Little Yoda Crochet Tutorial

There were some more boys in the family having birthdays and they happen to all be Star Wars fans! I wanted to crochet a Star Wars character and I decided to come up with the pattern myself to be able to share with you in case you wanted to make this as well.

Meet Yoda. He's little, but he can still do great things! My daughter told me she wants one in purple after meeting him ;) lol.

Remember, these instructions can be adjusted to what you have. Feel free to try different hook sizes, different types of yarn, etc. And, I forgot to meaure him before I mailed him, but he was about 5 inches maybe? No bigger than my hand for sure.

What you will need:
-Green, brown, and off white medium worsted yarn
-Size G and H crochet hooks
-Optional: safety eyes (you could use yarn to make them or felt circles; mine were size 12mm)
-Yarn Needle
-Polyfill or some kind of stuffing

Head/Body:
With green yarn and size H hook,
1. Ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to form ring
2. sc 8 times in center of ring0 (8)
3. *2 sc in next stitch* 8 times (16)
4. *sc, 2 sc in next* 8 times (24)
5. sc around (24)
6. *dec, sc, sc* 6 times (18)
7. sc around (18)
8. repeat #7
9. *dec, sc, sc* 4 times and dec (13)
10. dec around 6 times
*Attach eyes (see instructions on package) and stuff head with stuffing.

Switch to brown color for the body. Simply use a sl st to bring in the new color.
*Please note: This next part is connected to what you have done so far. But, think of it as starting over. The first 9 sc's you make will be overlapping, as there were only 7 stitches left open after doing round 10 above.

1. *sc in next stitch* 9 times (9)
2. *2 sc in next stitch* 9 times (18)
3. *sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next* 9 times (27)
4. sc around (27)
5. *sc in each of the next two stitches, dec in next stitch* 6 times, then sc in each of the next three stitches (21)
6. sc around (21)
7. *sc in next stitch, dec in next* 7 times (14)
8. On back loop only, sc around (14)
9. Stuff the body with fiberfill, etc.
10. dec until closed. Fasten off.

Ears (make 2) with green yarn and size H hook
1. ch 6
2. sc in 2nd ch from hook
3. hdc in next ch
4. dc in each of the next two ch's
5. tr in next ch
*Leave long tail and sew onto head

Feet (make 2) with green yarn using size G hook
1. ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to create a ring
2. 6 sc in middle of ring
3. ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook
4. sc in next ch
5. sl st in middle of ring
6. ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook
7. sc in each of the next two ch
8. sl st in middle of ring
9. ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook
10. sc in next ch
11. sl st in middle or ring
*Leave tail and sew feet onto bottom of body

Arms (make 2) starting with green and size G hook
1. ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to form ring
2. 5 sc into ring
3. *2 sc* 5 times (10)
4. sc around (10)
5. *sc in each of the next two stitches, dec next* 2 times, sc in each of the next two stitches (8)
*Switch Colors to brown. Use a sl st to do this
6. *sc in next stitch* 8 times (8)
7. repeat #6
8. repeat #6
9. sl st in next stitch leaving tail to sew it on the body.
*Sew arms on the body. There is no need to add stuffing to them.

The jacket was just rectangular shapes using off white yarn with a size H hook. Here is how I did it if you would like to try it.

1. I created three pieces like this. I just crocheted a chain that was as long as his back then did rows of sc's until it was the height i wanted it. I made it from the top of the neck to a little above the bottom. The smaller front sides were the same height and almost equaled half of the back pieces length. I left a long tail on them all for sewing the pieces together.

2. I then sewed the small sides onto the back leaving a hole big enough for the arms to fit through.

3. For the hood, I just started a little in from the front top edge and used sc stitches across until it was almost at the end of the other side. Then I kept making rows using sc stitches until it was long enough to go over his head.

4 &5. I fold the new rectangle in half and sewed the edges together. I squooshed the point in so it would look more smooth.

Update: A fabulous crocheter, Cheryl, came up with how to do the jacket all in one piece! Here are the instructions.

Row 1: Chain 19.

Row 2 : Turn and sc in 2nd ch from hook and across

Row 3 - 6: Ch 1 turn. Sc across

Row 7: Ch 3. dc in next 3 sp. Ch 2, skip 2 st, dc in next 8 sp. Ch 2, sk 2 st, Dc in 4 remaining st.

Row 8: Sl st in first 4 st. sc in next 12 sp ending at front edge of the other arm hole made in previous row.

Row 9 - 20: Ch 1 turn, sc across.

Cut and finish leaving a long tail. Fold corner to corner, right sides together, and sew up this edge to form the hood

The belt was just a ch with a row of sc. I just made it long enough to go around and tie.

Feel free to add your creating you make using this tutorial to the flickr group :)

Happy Crocheting!

Want to learn how to crochet? Check out these tutorials.

Simple.

That is a word I love. Simple. I like life to be simple. I like working on projects that are simple. I started making these simple cards at the beginning of the year and can't get enough of them!

It's just felt shapes sewn onto blank cards. I adore them and have fun making them.

It was time for a new batch, so I decided to share them with you.

Today's Guest Tutorial: Distressed Alphabet Art with Delia Creates

Hello.

My name is Delia.

I have a blog: deliacreates.blogspot.com
I am a new craft blogger and I am thrilled to be here guest posting for Jessica. I have been an admirer of her blog for a long time so I feel really blessed to be here. Thank you Jessica for giving me this opportunity!

I like to create things.

I am a mom to two boys.

I often try to craft and create around them...during naps, at night, five minutes here and 10 minutes there.

Well this time, I decided I want to create WITH them.

We do kid crafts often. Elmer's glue, grainy construction paper, cotton balls, macaroni...That is not really what I had in mind this time. I wanted to go for collaborative projects that harnessed both of our creativity into a meaningful craft we both enjoy and that will last. From that, four kid creative crafts were born.
So all this week will be Kids Create week at my blog!

I will showcase a different kid project everyday. Most of these projects will require just having fun with your kids drawing or going on a photography walk and then using what they have made into something else later. My boys are young (five and 19 months) so my projects are geared very much to them. If your children are older they may be able to help with the "manual" labor more and be even more involved. These are great summer projects you can set aside for when your kids get out of school too.

On Friday I will share my favorite kid projects that I have seen you do. So join me here and create with your kids this week!


To kick off Kids Create week I am sharing a tutorial on this: distressed alphabet art

First off you will need:
--a digital camera {preferably two...one for you and one for your child}
--photoshop, picasa, and/or other photo editing programs {GIMP and Piknik are free online programs, and I know that photobucket has some editing capabilities}
--gel medium - you can get a nice big jar at Michael's for about $13. This is a good time to use your coupon. : )

--a sponge brush
--a canvas (mine is 11 x 14...you can get a pack of like 7 or 10? for about $20 at Michael's. If you use another coupon it makes a pretty nice price for a canvas and the start of many more projects :))
--a spray bottle of water

Let's get started:

Go on a photography walk or drive. We went on several walks over the course of a week to make sure we got all the letters we needed. We kept a list of the letters and crossed them off when we found them.

TIP: When looking for letters try to have them spaced well. If the letters are too crowded it will be too difficult to crop out the letter later.

I will be honest. My son is five so he was looking for letters and words about a third of the time. They often were too far away and cropped funny. Instead of stifling his creativity by constantly pressuring him to take it a certain way, I just let him shoot what he spotted and quietly took a picture of it as well {and interjecting tips and "good ideas" along the way}. That way if his photo didn't turn out I had a back up. :)

The other 2/3 of the time I was pointing words out and snapping away while he took pictures of random objects. Again...no pressure. The goal of this is to have fun.

Take the images home. Load up your pictures. I cropped and sized all the letters to 4x6 inches in photoshop. I don't think you really NEED to do this. I just think it makes it easier to put into a collage. You can use picasa to crop your photos easily {and it's free!}. If the letters look a bit grainy don't worry. Once they are printed and then transferred it will likely look better. Just make sure it is not too blurry. If it is go on another walk and snap another photo. : )

NOTES:
*When you go to make a collage in Picasa just use the picture pile mode in settings, remove shadows, and place photos.

I had several options for some of the letters so I had my son sit with me and pick which ones he wanted to use.

If you don't have Photoshop you can use GIMP {free online} or you can have the copy place that you print your picture at, size the photo for you.

Again...you can have the copy shop reverse the image for you. It may cost you more to have them do this for you but I know many places will do it.

Make sure you get it printed with LASER TONER. If you use inkjet ink, the image will not transfer. You can do this project in color or black in white. Both will work as long as you are using laser copies.

Now you are ready to transfer it to canvas.

Let this dry completely. I let it dry overnight. This is a nice project to do with kids because you have to pick it up and put it down a lot and work 5-10 minutes at a time.

Repeat this process until the paper is all rubbed away (or as much as you can). We had to go three rounds before we were done. As you can see there are still some traces of paper left. That is okay. Just be sure to not over rub so as not to remove too much of the image.

Let it dry...and you're done!

Hang it up and admire. : )

Notice some of the rubbed off spots. I think it adds nice texture.

If you are interested in doing this with portraits. You can check my how to here.
It is pretty similar to this tutorial though.

or do one of Jessica's really cool posterized gel medium wooden plaques.

***A shorter version of this project is to just snap enough letters for their name, instead of the whole alphabet, and then proceed with the project as written.

Have fun creating with your kids! And...thank you again to Jessica! See you later.

Freaky Friday: Blue Cricket Design

Hi there! I'm Becca from Blue Cricket Design.
I'm so excited to be here hanging out! I have my fingers crossed that some of Jessica's mo-jo rubs off on my while I'm here for my visit! I just love all of her amazing projects!



If I could sit behind my sewing machine all day I would. I'm rooted in self taught sewing and love creating my own patterns, refashioning and inventing helpful solutions! I'm also OBSESSED with fabric! Seriously folks! I dream about it at night. It's what I spend most of my money on! I love anything that has to do with it! Here are a few past favorite projects that all involve my little obsession I think you might enjoy! Click on the photos to be taken to their original post!

Come check out an easy tutorial on how to make these Rolled Fabric strip Rosettes! Perfect for embellishing necklaces or making headbands and pins! (click on picture to see the tutorial).

Wall art is easy and affordable when you use beautiful bold prints and a little strength with a staple gun! And if you like furniture refinishing be sure to check out my how to post HERE!!! I'm also addicted to refinishing and my Red Piano is a great example that no project it ever too big!


This was one of my favorites! Scrap Fabric Bracelets made from my kids Happy Meal toys!



And I had to create a beautiful place to house all my fabric right! I HEART my new hutch that happily displays my collection of fabric!

And lastly I created this Coupon Caddy to hold my coupon holder and redeamable coupons! I was so frustrated with my shopping trips! My baby would eat my coupons or I'd hold the coupons I planned on using in my pocket only to forget to use them at check out! SOLUTION: Coupon Caddy holder!


And here I am (yes as a blond!) meeting my fabric idol Heather Bailey!
It was magical!

I share all of my ideas over on Blue Cricket Design and have just announced that I'm on the hunt looking for YOUR ideas! Blue Cricket Design is turning into a Feature Blog! I'll be featuring the hottest projects, newest designers and biggest trends! I'm opening up my blog to all of you! You can find out how you can submit your work HERE!


Thanks Jessica! Keep up the awesome work!

Catch My No Sew Poncho Tutorial at BCD Today!

I am doing Freaky Friday over at Blue Cricket Design and Becca is coming over here! Head over to her blog to see my tutorial for a No Sew Poncho. It's super easy and anyone can do it! All you need is fabric, scissors, and a shirt of your own to help as a sizing guide!

Pattern Makeover Month with Brown Paper Packages

I want to share with you a fun event going on over at Brown Paper Packages. Leisel, the crafty lady behind this blog, is having a month full of pattern makeovers! Head over there to catch some great tutorials on how to tweek patterns from herself and guest bloggers and for some awesome giveaways. It's going on through May 15th.

See What I'm Giving Away over at Newly Wife

Hi everyone :) I have been mia for a bit because my parents came to visit me! It's been so much fun having them here. We'll be heading to the airport to take them soon, but I wanted to let you know about a giveaway I'm sponsoring over at Newly Wife.

Newly Wife is co-blogged by Megan and Emily. They have been readers for a while and are some of my "blog friends". They are cousin's and use this blog to share things about newlywed life. Some topics they cover are cooking, organization, jobs, relationship, etc.

Megan's birthday was a few days ago, so she's doing a week of giveaways in honor of it!

I offered up this necklace for the big week. I made it last summer, obviously inspired by gum balls.

It's bright and pretty and so much fun! I crocheted the gum balls and hand painted little beads to match. It would be an accessory to match all kinds of pretty summer colors.

Head over to her blog for your chance to win it! There are five ways you can enter.

Her New Toy

Remember the post where I shared I was having the privilege of product review this easel? Well, it came a few days ago and boy, have we had some fun with it!

CSN was a great company to work with. They are excellent at communicating and I received it in good timing.

Right when it was delivered, my little one begged me to open it for her. She plays with it a lot. I like it too because I can even take it outside! It's easy to clean too since it's made of plastic. I also like that it folds up. We will be moving a lot, so the easier to pack, the better! When she's older, I'll let her do more with it, like use markers on the dry erase board, but for now the magnets, chalk board, and paper clips to hold paper for coloring are great.

She had to take a candy break during our "photo shoot" to enjoy some candy as well. Look at what filled our basket up today:

I have never had such a bright fun purchase! You will see some of this again ;)