Crochet your summer 'must-haves'

Those of us who can crochet, need not buy some of the staples for cool summer oufits. You only need to buy yarns or threads and sometimes you need to buy a crochet pattern.

Following are some of my suggestions from my own crochet designs. These have been around for several years, but I believe they won't go out of style.

Sea Star Cardi 

My latest design for a beach cover-up or a summer cardigan is published in crochet.com as Sea Star Cardi. You may visit their website to download the pattern for free.

Pattern and project details are here on Ravelry.

Le Tote

A yarny tote, that can carry your beach essentials, or your current project if you like to take it along with you anywhere. Another downloadable free pattern from crochet.com.  View the pattern and project details on Ravelry, and get inspired to make your own. I love my sample in blue. It is a practical everyday bag, soft and huggable too.

Hibiscus Tunic

A beach coverup I designed several years ago. If you love crocheting with thread, this will be quite doable for you. The pattern is available for sale at Interweave.com The price varies, and sometimes it is greatly discounted.

View this design on Ravelry.

Sienna Top

This is the Sienna Top from the book "It Girl Crochet". I used size 10 thread for my own top. I added a thin cotton fabric for lining. 

The pattern for this top is available for sale on interweave.com. It can also be found in the book and magazine where its published.

Thanks for looking, happy crocheting! 

Flounder the fish - free crochet pattern

I'm sharing the pattern for the flounder amigurumi I made as companion for the Ariel mermaid doll  for my granddaughter. This one have the stripes worked in tapestry crochet. But you may also add in the stripes later, like in this first model I made.

Flounder Amigurumi
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2019
This pattern can only be found on this link:
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2019/04/flounder-fish-free-crochet-pattern.html


Materials
Worsted weight yarn - yellow and blue
Crochet hook size 4mm
Polyester fiberfill
Small amounts of crochet thread for facial features - black, white and green (for eyes, eyebrows), red for lips
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Crochet Gauge: 9 sts = 2 inches

Notes: Do not join rnds, work in a continuous spiral, marking the beginning of rnds as you go. 

Head and Body
With yellow, start with a magic ring, 
Rnd 1: 6 sc in ring (6 sc).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc).
Rnd 3: (sc in sc, 2 sc in next) 6 times (18sc).
Rnd 4: work in back loops only for this rnd, (sc in next 2 sc , 2 sc in next) 6 times (24sc)
Rnd 5: ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, sl st in next sc, sc in each sc around, sc on each st on the opposite side of ch 4 in the beginning of this rnd, sc again on the last st (31 sc)
Rnd 6: sc in each sc around (31 sc)
Rnd 7: sc in next 24 sc, sc and hdc in next, sc, hdc and sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc (33 sts) 
Rnd 8:, Sc in 3 sc, sc and hdc in next, hdc and sc in next. sc in next 20 sc, sc2tog twice, sc in last 4 sc (33 sc)
Rnd 9:, Sc in 2 sc, sc2tog twice, sc in 27 sc (31 sc)

Rnd 10: sc in each sc around (31sc)

Rnds 11-13: sc in 23 sc, change to blue (for the stripe), sc in 15 sc (move marker up the rnd as you go; carry unused yarn at the back of work), change to yellow, sc in 16 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 35 sc (31 sc)

Rnd 14: sc in each sc around (31 sc)
Rnds 15-17: sc in 23 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 7 sc, sc2tog. sc in 7 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 22 sc 

Rnd 18: (sc in 8 sc, sc2tog) 3 times (27sc)
Rnds 19-21: sc in 20 sc, change to blue, sc in 15 sc, change to yellow, sc in 12sc, change to blue, sc in 7 sc sc2tog, sc in 6 sc, change to yellow, sc in next sc, sc2tog, (sc in 7 sc, sc2tog) twice, sc in 7 sc ( 24 sc at the of rnd 21) 
Rnd 22: (sc in 6 sc, sc2tog) three times (21sc)
Rnd 23-25: (sc in 6 sc, sc2tog) twice, change to blue, sc in 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in 5 sc, change to yellow, sc in 3 sc, sc2tog, sc in 2 sc, change to blue, sc in 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in 4 sc, change to yellow, sc in 2 sc, sc2tog, sc in 7 sc (15 sc at the end of rnd 25)
Begin stuffing.

Rnd 26: (sc in 3 sc, sc2tog) 3 times (12sc) Sc in 6 sc, change to blue,

Sl st in next st, cut-off yellow yarn, continue on with blue yarn.

Tail

Rnd 1: ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in 1st sc to join (12 sc)

Rnd 2: ch 1, (sc in sc, 2 sc in next) repeat around, sl st to join (18 sc)

Rnd 3: ch 1, 2 sc in sc, sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in 7 sc, 2 sc in last sc, join ( 22 sc)

Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in 5 sc, sl st in next sc, sc in 10 sc, sl st in next, sc in 5 sc, join (22 sts)

Rnd 5: ch 2, dc in same st, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in sl st, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2, (2 dc in next sc) twice, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in sl st, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2, 2 dc in last sc, join (26 sts)

Cut off yarn, leaving enough length for sewing. Sew the tail end to close.

Fins (make 2) 

Row 1: Cn 7, turn, sl st in top loops only, from the 2nd ch from hook and next 5 chs, turn..
Row 2: Ch 1, sl st in 3 sts, sc in next 2 st, sc and hdc in last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sl st in 1 st, sc in 3 sts, sl st in 3 sts, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sl st in 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sl st in 6 sts. Fasten off leaving 12 inches for sewing.
Sew about 3 sts below the first blue stripe.

Top Flap
Row 1: Ch 16 for base, *ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 2 ch, sc in next**, turn and sl st in the 2nd sc from hook, turn, repeat from * to **, sl st on the sc in base, hdc in the next ch, repeat * to **, dc on the same st where hdc was made, dc in next 7 chs, hdc in 3 chs, sc in 2 chs, sl st in 2 chs, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, skip the 1st sl st, sl st in next, sl st in 2 sc, sc in 3 hdc, hdc in 4 dc, dc in 4 dc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2, hdc in 3 sts, sc in next, sl st in next. Fasten off leaving 12 inches for sewing.
Sew across top of head and body.

Mouth
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring
Rnd 2: (1 sc, 2 sc in next) 3 times (9sc)
Rnd 3:2 sc in each sc (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 5, skip 5 sc, sc in next 13 sc, 5 sc in ch 5 space, sl st in next sc. Fasten off leaving 18 inches for sewing.

Cheeks (make 2)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring
Rnd 2: (1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next) 3 times (9sc)
Rnd 3: (1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next) 3 times, sl st in next sc (12 sc)
Fasten off leaving 12 inches for sewing.

Eyes (make 2)
With crochet thread and 1.75 (or 1.5 mm) hook,
Rnd 1: With black, 6 sc in magic ring.
Rnd 2, change to green, (2 sc in sc, sc in next) 3 times.
Rnd 3: change to white, 2 sc in sc, sc in next 2 sc) twice, change to black, sl st in remaining sts. Fasten off white, leaving 12 inches for sewing and for embroidering the dot in the pupil. Fasten off black leaving 18 inches for sewing and embroidering of eyebrow.


Update: April 13, 2020
Finished another flounder for my 6yr. old niece today...while we are on quarantine.

Lion Handpuppet - free crochet pattern

Lion Hand-puppet
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2018
This pattern can only be found on this link:
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2018/06/lion-handpuppet-free-crochet-pattern.html

Materials
Worsted weight yarn - Color A - lighter color (for mouth, cheeks and chin) about 50gms; Color B - darker color (for nose, head and neck), about 100gms
Crochet hook size 4mm and 3.5mm (for the nose only)
Polyester fiberfill
Felt fabric - small amounts black, white and pink (for eyes, eyebrows, ears, nostrils, inside of mouth, tongue and teeth)
Sewing needle and thread
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Crochet Gauge: 9 sts = 2 inches

Note: Ch 2 at the beginning of rnds does not count as a stitch.
This pattern provides complete written instruction for the crochet parts. Only general instructions for sewing and finishing with felt parts, are provided.

Lower mouth
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 10 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (10 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (20 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (30 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc).
Rnds 5-7: Repeat rnd 4 (30 dc).
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Upper Mouth
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (12 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (24 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (36 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (36 dc).
Rnds 5-8: Repeat rnd 4 (36 dc).
Attaching the lower mouth
After rnd 8, ch 1, take the lower mouth put it on top of the upper mouth, with right sides together,  sc the two parts together on the next 12 stitches. (12 sc) (see pic below)
Fasten off.

Head
Using color B, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 15 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (15 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (30 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (40 dc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (40 dc)
Rnd 6: Repeat rnd 5 (40 dc).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (48 dc).
Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).
Join mouth to the head
Ch 1, put the upper mouth on top of the head matching the last round of sts, sc the two parts together on the next 16 stitches (16 sc) (see pic below)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, dc in 32 dc of head, sc in next 16 sc, sl st on 1st dc to join (32 dc, 16 sc).
Rnd 10: Ch 2, (dc in 7 dc, 2 dc in next) 4 times dc in remaining sts, join (52 dc).
Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc in 36 dc, ch 20, skip the next 16 dc, do not join (36 dc).
Rnd 12: Dc in 1st dc of rnd 11 (see pic below), dc in next 35 dc, sl st on the 3rd ch.
Join head to lower mouth
Hold the bottom of mouth and sc together each ch and each of the next 16 sts (centered) on the bottom of mouth, sl st on 1st dc to join. (36 dc,16 sc).
Rnd 13: Ch 2, (dc in 7 dc, dc2tog) 4 times, sc in the next 16 sc, join with sl st on the 1st dc of this rnd (32 dc, 16 sc).
Rnd 14: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join (48 dc).
Rnd 15: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).

Rnds 16-21: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).

Nose 
Using color B and 3.5mm hook, start with magic ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 5 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (5 dc).
Rnds 2-4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (5 dc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, join (10 dc).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, join (20 dc)
Rnds 7-8: Repeat rnd 6.
Rnd 9: Ch 2, (dc in dc, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (30 dc)
Rnds 10-11: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc)

Rnd 12: Ch 1, (sc in 3 sts, hdc in 3, dc in next, tr in next, dc in next, hdc in 3, sc in 3) twice, join (30 sts).

Fasten off. 

Nostrils: Attach color A in back loop only on the 2nd st from the end of rnd 12. Work the next sts in back loop only of previous rnd, ch 1, hdc in 3 sts, dc in 3 sts, 2 tr in tr st, dc in 3 sts, hdc in 3 sts.

Fasten off. Stuff nose lightly and sew nostril to the opposite edge of rnd 12 to close.

Cheeks (make 2)
Using color A, start with magic ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 1, 10 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (10 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 dc in each dc, join (20 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (1 dc in dc, 2 dc in next dc), repeat around, join (30 dc).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. 

Chin
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 7 dc in ring, turn (7 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next 5 dc, dc in last dc, turn (12 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) 5 times, dc in last dc, turn (17 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (17 dc)
Leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly and sew edges to under the mouth.

Assembly and Finishing
1. Position the nose starting just below the 3rd rnd of head, sew in place. Cut out nostril tip with black felt, sew in place.
2. Position cheeks, stuff with fiberfill and sew.
3. Cut out black felt to the shape of the inside of mouth for top and bottom. Cut out the tongue from light pink felt. Sew each part.

cut from felt fabric

Mouth joining

join mouth to head

lion and hippo

Glass Holder and Coaster Set - free crochet pattern

Glass holder and coaster set

Glass Holder and Coaster
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2018
This pattern can only be found on this link:
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2018/03/glass-holder-and-coaster-set-free.html

Materials
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), one ball, 50gm (note: one ball will make 2 sets of glass holder and coaster in this pattern)
Crochet hook size 1.75mm
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Finished size: Glass holder: about 4 inches across top, and 4 inches in height, measured flat; Coaster is about 4 inches in diameter

Glass holder
Note: Ch 3 at the beginning of rnds counts as dc.
Start with magic ring, (or, ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring),
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 14 dc in ring, join with sl st to beginning ch 3. (15 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (30 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) repeat around, join. (30 dc with ch-1 space in-between)
Rnd 4: Sl st in next ch-1 space, ch 3, dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch-1 sp around, join. (60 dc)
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 2, 2 dc in same st (shell made), [skip 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next dc] repeat around, join. (15 shells)
Rnd 6-15: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each ch-2 sp around, join. (15 shells)
Rnd 16: Ch 1, (5 sc in ch-2 sp of shell, sc in space between shells) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Coaster
Note: Ch 3 at the beginning of rnds counts as dc.
Start with magic ring, (or, ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring),
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 14 dc in ring, join with sl st to beginning ch 3. (15 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (30 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat around, join. (45 dc)
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next, (dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat around, join. (60 dc)
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next, (dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat around, join. (70 dc)
Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next, (dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat around, join. (80 dc)
Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 2, 2 dc in same st (shell made), [skip 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next dc] repeat around, join. (20 shells)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, (5 sc in ch-2 sp of shell, sc in space between shells) repeat around, join with sl st in 1st sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Note: the coaster will normally curl up like this:

It is easy to flatten, just dampen (or spray with a little water) and press.

Going Around in Circles Bracelet - free crochet pattern

Going Around in Circles Bracelet

A stylish design for use with variegated or multicolored threads or yarn.  Any thread or yarn will do, using the appropriate size of hook.

Materials: Size 10 thread and size 1.5mm hook

Finished size: approximately 6 inches

Note: Circles are crocheted in a spiral, and worked one after another. Do not join rounds and do not cut off thread, unless specified.

Bracelet

Leave about 8 inches tail at the beginning, to be used for sewing button later.

First circle

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not join but continue to the next rnd. (8 sc)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around, sl st on next st. (16 sc) Continue on to

Big circle

Rnd 1: Ch 6, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (8 sc)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (16 sc)

Rnd 3: (Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next) repeat 4 times, with right side facing, sl st on the same st as the last st of previous circle, (sc in next sc, 2 sc in next) repeat 4 times, sl st on the next st. (24 sc)

Small circle

Rnd 1: Ch 5, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (8 sc)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each of the next 4 sc, sl st on the same st as the last st of previous circle, 2 sc in each of the next 4 sc, sl st on next st. (16 sc)

Continue making circles, alternating big and small, until you have 12 circles or until desired length.

Loop for button closure: Ch 12, sl st back to the base of the ch, sl st in each ch around. (Check to see if loop fits the button). Fasten off and weave in end.

Sew the button on the first circle.

Crochet Makeover Flip-flops tutorial

Crochet makeover flip flops

How to prepare the slipper for crochet is demonstrated in my video on YouTube, please view here.


Materials:
Pair of rubber flipflops or sandals
Crochet thread, for the sole edge, I used cotton thread size 10 for the edging; Catania cotton sportweight yarn for the strap
Crochet hook size 1.5mm and 3mm
Yarn needles for thread and for yarn
Hot-melt glue gun, or fabric glue


(Pattern for the strap is derived from my previous pattern found here.)

Instructions for crochet strap (for this makeover project):
Note: Work sl sts in back loop only.
Using sportweight yarn and 3mm hook, leave at least 6 inches tail at the beginning, ch 66,
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and on the next 7 chs, sc in the next 24 chs, 3 sc in the next ch (place marker in the middle st of the last 3 sc, move the marker up as you go), sc in next 24 chs, sl st in the last 8 chs, turn.
Row 2: Sl st in the first 8 sts, sc in the next 25 sc, 3 sc in the st where marker is placed, sc in the next 25 sc, sl st in the last 8 sts, turn.
Row 3: Sl st in the first 8 sts, sc in the next 26 sc, 3 sc in the st where marker is placed, sc in the next 26 sc, sl st in the last 8 sts, turn.
Row 4: Sl st in the first 8 sts, sl st in both loops of each sc across, sl st in back loops of last 8 sts, turn.
Row 5: Work 2 sl st at the end of row to get to the opposite edge, sl st in each st across. Fasten off.

crocheted strap

Assembly:
Secure the middle of the crochet piece by sewing around the center joint of the flipflop strap. Do the same with the ends of the straps using the tail ends of the crochet. Apply glue on the top of the flip flop straps and position the crochet piece. 

Cotton Twine Mesh Bag - free crochet pattern

Another version of the mesh bag, this time made with 2 balls cotton twine. This is suitable as a beach bag to contain a beach towel and a few essentials. If using for heavier stuff, it is best to line the bag with non-stretchable fabric.

Cotton Twine Mesh Bag
by Mimi Alelis, March 2017
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/03/cotton-twine-mesh-bag-free-crochet.html

Materials: 2 balls cotton twine
4.5mm/G or 8/0 crochet hook
Yarn needle for weaving ends and sewing the strap
Gauge: Gauge is not so important, but for the model shown, rounds 1-4 is approximately 5 inches in diameter
Finished Measurement: bag is approx. 13 inches wide, when layed flat
Stitches Used: ch = chain, ss = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, st = stitch, rnd = round

Pattern
Rnd 1: Starting at the bottom, ch 4, join with a ss on 1st ch, to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 15 dc in ring, join with a ss on top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)
Rnd 2: (Ch 4, sc in next dc) 14 times, ch 2, dc in last dc. (15 loops)
Rnd 3: (Ch 4, sc in next loop) 14 times, ch 2, dc in dc of last loop. (15 loops)
Rnd 4: Repeat rnd 3.
Rnd 5: (Ch 4, sc in next loop, ch 4 sc in same loop) 14 times, ch 4, sc in last loop, ch 2, dc in dc. (30 loops)
Rnd 6: (Ch 4, sc in next loop) 29 times, ch 2, dc in dc of last loop. (30 loops)
Rnd 7-30: Repeat rnd 6.
Rnd 31: Ch 3, sc in next loop, (ch 4, sc in next loop) 12 times, ch 1, dc in next loop, turn. (14 loops)
Rnd 32: Ch 3, sc in next loop, (ch  4, sc in next loop) repeat across except on last loop, ch 1, dc in last loop, turn. (13 loops)
Rnds 33-40: Repeat rnd 32, at the end of rnd 40, 5 loops remain.
Rnd 41: Ch 4 (counts as 1st tr), tr in the next loop, 2 tr in next loop, tr in last two loops, turn. (6 tr)
Rnd 42: Ch 4, tr in each tr across (6 tr). Fasten off, leaving enough length for weaving in.
Shaping other end and finishing the strap
Attach thread on the next available loop at rnd 30. Repeat rnds 31 up to 42.
Rnd 43 onwards: Repeat rnd 42 up to desired length of strap (taking into consideration that strap will stretch a bit). Fasten off, leaving 10-inch tail for sewing. Sew to other end securely. Weave in ends.