Move Mountains Baby Blanket

Posted on January 28, 2019 by February Sky Designs

I got a text from one of my good friends showing me the beautiful mountain mural she’d put up in the nursery for the baby boy she’s expecting in a couple months. She lives far from me and I knew I wanted to send her a baby care package that included a crochet blanket using the colors in the mural. After browsing through some baby blanket patterns on Pinterest I had an idea- what if I not only incorporated the colors of the mural into the blanket, but the design as well? And so, the Move Mountains baby blanket was born!

“Kid, you’ll move mountains!”- Dr. Seuss

This is the picture she sent me of the nursery! Mountain decal purchased from PearlWall’s Etsy shop.

I had never made a blanket like this before and knew I’d need a visual to keep track of when I should be adding my colors. I used the website Stitch Fiddle to design a template for my blanket, and after a lot of trial and error this was what I came up with:

The blanket is worked entirely in single crochet and is 60 stitches across by 70 rows tall. The finished blanket came out to 36 inches by 32 inches using super bulky yarn and a size P hook.

The trickiest part of the blanket is knowing how to do the color changes correctly. Once you count your stitches and know where you’re supposed to be starting a new color you begin your single crochet in the stitch before the first stitch of the new color, and instead of finishing the single crochet with the first color you pull in the new color to finish it. Then you single crochet with the new color in the next stitch, which is your first stitch of the new color.

Here I was finishing with the light gray yarn and before completing my SC I would pull up the navy blue yarn to finish it and then continue on with the blue yarn, leaving the light gray strand until I came back to it in the next row.

By increasing or decreasing one stitch of a color, depending on where you are in the pattern, your colors will move up and down diagonally and create the mountain slopes.

If you want to cut back on the number of ends you need to weave in, like I always try to do, you’ll be working with multiple balls of yarn at once, picking them up and dropping them as you move across the rows.

Stitch abbreviations:

SC = single crochet
CH = chain

Materials:

3 skeins each of-

Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn – San Diego Navy

Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn Dallas Grey

Lion Brand Yarn Hometown USA Yarn Springfield Silver

Crochet Hook, Size P-15, 10mm

Large-Eye Sewing Needle

_________

Pattern:

Chain 61

Row 1: Using Color A (dark gray), SC in the 2^nd stitch from the hook and continue across. 60 SC.

R2-10: CH 1 (does not count as SC), turn. SC across.

R11: CH 1, turn. SC across until there are two stitches from the end. Join Color B (navy blue) in SC 59 and do one SC of Color B in SC 60.

R12: CH 1, turn. SC with Color B in first stitch. Start the SC in the second stitch and pick up Color A yarn to finish. SC across with Color A.

R13: CH 1, turn. SC with Color A across until the 4^th stitch from the end (SC 57). Pick up Color B and SC to end.

R14: CH 1, turn. SC with Color B for three stitches. Start 4th SC and join Color A. SC across with Color A for 18 stitches. Join a second skein of Color B for one SC. Don’t finish the SC of Color B, but add a second skein of Color A and SC across to the second to last stitch. Join the 3^rd skein of Color B and SC the last stitch.

R15-23: CH 1, turn. Continue to SC with Colors A and B, increasing Color B and decreasing Color A one SC on each side of the mountain peaks with each row.

R24: CH 1, turn. SC across, dropping 2^nd Color B skein and continuing with 1^st skein until Color A change.

R25-31: CH 1, turn. Continue decreasing Color A.

R32-36: CH 1, turn. SC across with Color B.

R37: CH 1, turn. SC across with Color B for 15 stitches. Join with Color C (light gray) for one SC, join 2^nd ball of Color B, SC across to SC 49, join 2^nd skein of Color C, SC one and join 3^rd skein of Color B. SC with Color B until second to last stitch, join 3^rd skein of Color C, SC one.

R38-53: CH 1, turn. SC across, decreasing Color B by one on each side of the mountain peaks until they all reach their tops.

R54-70: CH 1, turn. SC across with Color C.

Note: Be sure to consult the stitch chart for help with color changes and row numbers!

I’ll be mailing the blanket this week, along with a onesie I found with little mountains on it (gotta love a theme!). I love how this blanket came out and I can’t wait to see pictures of it in the nursery and especially with her little boy!

This is an original pattern by Christina of February Sky Designs. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to it but please do not reprint it on your site or sell it.
You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Christina of February Sky Designs, and link to my blog februaryskydesigns.com. Thank you for respecting creators and their work!

***This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Two-Toned Tassel Baby Blanket

Posted on January 14, 2019 by February Sky Designs

I love making blankets for friends and family who are having babies and imagining them wrapping their little bundles in something soft and warm and made with love.

This beginner-friendly blanket is worked up quickly using the moss stitch and super bulky yarn and is a perfect gift for winter babies.

The Two-toned Tassel Baby Blanket uses two contrasting colors and the rows are staggered so the colors fade into each other. This is the perfect blanket for tucking into a stroller on a windy day or laying out on the rug for play time.

The pattern below is for the baby blanket size, 30 by 35 inches. You can purchase a low-cost, ad-free PDF that contains full color diagrams and instructions on how to adjust this pattern for different blanket sizes on my Etsy.

Materials

Two colors of super bulky (level 6) yarn. For the baby blanket size (instructions provided for this size), you’ll use about 648 yards total, 324 of each color. I used 4 balls each (8 total) of Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn. Pictured is Springfield Silver and Montpelier Peacock.
Size N hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Stitches Used

Chain (CH)
Single Crochet (SC)
Skip (SK)

Notes

The finished blanket baby blanket is 35 inches long by 30 inches wide (without the tassels) and starts with 8 rows of Color A. For more size options, check out the PDF pattern on my Etsy.

Baby Blanket Size

Pattern:

Starting with Color A, CH 76
Row 1: SC in 2^nd CH from the hook, *CH, SK, SC*. Repeat * to * until end.
Row 2: CH 1, turn. SC in the 1st ST from the previous row. SC in the next CH space. *CH, SK, SC in the chain space from previous row*. Repeat * to * across, ending with a SC in the last ST.
Row 3: CH 1, turn. SC in the 1^st ST. *CH, SK, SC*. Repeat from * to * across, ending with a SC in the last ST.
Rows 4-8: Repeat Row 2 for even rows and Row 3 for odd rows. 8 rows.
Row 9: Using Color B, CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3. 1 row.
Rows 10-16: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 2 for even rows and Row 3 for odd rows. 7 rows.
Rows 17-18: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd row and Row 2 for even row. 2 rows.
Rows 19-24: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 6 rows.
Rows 25-27: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 3 rows.
Rows 28-32: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 2 for even rows and Row 3 for odd rows. 5 rows.
Rows 33-36: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 4 rows.
Rows 37-40: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 4 rows.
Rows 41-45: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 5 rows.
Rows 46-48: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 2 for even rows and Row 3 for odd rows. 3 rows.
Rows 49-54: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 6 rows.
Row 55-56: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd row and Row 2 for even row. 2 rows.
Rows 57-63: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 7 rows.
Row 64: Color A. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 2. 1 row.
Rows 65-72: Color B. CH 1 and turn. Repeat Row 3 for odd rows and Row 2 for even rows. 8 rows.
Tie off and weave in ends!

Stroller blanket size (26 by 28 in.)

To make the tassels:

You’ll create 12 tassels, 6 of each color, and attach them to the ends of the blanket. Use Color A tassels on the Color B end and vice versa.

Step 1: Cut 12 16″ lengths of each color, 24 total.

Step 2: Using a 9″ book, wrap yarn around 12 times.

Step 3: Slip yarn off book and use a 16″ yarn piece to tie a couple surgeons’ knots in the center of the yarn. Cut the loops on either end of the bundle.

Step 4: Fold the bundle in half so the ends are together. Using another 16″ length, tie a few surgeons’ knots about 1.5″ from the top.

Step 5: Trim the ends so they’re even and repeat 11 more times.

Step 6: Tie the tassels to the edges of the blanket, spaced evenly about 5 inches apart. Use a sewing needle to pull the loose ends through the tops of the tassels so they’re more secure.

I’d love to see the colors you use for your own Two-Toned Tassel blanket! Make sure to tag me on Instagram and share the crochet love.

You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Christina of February Sky Designs, and link to my blog februaryskydesigns.com. Thank you for respecting creators and their work!

DIY Hanging Planter

Posted on January 14, 2014 by February Sky Designs

I hope one of your New Year resolutions was to do more crafting in 2014, since everyone needs more beautiful things in their lives! I decided to liven up my work space during the dull days of January by making this cute and easy hanging planter.

Here’s what you’ll need:

-3 mini terracotta pots (mine are 2 inches tall)

-twine or hemp, multicolored or white

-paint colors of your choice

-felt pom poms (could also use beads)

-glue gun

Start by painting your pots. I chose a light gray color and I needed to do two coats.

Let the pots dry. Since they are hanging pots you will see the bottoms, but not the insides, so I rigged up a little drying station with pens and a mug.

Once the pots are dry you can decorate them like I did by painting the rims in different bright colors, or you could do a ‘dipped’ effect by painting the bottom of the pots a different color. Be creative!

Measure 4 pieces of plain or colored twine/hemp about 50 inches per piece (if using different sized pots than 2 inches adjust accordingly). This will give you enough twine to tie the top loop and to add the pom poms on the ends.

Holding all four pieces together, make your first knot about 6 inches from the bottom of the twine. This is where your first pot will rest. Tie three more knots, each 8 inches apart. You’ll have four knots and plenty of leftover twine at the top to decide how long you want your pots to hang and where you should make your final loop. My loop stars around 8 inches above my fourth knot. Tie a large loop and knot it several times, cutting off the excess.

This step is optional, but you can wrap the knots you made with colored twine. This reinforces the knots and adds a little more color.

Next, tie knots in each piece of twine hanging from the bottom. Hot glue your pom poms or beads to the ends of twine, staggering them a bit so they hang nicely.

Hang your twine from the loop on a hook or screw and carefully place each pot above a knot, moving the four pieces of twine so they support the pot evenly. That’s it!

Hanging Planter Collage

I need to get some succulents to put in these ASAP. Enjoy your crafty January!

Rustic Winter Engagement Party

Posted on December 30, 2013 by February Sky Designs

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life -Confucius (smart guy)

I feel this is never more true for me than when I’m working on decorations for a loved one. One of my best friends since we were 13 recently got engaged to her beau and her mom wanted to throw her an engagement party right after Christmas while friends and family were in town for the holidays. This made a very busy month for me between Christmas shopping and working on decorations, but I loved every minute of it.

I wanted a winter theme that would tie in the Christmas decorations that would still be around the house for the party. I went with a winter woodland theme with birch trees and pops of red and turquoise.

These beautiful invitations were ordered from Oh Happiness Cards on Etsy. Everyone loved the back detail!

I purchased these awesome birch tree straws for the mimosas at the party, simply displayed in mason jars with ribbon.

Speaking of mason jars, I also used them as accents around the house filled with cranberries and floating candles.

Along with mimosas, we also served coffee and tea, so I made custom hot cup sleeve covers with a birch tree stamp and the couple’s initials.

I love the way covering cups and bottles with printed paper makes them that much more special. I created little custom labels for the champagne bottles that made them really stand out.

I decorated the drink table with a painted burlap banner.

And I added a little festivity to the doorway with simple paper cones strung between the dining room and living room

Something I don’t usually tackle for parties (except those I host) is desserts. For this party I actually made two desserts- a cake and sugar cookies.

First the cake: chocolate with vanilla icing, decorated with cranberries and rosemary

With a custom burlap cake topper!

The cookies are of Vermont, with a little sprinkle heart on Burlington where Rachel and Hugh met and fell in love.

(These gave me a very hard time. I wished I could teleport Clara to help me!)

Thankfully, the cake went easy on me.

Love the birch round I found at Michaels to use as a cake stand!

Lastly, I painted a sign for the couple that sums up the feeling going into the new year and celebrating their lives together.

Love you guys!

Oh, Christmas Tree

Posted on December 12, 2013 by February Sky Designs

Like many people, the smell of a real Christmas tree is one of my all-time favorites. Maybe it’s the memories of childhood associated with it, but it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

This year, however, I decided to go an untraditional route. I’d like to share with you my Christmas ‘tree’-

This, my friends, is a branch I found laying on the ground in the park near my house. I can only imagine what people thought when they saw me dragging it back to my apartment (in the snow, mind you). But once it was dried out and hung up it was ready to be trimmed with special ornaments and presents underneath.

I have to admit, I’m smitten with it.

Did I mention it lights up?!

I used little fairy lights that attach to a battery pack (hidden behind the ornament on the far left). When it’s lit up and a spruce-scented candle is burning, it definitely feels like Christmas around here.

Friendsgiving 2013

Posted on December 9, 2013 by February Sky Designs

Every year my friends and I make a point to get together around the holidays to celebrate our friendship in the midst of family gatherings and the general busyness that occurs this time of year.

I offered to host Friendsgiving this year, choosing blue, orange and gold for the decorations. I made a few simple things that created a festive atmosphere for the grown-ups to sip white sangria and the littles to run around/lay about bringing joy to our growing friend-family.

I used paint to add color to the setup, including the vase filler, gold accents on the orange votives, and giving a few little pumpkins a colorful makeover.

I made the banners with brown card stock and paint, and found some pretty orange flowers to brighten up the table.

Finally, I sent my friends home with simmer jar favors filled with oranges, cinnamon and cloves so they can continue the festivity in their own homes.

I’m so thankful for the good people in my life. Enjoy celebrating with yours.

DIY Holiday Wreath!

Posted on December 3, 2013 by February Sky Designs

photo(2)

My idea of the perfect wreath is one that is beautiful and is neutral enough to be hung throughout the holidays and well into the cold, holidayless months of winter. Of course, the wreath could be tweaked to be more holiday-specific if that suits your fancy!

photo(2) - Copy

I had a few materials lying around (as usual), so I used the leaves and feathers left over from my dreamcatcher, and I gave the berries from the baby shower a little makeover using white paint and gold glitter.

I made the bow from some burlap ribbon, but you could also buy one while you’re at the store gathering other supplies (although I think it’s usually cheaper to make your own, and it’s not that difficult if you cheat and use glue to make the ribbon look perfect!).

The flowers I made are a little strange since they are made out of pistachio shells, but clearly I am not the only person who looks at a pile of shells and thinks they should be refurbished into craft supplies.

Alright, time to start gluing! I knew I wanted my wreath to be free form and asymmetrical, but to give myself a little guidance I started by placing the berries around the wreath and attaching the bow.

Pause to yell and curse when I burn my finger on the glue gun. Crafting is dangerous business.

And we’re back. I glued the largest items first, eying where they looked best to me. No rhyme or reason, just going with the flow.

Here you can see the mess I was making of my work area. Crafting is also messy business 🙂

Once I had the big pieces attached I went back in and stuck leaves and feathers wherever there were holes, working my way along the left side and tapering off at the top to achieve the asymmetry I was looking for.

Done!

The finished wreath, ready to hang on the door!

I hope you are inspired to create your own wreath to brighten up your door for months and years to come. Happy holidays!

Harry Potter-Inspired Halloween Bash

Posted on November 10, 2013 by February Sky Designs

What do you do when your roommates suggest that you all host a Halloween party a week in advance? You say “heck yes” and immediately start drawing decorating inspiration from your favorite series of all time, Harry Potter!

Given that I only had a week to get decorations together, I utilized free Harry Potter printables that I found on Pinterest. If this had been a client’s party I would have designed my own, but I am fine with taking a shortcut for myself. I printed out a “Happy Haunting” banner and several drink labels that I used with bottles I had around the house.

I was also able to squeeze in a trip to the dollar store to get a couple other Harry Potterish decorations, like a little owl and a skull that I painted black and dripped a candle on top.

For food, my roommates helped make some fun snacks, including witches broomsticks, witches hats, and these adorable owl cupcakes.

And I finally got to make my own Butterbeer! I found the recipe here. It was a big hit!

I know I’m not the only person who loves taking pictures, so I made a simple photo backdrop for people to pose in front of.

And since this was an adult party, I made a giant Harry Potter Drinking Game. Don’t make fun of my little drawings (or do, it’s fine).

And, finally, a minimalist Harry Potter pumpkin.

Yes, that is a wand. And, no, I did not buy it for the party…

In case you were wondering, I did not do a Harry Potter themed costume. I couldn’t get a cape in time. Maybe next year!

DIY Dreamcatcher

Posted on October 31, 2013 by February Sky Designs

When I was a wee child I had a dreamcatcher over my bed. It was purple and turquoise, brought to me from New Mexico and I loved it. Sadly, as the years have passed neither my mother nor I can remember what happened to it. As I was browsing Pinterest recently, I came across this beauty and was inspired to remake my childhood keepsake. So here, folks, is what I did.

If you check out that link, you’ll see that they made the clever decision to use a doily as the center of the dreamcatcher. Of course, I have never been someone who makes things easy for herself, so I decided to learn and execute the traditional woven style, as explained in wonderful detail in this post.

Michael’s was having a huge sale, and I had a stash of beads and an embroidery hoop at my disposal, so I’d say this project cost me about $10, but could get up to $20 if you had to buy all the supplies at once.

Here’s what I used (or, what I planned to use. I did not end up using everything, as you’ll see at the end).

My color palette was cream and soft dusty pink and tan. The packages of feathers and leaves included really pretty dark browns and reds, though, so I might need to make another dreamcatcher with those soon…

I started by wrapping my hoop with the lace. I didn’t need to glue it all the way around, just at the beginning/end of the hoop.

Once that was all set I braided a few pieces of twine to make the loop that the dreamcatcher hangs from.

Then came the intimidating part, the weaving. I am not a sewer/crocheter/knitter and it took me a while to get the hang of it. And, to be honest, took a LOT longer than I thought it would. That doily idea seemed better and better as an hour turned into two (embarrassing, but true). However, I did manage it and I was really glad I went with the weave because it reminds me so much of the little dreamcatcher of my youth.

Can you see where I messed up right at the end? Bless you if you say no, but that wonky gap next to the center opening was NOT intentional. So, I did what any good crafter does, and I glued something pretty over it.

All better!

Time for the creative part- all the dangly bits of ribbon, beads and feathers that give dreamcatchers their character!

To hang everything I used my twine and a little superglue in some places to make sure everything stayed where I wanted it to. I didn’t end up using all my beads, but they will stick around for another project on another day.

Here she is, my new dreamcatcher all gussied up!

I’m really happy with how it turned out, and it is now happily hanging over my bed. I anticipate only good dreams tonight 🙂

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Next up, a Harry Potter themed Halloween party!

Navy Blue and Lime Green Bachelorette Party

Posted on October 6, 2013 by February Sky Designs

I’m a firm believer that a bachelorette party doesn’t have to be tacky. But it is a great opportunity for a bride-to-be to have a lot of fun with her closest friends. To celebrate her sister Liz’s impending nuptials, my friend Clara (of Reckless in the Kitchen) asked me to design decorations that incorporated Liz’s wedding colors (navy blue, lime green and white) and would make her bachelorette party feel special.

Since this was another party that would need to be portable, I used mainly card stock and ribbon to put together decorations that would add a lot of color to the final tablescape.

For favors, I decorated wine glasses with the initials of the guests. For the bride, I did “E&J” on one side (for Elizabeth and James) with their wedding date on the other side.

To make wine bottles more festive, but without having to remove and relabel the bottles, I made wine bottle cards that slipped over the bottles.

The banner was made with card stock and decorative nautilus shells, which Liz loves.

I also added tissue paper garland to decorate the table.

I made cupcake toppers with paper flowers I found at Michael’s, which I also used to decorate mason jar wraps. My circle punch came in handy for these items, as well as for table confetti.

Lime green apples for a nice Fall tie-in 🙂

Here’s the table all set up, which Clara will recreate for Liz’s party. Congrats Liz!

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