Origami Lucky Stars

$.15 each

Traditional Origami Crane

$.30 each

Crochet Fall Pumpkin or Halloween Jack-O-Lantern

Before I design a pattern, I always take a look at what is out there. When looking up pumpkin crochet patterns, I decided the best one was located at Planet June's site. However, I am never satisfied with patterns, and always have to adjust patterns to my own liking. Here is my version:

This pumpkin is worked as a (sort of) rectangle, which is then stitched together to make a pumpkin.  This version of the pattern ends up being about 2.5 inches wide, and 2 inches tall (including stem) using worsted weight yarn and size E hook.

ALL stitches are worked in the BACKLOOP!!

Leaving a long tail, Ch 13.

Row 1:  Sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, dc in next 4 sts, hdc in next st, sc in last 3 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2:  Sc in 2nd ch from hk, hdc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, hdc in next st, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 eight times, (you should have completed rows 1 and 2 nine times) and fasten off.

When you have finished, take the starting chain's tail to stitch the ends together, the starting chain to your last worked row. Then stitch the side closest to that thread closed. The trick is to only stitch to the "bump" part of the ridges. I'll post a picture up of what I mean when I make my next pumpkin. Circle the side a few times, so that when you pull it tightly, it is closed. You will pull the thread through to the top to tie a knot later. 

Now is the time to stuff the pumpkin and put in any bead decorations. Then take the thread from fastening off the last row, and stitch the top of the pumpkin in the same manner described for the bottom. Once you are finished, pull one of the remaining threads through the pumpkin to the other end to tie a knot. Don't worry, the stem will cover this knot.

To make the stem: (no longer need to work in back loop only)

ch 4 and sl st to form ring.

Row 1:  Sc 5 in loop. sl st with first sc. Ch 1.

Row 2-4: Sc in each ch. sl st with first sc. Ch 1. (You may do additional rows to increase the length of the stem)

Row 5: (sc, ch 2, sc) in each sc, the last one ending with a sl st. Fasten off.

Now stitch the stem to the pumpkin to finish your masterpiece!

Here is a photo of my Jack-O-Lantern:

Halloween Amigurumi Cat

This spooky little cat makes a cute holiday decoration, or even a toy for a little one.
This cat works out to be 4 inches tall (almost 4.5 with ears) in worsted weight yarn and size F hook.

Cat is worked in rounds. Make ears first!

EARS (make 2)
Ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hk, hdc in 3rd ch from hk. Fasten off. Stitch to head before filling. 

CAT
Row 1:  Row 1:  ch 4, sl st to form loop  (6)
Row 2:  2 sc in each st   (12)
Row 3:  sc in each st around  (12)
Row 4:  1 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around  (18)
Row 5:  sc in each st around (18)
Row 6:  sc2tog, sc in next st, repeat around (12)
Row 7:  sc2tog, sc in next st, repeat around (8)
Stitch in eyes (and other features as desired), stuff the head
Row 8:  sc2tog 3 more times (5)
Row 9:  2 sc in each st (10)
Row 10:  1 sc, 2sc in next st, repeat around (15)
Row 11:  sc in each st around (15)
Row 12:  2 sc, sc in next 2 sts, repeat around (18)
Row 13:  sc in each st around (18)
Row 14:  2 sc, sc in next 5 sts, repeat around (21)
Row 15:  sc in each st around (21)
Row 16:  2 sc, sc in next 6 sts, repeat around (24)
Row 17:  sc in each st around, BACKLOOP (24)
Row 18:  dc3tog around. fill body before doing last one.
Fasten off, use yarn to stitch remaining hole, and bring out the back and ch 12 to make tail.

Spooky Amigurumi Ghost

Here's the start of my first holiday series! A cute little ghost for Halloween!

This little guy works out to be 3 inches tall when worked in worsted weight yarn and size F hook.

He's worked in rounds, to be sure to use some sort of stitch marker!

ch 4 and sl st to form ring.
Row 1:  1 sc 6 into the ring (6 sts)
Row 2:  2 sc in each sc around (12 sts)
Row 3:  1 sc in 1 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat around  (18 sts)
Row 4-11:  Sc in each sc around (18 sts)
Row 12:  5 sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat around (21 sts)
Row 13: 7 sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat around (24 sts)
Row 14: *sl st, sc, (dc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hk, dc), sc repeat from * around. Fasten off.

Embroider eyes and a smiley face (or a BOO! face) and you're done!