cup shaped either, just slightly domed.

 When I put it together the first time, I only had 1 of the first layer, it was okay, but really I wanted more, thus the instructions tell you to make 2.

 Put your layers together, on the screw head, using the center loop. Insert screw in handle, Tighten with screwdriver, and get those dishes out of the sink, so you can have a good day!

The odds are, you do not have a handle like this just laying around, but what about fabricating one. I was thinking a wooden dowel, but it could get skanky, if you leave it in the dish water, Maybe an old toothbrush? and a self threading screw?  You would need a washer that would help to hold the layers flush. Just cut the brush head off with a fine tooth hand saw.  

I hope you enjoy this pattern, and will look for ways in your world to use what is on hand, to make your day better. Amelioration is not tough, and can go a long way toward saving this beloved planet.  Don't know that word? click Here 

This pattern will remain free, here on the blog, It is for your personal use.
 By personal use, I mean you can print the pattern, and make as many of the dish mops as you please. You may gift the finished item, Sell the finished item, or use them yourself. You may NOT, in any way shape or form sell, or give the pattern to anyone else. Have the person who asks you for it visit my blog to get their own. Thank You for respecting me. I love to share, but I want it to be on my terms.

Free Baby Crochet Patterns

Learning of an expected Baby is great news!  The creator is us is instantly on alert, Needing to find the perfect pattern, or just the right inspiration to pull together the perfect hand made gift for the new little marvell.
Each of these amazing Baby Crochet Patterns is so sweet, some for Boys, Some for Girls, and ALL FREE at the time of posting.

Lets Start with this delightful set, from Just Crochet.com.  Worked so carefully, and beautifully.

Just as precious is this dear set for the baby boy in your world

Personally, I adore Baby Shoes, so let's look at a few

Something so fantastic about the sweet styling of Mary Janes

This Pair, dubbed Milena, well, you be the judge

These Bow Baby Booties are really adorable. The shoe can be worked in any color, with matching Bow? or Contrasting?

The Cute Baby Boots offered at the Blue Link is what the same says. they're Cute

And for the Tiny Little Man in your world, How about this fantastic little Tom-Tom Loafers pattern? Can they get any sweeter?

So many options for stitch patterns with baby items, this one, actually caught me unprepared. The Crocodile Stitch is really pretty versatile

Now, what sort of Baby Item Collection would this be if I ignored the obvious,
Baby Blankets

Baby Emma's blanket, shown here in the traditional Baby Pastels is so cozy looking. Exactly the sort of thing one would expect for a prize baby offering

When it comes to Baby Blanket patterns, the supply of patterns is unending, here are just a few more of my favorites for you to look at.

Blanket Baby is so delicate looking

Another from Heather, that I find so darling, Simple Crib Blanket.  Can be striped for gender, or kept very neutral It will be stunning, either way

What if Tradition is the furthest thing from your goal? What if you want to produce the item everyone gasps at, saying,"Why didn't I think of that?"  Well, this Crochet Set may be a viable option

As I sat looking at this Crochet Sweater, I kept wondering what stitch that was.  Then it dawned on me, it is a free pattern, I do not need to "try" to figure it out.

I never thought to make these Scratch Mitts for my babies, I did use socks when it got bad.  Live, Learn, and share the Love 

And for the dressy occasions, because they always come up. These Baby Mitts cannot be surpassed.

Having a baby in the family is such an amazing thing.  The options of things to make is endless. I hope you have found something in this collection that suits your desires.

Be Sure to share the link to the post with your friends, Who know who may be harboring a secret?

Until next time
Becky

Adornment Roundup With a Free Headband Pattern

Today's sharing is all based upon a headband that I made for Allie this week end.

I am a traditional Grandmother, I adore showering my little ones with things they enjoy.  

I must admit, I spoil Allie. 

She is also my quality control guru. If a design isn't well constructed, she will be the one to discover it first! She looks all delicate and demure, but she is very active and driven. It makes sense that I should tailor my samples to fit her!

As I tried it on her, she pipes up with a list of different things she wants to put on it. Stars, Butterflies, Hearts, Flowers and Bugs.  Good Grief Girl, slow down, Grammy is working on it!  Praise the Lord, I have Creative Friends, and the Internet!  

This Roundup is all about free patterns that can be added to a clip, or pin for easy changes as the mood or occasion mandate.

1) Tuxedo Bowtie 

2)  Multiple Size Flower   

3) Star 

4)  Simple Layered Flower 

5)  Rolled Rose

 6)  Daffodil 

7)  Dragon Fly 

8)  Puffy Heart 

9)  Bow

10)  Emerald City Flower

 11)  Small Butterfly 

12)  Double layered crochet dahlia flower 

13) Easy Flower Headband W/ Flower

14) Double Layer Daisy 

15)  Double Layer Butterfly

16)  3 D Flower

For the Headband, you will need:

About 15 yds Worsted Weight Yarn. I used Red Heart Super Saver in White

size G (4.25mm) crochet hook

Yarn Needle

Elastic Ponytail holder

Scissors

Gauge is not important to this pattern, provided you measure with a bit of tug on your band, before attaching elastic.

Leaving a 4 inch tail for stitching, Ch3, TC in first ch made.  Ch 3, TC in joint of the previous loop (see picture 1)

Continue in this manner, until you have about 16 inches of length.
Mine average almost an inch per loop, so I made 16.

Ch 2, sl st into the big loop Hdc in loop, sl st in same loop, in the next loop, HDC,sl st, HDC in the loop, Repeat to the end of this side. Now, Continue in pattern up the other side. When you arrive at the end, slst to the ch 2,  

Using tails, fold edge of first loop over Elastic Pony, and sew in place. Be sure "bumpy" side is out.

Repeat on other end.

Choose your favorite adornment, either from those here, or others you may find. By attaching them to pins or clips, they are interchangeable,   When Your need or mood changes, so can the look.

                                                                                         

Fantastic Pattern Roundup!

Have you ever set out to do something, that just did not work out the way you envisioned, so, rather than give up you alter the plan and move forward?  Yes, that is me today!   I wanted to do A
       Fantastic Pattern Round-Up
 we are all loving them these days. I sent out requests for links to SETS, asking people to surprise me, as long as it was multiple items that went together, I wanted to share.  I got fantastic links, some Free Patterns, Some Paid. All Great.
I was unable to create a collage that was worthy.
This is something I will be looking into more. I want to be able to do this.
In the mean time, I am sharing the items that were sent to me

Hey, It isn't Perfect, but I did it!




1) Jessie Rayot, Jessie at Home   Spa Bath Set

2) Celina Lane,   Simply Collectible Crochet  Ninja Set










          3)Tamara Kelly, Moogly,  Jungle Friends Finger Puppets and Case

4)Kim Guzman, WIP's N Chains  Kitchen Set

5) Elana Hunt, Beatrice Ryan Designs, Sunshine and Shells Baby Set 

6) Katy Peterson, KT and the Squid, Dr & Stethoscope 

 
7) Tamara Kelly, Moogly Blog  Baby in Bloom Bonnet and Sweater


I was directed to this link, and Frankly, was not willing to select one set over another. These are
Designer Collaborations,
and they need to be checked out. But do not ask me to choose.