Monday, September 19, 2016

Fall Fun Series: Fall Craft

I have a nifty little talent I like to whip out every now and then, which is that I crochet. When I say that "I crochet," I mean that I took exactly 3 lessons as a child in 4-H and learned a couple of the most basic stitches. I have no idea how to read a pattern or do complicated stitches, but I know enough to get by. When I see a project that interests me, I just wing it and look at the photos and try to achieve a similar effect with the stitches I do know. So when I saw a bunch of photos of cute crochet pumpkin coffee sleeves popping up on Instagram, I thought "I can make that!" And I did. My finished product is rather "shabby chic," but I like it.
I have never written a crochet tutorial before, but I will attempt to describe the steps in case anyone would like to make one for themselves.

Allow 1-1.5 hours per cozy.
Supplies:
-medium weight yarns in your choice of colors
Medium sized crochet hook (I used size "I ".)
-yarn needle
-scissors 
-scotch or masking tape (optional)

Step 1: Crochet a chain of approximately 22 single stitches. This will look a bit smaller than your average coffee cup, but keep in mind the yarn stretches a lot and the cozy will slide off if too loose.

Step 2: Connect the beginning of the chain to the end of the chain and crochet 5 rows of half double crochet (or 8-10 rows single crochet if you want a tighter weave). For the last 3 rows, skip a stich at the seam of each row so that the circle will get slightly smaller and fit the taper of the cup.

Step 3: Tie your two loose ends off and trim excess yarn. Now you have the main sleeve part done, yay!

Step 4: For the pumpkin decoration chain 5 single stitches.

Step 5: connect the beginning and end of the chain, adding 2 single stitches in each existing stitch as you go around the circle so that it will expand and lay flat.

Step 6: Stop crocheting and tie off the end when the circle is the desired size to fit on your cozy.

Step 7: Thread a yarn needle (it will help to wrap the tip of your yarn in tape so it doesn't fray and is easy to thread) and sew the pumpkin onto the sleeve, hiding your knots on the inside.

Step 8: Thread the needle again and sew a couple small stitches at the top of your pumpkin to make the stem. Tie off the ends.

Slide your gorgeous new creation on a travel mug and enjoy a yummy beverage!

Have you ever made or used a handmade coffee sleeve? What are some of your favorite fall themed crafts?



11 comments:

  1. I'm honored to be a recipient of one of these handmade coffee sleeves , thank you again. I've never attempted to crochet and am in serious awe of those who do.
    I plan on using my sleeve as soon as my coffee drinks transition from cold to hot 😊

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it! May it shield your hands from many hot beverages.😀

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  2. These are so cute! Thank you for mine! It's been put to good use already. I've never crotched before, but I know a lot of people love to do it.

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    1. So glad you are enjoying it! Thanks for reading.

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  3. Oh my goodness, these are awesome! You should be proud bc they look great, totally cozy chic and as a coffee fiend, I find them so practical. Nice job with the step-by-step as well:)

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  4. I'm glad you liked it; thanks for reading!

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  5. What a cute craft!! Very nice job! I don't know how to crotchet but I do knit and loom. It is a great stress relief!

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  6. Why thank you! I always wanted to learn to knit, but it looks more complicated than crochet.

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  7. Great tutorial! I used to crochet a little in college but I was never really all that great at it. You rock it! This coffee coozie is seriously adorable and I am very thankful to have one. You should pin this post on Pinterest. I bet it would be popular, it is so cute.

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    1. I'm so glad you liked it! That's an interesting idea; I'll have to look into it.

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  8. I LOVE this project! So cute and cozy! I crocheted and knitted in high school and college, but I've fallen far off the wagon and doubt I could even attempt this now.

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