Christmas Toilet Paper Cozy

Toilet paper. It's one of those things that everyone uses. Well . . . I guess not everyone. There is this thing I was reading about the other night called "Family Cloths."

*shrug*

I dunno, I'm all on-board for cloth baby wipes and cleaning rags but have yet to be sold on the idea of reusable cloth toilet paper . . . that you wash . . . in your washing machine . . .

*again . . . shrug*

I digress! Toilet paper! It's a novel invention. It's useful, convenient and practical. However, it's not the fanciest thing out there.

Remember when toilet paper "cozies" were a big thing? Are they still?? I remember my mother having several during the late 80's / early 90's. Was that the end of them?

Anyway, I need a unique and cute Teacher/Bus Driver/Mother-in-Law/Hostess/you name it, gift that is quick and is one size fits most (toilet paper rolls that is)

So, here is the pattern for the Christmas Toilet Paper Cozy!!  On to the pattern!!







↘       ↙

One Year Anniversary . . . top pattern round up!

image (c) Ruth Windover

. . . read to the end to discover a Red Mitten Designs One Year Anniversary Celebration surprise!


Red Mitten Designs is one year old today!  Can you believe it?!!!

A year of Red Mitten Designs blogging wouldn't be possible without you, the reader.  Thank you!!  I have loved reading your comments and seeing your beautiful finished projects! 😄

To celebrate the one year anniversary, here is a round up of the blogs top six all time favourite FREE knitting and crochet patterns!!

Crochet Simple Pumpkins . . . a how-to

image (c) Ruth Windover

October is here and Pumpkin Season is officially in full swing!

I am seeing pumpkins in the grocery store, in the fields, at the farmers markets and on front porches.

And the smell of pumpkin spice seems to be lingering everywhere . . . or perhaps the enticing smell has permeated my clothing?  After all, I have sort of fallen in love with Tim Horton's Pumpkin Spice Latte this year and it's starting to become a once a day habit . . . must stop!

As of late last week the weather here in southern Ontario finally turned to more closely resemble the fall season we are in.

A truly Canadian anecdote, last weekend we were swimming, this weekend we went apple picking bundled up in jeans and sweaters!

. . . perhaps it will snow soon? . . .

image (c) Ruth Windover

The cooler weather, and the hope of snow, has started me to thinking about Christmas knits & crafts (too soon? nah!  It's always time for Christmas!!), and designing some new winter-wear items.

This morning Hunny informed me that she wants her mittens to be green and purple sparkle this year.  Not sure what design will come of those colours . . .

Well, before I start in too far on that thought I will finish posting about the Crochet Simple Pumpkins.  They are quick and make adorable fall decor.  They have been a popular purchase from my Facebook shop lately!

I was going to do a photo-tutorial here on the blog but I got playing around with my Info-graphic Design Program again and ended up creating a Pin-able graphic instead!

For more awesome, FREE crochet patterns, why not click on over to allfreecrochet.com and check out there great selection!

Thanks for creating with Red Mitten Designs!

Canada Day Bandanna Dribble Bib

image (c) Ruth Windover

Canada is turning 150 this year!  

So, in celebration, why not make your little one a Canada Day Bandanna Dribble bib?

Canada Day is still two weeks away, lots of time to run off a pair of bibs!!

This pattern contains instructions for both the embossed maple leaf and the duplicate stitch maple leaf bibs.



The pattern is for sale for $3 USD on the following pattern websites (that's $1.50 /  pattern - get it?  Canada 150! :) :

Craftsy

LoveKnitting

Ravelry


This pattern required the following stitch knowledge:
knit 
purl 
knit front and back 
knit 2 together 
yarn over 
* duplicate stitch * (a how-to can be found HERE)


Suggested Yarn:

Embossed Leaf Bib: Bernat Handicrafter cotton in Country
Red approximately 50 yards

Duplicate Stitch Leaf Bib: Bernat Handicrafter cotton in white
approximately 50 yards
Bernat Handicrafter cotton in country
red approximately 3 yards

The original Bandanna Dribble Bib pattern is available for purchase HERE

HAPPY CANADA DAY AND HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

A Dishcloth in (less than) a Day Free *Crochet* Pattern

I love crocheted dishcloths!!  

*Confession!*  I actually love crochet dishcloths more than knitted dishcloths.

For some reason, in my mind, dishcloths clean better when they have the little holes in them created from crochet, while knitted cloths make better facecloths (aka washcloths). My favourite washcloth is my "Bee Sweet Washcloth pattern" which can be found:  HERE

Faux Paracord Wrap Bracelets *free* crochet pattern

image (c) Ruth Windover

I have at least half a dozen (probably more like a couple of dozen 😕) unfinished, half-finished or un-started (is that a word?) projects sitting in my "working" basket.

I looked at them this week but so many of the projects are on "time out" or have patterns that are half written that I decided I would start something new and quick that I have been thinking about: crochet bracelets.

I saw some pretty ones around the virtual world and thought, 'Hey, I could make myself some of those!'


And so I did.


And then I made one for Hunny.  And then another to add to her friends birthday present.  And then a few dozen more 'cause they were pretty.  And then another for Hoss in "a manly colour" because he thought they looked cool too! 😊

image (c) Ruth Windover

And of course, the very first time Hoss wore his he got a compliment!!  And then, when asked where he got it, instead of advertising for Red Mitten Designs he responds "my wife made it."  Grrrr!  Ha Ha!!  Oh well, they look fantastic so I decided I'd share the pattern with you . . .


*Special Note:
If you are a local and would like to custom order a handmade bracelet (or toque, mittens, washcloths, teddy bears, . . . :) feel free to check out my Facebook Page 

(At this time custom orders handmade by Red Mitten Designs are only available in my local area and are not available to ship.  My sincere apologies for any inconvenience)


On to the pattern!!!

Free Pattern: Bee Sweet Washcloth

image (c) Ruth Windover

Time for spring knits!!!  

And today was a great day for photographing ducks with the light drizzle we are getting.

I love this time of year, as my projects turn from holy-crap-its-cold-and-I-need-knits-to-stay-warm to beautiful, artfully crafted home decor items, children's toys (for next Christmas - ssssshhhh!), and home essentials - like today's project: knit washcloths (does anyone else call them facecloths?)

I adore how these cloths feel.  

So light and fluffy!  They are porous enough to wash away baby drool, little boy mud smears and princess marker "tattoo's".

I struggled with what to name this pattern and ended up settling on "Bee Sweet" as it is designed using the "bee stitch."

For other unique washcloth patterns don't forget to check out allfreeknitting.com's selection of FREE patterns

Bandanna Dribble Bib, Bee Sweet cloth & Lil Duck
image (c) Ruth Windover

The "ducklings" in the picture were created using Karla Fitch's "Lil Ducks" pattern that can be found HERE.  This pattern is so sweet and quick!!!

A couple of these cloths, a duckling and a "Bandanna Dribble Bib" would make an absolutely adorable (and I'm sure appreciated) baby shower gift!

Or, for the more adventurous baby shower giver, try my HBC Grey Scale Inspired Toddler Blanket


Without further rambling . . . on to the pattern!!



↓   ↓  click on "Read More"  ↓   ↓  

Happy Easter

image (c) Ruth Windover

Happy Easter from my peeps to yours!!

free "peeps bunnies" pattern

From Red Mitten Designs, have a glorious Easter with friends and family!

He is Risen!  & alive forevermore!!!

Happy Crafting!

Bandanna Dribble Bib *pattern*

image (c) Ruth Windover

The Bandanna Dribble Bib knit pattern is now available for purchase through my Ravelry Store!!

BUY NOW

The Bandanna Dribble Bib is my "go-to" bib for daily use with my Baby Bear.  Its simple yet adorable and unobtrusive enough that he doesn't attempt to pull it off!!  Mommy-win!

To celebrate the Bandanna Dribble Bib release a coupon code is available!

Expired. Follow me on Google+,Facebook or Instigram for future promos!  Happy Knitting!!

For the next 4 hours only purchase the Le Tuxedo Baby Bib pattern and add the Bandanna Dribble Bib Pattern to your cart.  Use the promo code B1G1bib and receive the Bandanna Dribble Bib pattern for free!

As always, I would love to see your finished creations!!  You can show them off on Ravelry, Pinterest, Instigram or here in the comments section below ↧

Happy Crafting!!

HBC Grey-scale Inspired Blanket

image (c) Ruth Windover

Well, I can't seem to stay away from making pretty things with my crochet hooks!  So, here is another crochet pattern!!

Because I love both knitting and crochet (and am convinced that both are gorgeous forms of art!) I have decided that I am going to upgrade the blog description to "a blog about knitting . . . & occasionally crochet"

Readers!  What do you think?!  Does this change appeal to you or would you rather I return to exclusively posting knitting patterns?  Let me know in the comments section below ⇩

To a blogger, all comments are highly valued (no matter if they are a small comment or a soliloquy!) Readers comments are what keep this blogger posting!  I genuinely love to hear your thoughts, insights and to see any and all of the gorgeous things you create with my patterns

This weeks pattern is for a crocheted HBC inspired Toddler Size (also makes a great lap size) blanket.

The Hudson's Bay Company was founded in Canada in the 1600's and still endures today.  With its iconic colours (and its more modern, turn of the new millennium, grey-scale) it's "stripe spotting" branding is known worldwide.


For my blanket I opted to use the grey-scale as it fits nicely with the colour scheme I plan to use in Little Bears big boy room.  The pattern would also look wonderful in the vintage HBC colours!  Give it a go!!!

If you make one please share a picture; I would love to see it!








On to the pattern!



~ * ~ * ~

HBC Grey-scale Inspired Blanket
       ~by Ruth Windover

craft:
crochet

skill level:
beginner

size:
approx 42 x 54 inches (106 x 137 cm)
this is designed as a Toddler Size blanket.  It is not recommended for use in cribs

materials:

• 5.5mm (I/9) crochet hook
• Bernat Premium worsted weight yarn in the following:
• aran  825 yards
• black 165 yards
• dark grey heather 165 yards
• medium grey heather 165 yards
• light grey heather 165 yards

gauge:
12 sts and 8 rows = 4 inches in DC

abbreviations:
Ch     chain
st      stitch
DC   double crochet







pattern:
Row 1:  starting with the MC (aran) loosely Ch 128 sts.  DC in 3rd st from hook.  DC in each st across (126).  Turn

Row 2 - 12:  Ch 3 (counts as a st throughout pattern).  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Row 13 - 24: change to black.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126). Turn

Row 25 - 36: change to MC.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Row 37 - 48:  change to dark grey heather.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Row 49 - 60:  change to MC.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Row 61 - 72:  change to medium grey heather.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

image (c) Ruth Windover

Row 73 - 84:  change to MC.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Row 85 - 96:  change to light grey heather.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Row 97 - 108:  change to MC.  Ch 3.  DC in next st and all sts across (126).  Turn

Bind off and weave in all ends.
Block if desired

Thanks for crocheting!!

This pattern can be used for teaching classes, personal use or small quantity sales. If you do use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back - it’s the nice and morally responsible thing to do:) DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Thanks for knitting! Enjoy!!

All images copyright Ruth Windover. Do not use without permission

Knit Peeps Bunnies *free pattern*

* * AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS PATTERN IS AVAILABLE HERE * *

image (c) Ruth Windover

After two weeks of crochet patterns on a blog about knitting its time to get back to what we are all here for - knitting!  And what better way to do that then with a free pattern!!

I was recently asked by allfreeknitting.com to create a blog post / pattern with a spring related theme. Since it's still the dead of winter and we have a bazillion feet of snow here - welcome to Canada! - I thought it was a brilliant idea and it gives me the change to start sprucing up the place with some spring!

According to my little Hunny, Easter is spring.  Therefore, this pattern is an Easter / spring pattern for knitted Peeps Bunnies.  You remember those don't you?  Those waaaaay-too-sweet-but-oh-so-delicious-stick-to-your-teeth treats that you love more as a child then as an adult?

With this adorable pattern you can still love the treats from your childhood (or possibly, like me, also your adulthood . . . sssshh) without the added worry over calories or sugar content.

On to the pattern!!

~ * ~ * ~
Knit Peep's Bunny
      by Ruth Windover

Materials:

4 mm double pointed needles
Bernat Premium less than 50 yards
(colours in photo from left to right:
baby blue, pink rose, baby yellow,lilac)
Bernat Premium black approx 5 yards (for eyes)
Stuffing (polyester fiberfill)
Tapestry needle



Abbreviations:

c/o - cast on
PM - place marker
SM - slip marker
K/k - knit
M1R - make one right
M1L - make one left
K2tog - knit two together
SSK - slip slip knit


Pattern:

Body
c/o 8 sts.  Join to work in the round

set up round:  K4. PM. K4. PM for beginning of round

Rnd 1:  *K1. M1R. K to 1 st before next marker.  M1L. K1.  SM*  rep from *-* one more time

Rnd 2:  knit

Repeat rounds 1 & 2 until there are 14 sts between markers (28 sts on needles)

Knit five rounds

*At this point sew up the hole at the cast on edge*

Rnd 16:  *K2tog.  K to 2 sts before marker.  SSK.  SM*  rep from *-* one more time

Rnd 17:  knit

Repeat rounds 16 & 17 one more time (20 sts)


Head

image (c) Ruth Windover

Rnd 20:  *K1.  M1R.  K to 1 st before marker.  M1L. K1*  rep from *-* one more time (24 sts)

Knit seven rounds

Rnd 28:  *K2tog.  K to 2 sts before maker,  SSK.  SM*  rep from *-* one more time (20 sts)


If adding eyes and a nose embroider them on at this point using french knots


Ear One

K5.  slip next 10 sts onto a st holder (leaving the st marker in place).  Using backwards loop cast on 2 sts.  Knit last 5 sts (12)

Knit one round

K1.  M1R.  K to 1 st before end of round.  M1L.  K1 (14)

Knit four rounds

*K2tog.  K3.  SSK*  rep from *-* one more time (10)

Knit one round

K2tog.  K1.  SSK*  rep from *-* one more time (6)

Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.  Pull tight and secure.  Weave in end.  Stuff ear one and the body before beginning the second ear.  Leave a small amount of space  to allow for sewing the hole between the ears closed.


Ear Two

Attach yarn to begin knitting at st marker.  Knit 5 sts.  Using backwards loop method cast on 2 sts. Knit last 5 sts (12 sts)

Knit one round

ERRATA!! - at this point, whip stitch closed the hole between the ears and weave in / secure any remaining ends to the inside of the bunny ( I wove in ear #2's tail and then used it to whip stitch the hole closed)  Add any additional stuffing as needed to make the bunny as plump as desired.

K1.  M1R.  K to 1 st before end of round.  M1L.  K1 (14 sts)

Knit four rounds

*K2tog.  K3.  SSK*  rep from *-* one more time (10)

begin stuffing ear at this point

Knit one round

K2tog.  K1.  SSK*  rep from *-* one more time (6)

Cut yarn and finish stuffing ear.  Draw tail through remaining sts.  Pull tight and secure.  Weave in end.

Your bunny is complete.  Why not make a set?

To download a free printable version of this pattern click on the PDF link below ⬇

image (c) Ruth Windover

Don't forget to check out allfreeknitting.com for more spring (and Easter) knitting patterns!

Thanks for knitting!!

PRINTABLE PATTERN

This pattern can be used for teaching classes, personal use or small quantity sales. If you do use this pattern for sale items please provide a link back - it’s the nice and ethical thing to do. DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Thanks for knitting! Enjoy!!

All images copyright Ruth Windover. Do not use without permission

Free Messy Bun Toque *pattern*

image (c) Ruth Windover

Hello again everyone!!  Once again it is going to be a post on CROCHET!

"W-H-Y!!?"  my avid knitting followers ask.

Well, simple answer #1) I love crochet too (tho not as much as knitting - don't worry - I haven't "gone to the dark side" . . . yet . . . :)

Simple answer #2)  I knit English style but crochet continental.  Sooo, sometimes my hands like a change!

Ok, so today's *crochet* pattern is going to be for the extremely popular messy bun toque. The unique thing about the pattern I am going to present to you is that the top (where your messy bun goes) is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-y and therefore can *theoretically* be put on after you have made your bun.


The free pattern is for the toque only.  A paid version of this pattern can be found HERE and includes a child's size, the ladies size and the pattern for both a small and a large flower (the ones pictured)

On to the free tutorial for the ladies size toque (only :)!!


*  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *

Crochet Messy Bun Toque Tutorial - size ladies
              by Ruth Windover

SIZE:  20 - 22 inch (ladies average)

image (c) Ruth Windover

MATERIALS:

~ A (sturdy!) hair elastic - you don't want it to break after all

~ a 5.5 mm (I/9) crochet hook

~ 3 colours of worsted weight yarn.   I used Bernat Premium Med Grey Heather approx. 100 yards (MC), white approx. 35 yards (CC) and Rich Red approx. 10 yards (CC#2)



~ oh! and a tapestry needle (not pictured) to weave in the ends and sew on the adornment

GAUGE:  12 sts and 8 rounds = 4 inches in DC

ABBREVIATIONS:

ST/ st stitch

MC main colour

DC double crochet

CC contrast colour

CC#2 contrast colour #2

sc single crochet

YO yarn over

sl st slip stitch

ch chain

PATTERN

Steps for setting up the base round using the elastic:

image (c) Ruth Windover

STEP ONE:

make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook

image (c) Ruth Windover

STEP TWO:

place the needle through the hair elastic as if it is a magic loop.  YO and pull as a slip stitch through both the elastic and the slip knot.

Chain 3 (does NOT count as a stitch!)

image (c) Ruth Windover

STEP THREE:

DC 33 stitches around the hair elastic as if it is a magic loop

image (c) Ruth Windover

STEP FOUR:

join with a slip stitch into the top of the first double crochet.  Ch3.  (does not count as a stitch on this round or any of the following rounds)




Rnd 1: DC into same st as Ch3.  DC in next st.  2 DC in next st.  *DC in each of next 2 sts.  2 DC in next st*  repeat from * - * around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch 3.  (44)

Rnd 2: DC into same st as Ch 3.  DC in each of the next 2 sts.  2 DC in next st.  *DC in each of the next 3 sts.  2 DC in next st *  repeat from * - * around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch 3.  (55)

Rnd 3: DC into same st as Ch3.  DC in each of the next 3 sts.  2 DC in next st.  *DC in each of the next 4 sts.  2 DC in next st*  repeat from * - * around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch 3. (66)

Rnd 4 - 10:  DC into same st as Ch3.  DC around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch 3. (66)

Rnd 11:  change to CC (you don't need to cut MC just carry it up the inside of your work).  DC into same st as Ch3.  DC around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch3 (66)

Rnd 12 - 13:  with CC DC into same st as Ch3.  DC around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch 3 (66)

Rnd 14:  cut CC & return to MC.  DC into same st as Ch3.  DC around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first DC.  Ch 1 (66)

Rnd 15 - 18:  sc into the same st as Ch1.  sc around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first sc. Ch1.  (66)

Rnd 19:  sc into the same st as Ch1.  sc around.  Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first sc.  Fasten off.  Secure and weave in all ends.

Make your favourite flower using CC and CC#2.  The flower pictured is available in the purchased version of this pattern.

Thank you for considering purchasing the paid version of this pattern . . . it will help keep me in yarn and therefore creating patterns if you buy it :)

Or, if you just really like my patterns / tutorials and would like to buy me a coffee for my efforts 😊please select a paid pattern from my store


(c) All images, unless otherwise stated, are the property of Ruth Windover.  Do not use without permission.  The pattern can be used for teaching classes, personal use or small business sales. If you do use this pattern for sale items make sure to link back to this pattern - it’s the right thing to do. DO NOT claim this pattern as your own. Thanks for knitting! Enjoy!!

Thanks for crocheting!!  Next week we will return to our regularly scheduled knitting programming :)

Frozen Snow Queen Mittens

image (c) Ruth Windover

Welcome back everyone!!  I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and pray the New Year has been treating you well so far.

I have so many plans for the blog and for knitting projects this year that I can't wait to share with you!!

My wonderful Hoss gave me a box full of yarn for Christmas.  I'm not sure if he fed the already over-stuffed (kinda like our Christmas turkey) stash or if I'll start right in with the new project(s) - it's enough yarn to make a beautiful blanket, and possibly a pair of mittens, a toque, a children's toy . . . and then some.

As promised in my last post of 2016 the pattern for the Frozen Snow Queen mittens is now hot off the needles and available for purchase through my Ravelry Store:

Buy Now!

The pattern comes in three sizes.  Average ages: 2-4 (5-7, 8-10).

image (c) Ruth Windover

And to start the new year off right, Red Mitten Designs is now on YouTube with knitting tutorials . . . well . . . one knitting tutorial.  But there will be more in the future so please subscribe!

And to make it even better, you can also find me on Pinterest!!

Check out the social media buttons in the sidebar to the right ⤐

As always, thanks for knitting (it's so much fun isn't it?!)

Remember to follow me here, on Instigram, on Pinterest and even on YouTube!

Let's have a great year together!

HAPPY 2017