Elephant Square Free Pattern

So I recently got a custom order for a friend's baby shower gift.  Babies, yay!  Her theme is elephants after her Indian heritage (from India, not Native American, of course)!  :)  I had the ingenious idea of creating an elephant square to go along with another square I had seen online, and I made a matching lovey blanket and earflap hat!  I used bright colors inspired by Indian culture, but of course cutesy girly too.  It's so super cute, I just love how it turned out!  What do you think?  :D

I got an overwhelming response from fans on my facebook page of people who just loved what I created and wanted to recreate this pattern for themselves.  Thank you to everyone who commented and showed your love!  I'm happy to report that I decided to post the elephant square for FREE!  The lovey I'm going to post in my shop soon, so be on the lookout for that!

The flower square I found at Made in K-town.  Her tutorial has lots of pictures and is super easy to follow.  :)  My square uses my own elephant applique instead of the first two rounds of the flower square and then continues on with round 3 and so on.  I made 10 of each design for a 4x5 square baby blanket (4 squares across and 5 squares down)!  I joined my squares using this tutorial by Attic24.  It's super easy, and as you see it lays really nicely!  I then finished the blanket off with a round of single crochets and a round of shell stitches.  :)

But without further ado, here is the elephant square free pattern.

Elephant Squares

What you need:
• Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Loops and Thread: Impeccable from Michaels)
• H hook
• D hook
• Embroidery Needle.
• hot glue (I know, not the best thing to use on a blanket but I had no other way of adding the eyes without it showing)

*TIP: join at the end of every round to the first crochet made, not the beginning chains.

Elephant
With grey yarn (or elephant color of your choice) and H hook.
Rnd 1:  make a magic loop, ch 2 and dc 12 into loop, join  (12 sts)
Rnd 2:  ch 2, 2 dc in same st as chains, 2 dc in each st around, join  (24 sts)
Do not fasten off.
Trunk:  ch 7, 3 sc in second ch from hook, sc in next 5 chains, slst to the next st on head, slst in each st around the head and around the trunk (this will help give the end of the trunk its rounded shape) FO
Create an invisible join (video) and sew end in under stitches of the trunk.

Ears (make 2)
Rnd 1: make a magic loop and dc 8 into the loop, turn
Rnd 2:  ch 1, 2 HDC into the first st, 2 dc in next 6 sts, 2 HDC in last st, leave about a 12 inch tail for sewing when you FO  (16 sts)

Sew the ears to the sides of the head you just created making sure to only stitch them to the front loops, then sew in ends.  You will need the back loops to crochet the rest of the square into.

sewing in just the loops on the front side of the face

Eyes (Make 2)
With black yarn and D hook.
Rnd 1: make a magic loop and sc 6 into loops, join, FO and sew in ends.
With white yarn, embroider a little stitch through the eyes so that there is a little line of white showing on the front.  There wasn't much room to sew in ends so I hot glued the little ends down on the back side making sure to make it really flat.

Since there really wasn't a way to sew the eyes on the work without it showing in some way, I hot glued the eyes onto the head as shown in the photo above.  Only put a thin layer of glue on the back so that it doesn't seep out the sides and won't be visible.  Also make sure that the glue doesn't come out the back of your work.

Now you should have a complete elephant and you will start with round 3 from the pattern from Made in K-town and crochet it onto the elephant, which I will outline below!  :)

Square Rounds
with an H hook

As you can see here, this is the back side of the head, and you are going to crochet into loops along the side of the head, but then just the back loops behind the ears.

Rnd 3 (from square): sk first st, join color to next st and ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same st, sk 2 sts, (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, sk 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, sk 1 st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, sk 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, sk 1 st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, sk 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, sk 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, join to beginning ch 3, slst in next st and in ch 2 space

*TIP: When working in stitches behind the ears, work your first dc in the back loop and then for the next pick up a loop from the bottom of the stitch. for more stability.  Continue to crochet in both loops for the remainder of the cluster in that stitch.

Rnd 4 (from square): ch 3, work 6 dc in same ch 2 space, work 7 dc in each ch 2 space around, slst join to the first ch 3 (8- 7 dc clusters made)
FO if you are working a new color next as the pattern shows.

Rnd 5 (from square): join color to the ch 3 st, work a sc in the top of the ch 3 and in each of the next 6 dc, sc spike down between the dc of the round joined to the head, continue to sc in each dc and a sc spike between each of the clusters.  (see photo above or the photos of the pattern linked for details)
FO for new color.

Rnd 6 (from square): join new color right where you fastened off in the top of the last sc spike, ch 1 and hdc in same st, * sc  in next 4 sts, hdc, dc in next 2 sts, (2 trc, ch 3, 2 trc) in next sts, sc in next 4 sts, hdc, repeat from the * until the end, join to the first hdc.
(I know the original pattern says (1 trc, ch 3, 1 trc) for the corners, but I liked it better as 2 trc and that's what I did on my squares.  Feel free to do whichever way you like it best.)

Rnd 7 (from square): ch 2 and dc in same st, dc in each st around working (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner space, join to the first dc and FO


So, that's my elephant square and I hope you enjoy it.  Please let me know if you have any questions!  If you find any problems or typos with this pattern then please let me know and I will be sure to fix it.  :)

TERMS :: You may sell whatever you make with my pattern, but please link back to my blog or facebook page.  

Happy crocheting!
Chassity O.

Weight Loss Wednesday :: Homemade Salad Dressing

So on my journey to losing weight I've been challenging myself to eat clean.  Eating clean, there goes those words again.  I'm sure you've heard them everywhere.  All eating clean really is is getting back to basics, cutting out processed foods and eating things that come from nature.

On my clean eating journey I've been trying to learn how to create more things from scratch, and one of those things is my salad dressing.  I've really taken a liking to my own vinaigrette because they are easy and pretty tasty.  There are tons of recipes online and all of them are fully customizable based on what you really like!

Now, of course you can search google and Pinterest for lots of different recipe ideas, and I'm gonna link some on the bottom, but here is a small recipe of the vinaigrette I've been making.  You can add a little or a lot of the different ingredients and any container will do.  I've been using a small mason jar and putting it in the fridge.  :)

White Wine & Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
salt
pepper
oregano
onion powder
garlic powder

For the most part I kinda go on whatever I feel like that day, sometimes adding more vinegar and just adding seasonings to taste.  You can always use different oils, like vegetable, olive, or I've even used sesame.  Mix the ingredients up real good and you can use it right away, but I've also read it's good to leave it in the fridge for a few days so that the flavors can really mix.  Every time you pull it out of the fridge you'll have to mix it up again by giving it a good shake, this is where a good container comes in handy.

There are all sorts of recipes out there to try, including creamy ones like ranch and french.  Here is a small link list with lots of recipes and useful info on making your own dressings a success.





• 50+ Homemade Salad Dressings
• Dressed to Impress: Homemade Salad Dressings
• 6 Ridiculously Easy Homemade Salad Dressings
• 3 Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

Motivational Monday :: Lose Out Fear

Weight Loss Wednesday :: 5 Things I Love in March

I'm always on the lookout for something new to try in health and fitness.  I like to read up on it and find out as much as I can about it, it's just in my nature.  I've always been the person to go to the library and check out all sorts of books on new subjects that interested me, so this is sorta the same.

Here is a roundup of some of my favorite things this month that I've been sorta obsessing about in my journey.  Maybe they can help you learn something new to help you along your own journey.  :D

1. Quaker Real Medleys in Apple Walnut

These cups of instant oatmeal are absolutely delicious.  They are super delicious and packed full of fruits, nuts, and especially whole grains.  I've tried a few other flavors, but this one is my fave.  I first found out about these cups from a friend, so when I saw them on clearance in my store I grabbed them up.  :)  Check them out and let me know which flavor is your personal fave.

2. Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines started out being a scary machine for me.  When I first started working out I couldn't last more than 20 minutes on an elliptical without wanting to pass out.  Now I can now use an elliptical for an hour or more.  I love this particular model of elliptical because of it's range of motion and round movement.  It allows you to choose your own stride, which can allow you to work different muscle groups and get a different workout experience without having to push buttons or anything.  Read up on this article and more like it for the benefits of using an elliptical.  

3. Green Smoothies and Juice

A new fad out there is the green smoothies and green juice.  The green smoothie is just a fruit smoothie with added veggies and leafy greens, while the green juice is a mix of fruits and veggies that have been juiced.  It's great for ingesting added micro-nutrients that you may not normally get within your day.  There are tons of recipes and tips out there to help you make your own green drink, but HERE is a nice site to get you started.  :)

4. Couch to 5K

So I recently decided that I want to become a runner, maybe not in so many words, but I really want to give it a try.  I actually never liked running, in fact one could say I kinda hate it, but for some reason I've always wanted to do a 5K.  To some a 5k doesn't seem like a lot but from someone who doesn't run it seems like a lifetime away.  I started using a program called Couch to 5K to slowly build up my endurance and it's been awesome.  I can see a difference in my running and I'm growing more confident in that.  Check out the C25K site for more info and to help you get up and going.

5. Kettlebell Exercises

I, like many people, don't like to be outside of my comfort zone, and for some reason the idea of kettlebells took me outside of my comfort zone.  There was no real experience that made me feel this way, but for some reason I had this stereotype of kettlebells being for super buff chicks trying to bulk up, but that could be furthest from the truth.  These weights are not just for bodybuilders anymore, they are a great workout for everyone.  Once my friend introduced me to a simple kettlebell swing I was a believer.  The movements were simple but the workout was more intense than any other weight bearing exercise I had tried.  If you want to try a kettlebell workout then this circuit can get you started, but look up the proper techniques on youtube first. 

10 Crochet Patterns for Easter

Are you all set for Easter?  

Well, in case you aren't, here are 10 easy patterns you could whip up for the holiday!  

1. Easter Egg Coaster by Whiskers and Wool

This little coaster could be made in a number of designs and is great for not just coasters but fun for little kids to play with as well.

2. Bunny Cozy by Yarnovations

This fun little cozy would be great for kids and adults alike and can be used on cups and even mason jars.  There's also a fun little Easter treat recipe that you can include in your gift.

3. Easter Eggs by Smitten With it All

Get creative with this fun Easter egg pattern and use them for egg hunting or just fun plushie toys.

4. Spring Bunny by Stephanie Jessica Lau

Need a cute stuffed bunny?  This little cutie is super adorable and completely customizable for a number of looks.

5. Bunny Hat by Repeat Crafter Me

This cute little hat is sure to make anyone smile.  There's also a link to a free pattern for the diaper cover.

6. Easy Egg Warmers by Pickles

My family and I love boiled eggs so these egg warmers are great for keeping them cozy while we're waiting to have breakfast.

7. Spring Basket by Petals to Picots

Make your own lovely Easter Basket with this super cute pattern.  It's great for kids to play with after the holidays as well.

8. Easter Appliques by Cute and Kaboodle

Add these cute little Easter appliques to clothing, hats, or any of the other patterns you see here.

9. Spring Finger Puppets by Crochet Uncut

Add these adorable little puppets to your baskets and the kids are sure to have lots of fun.  It even has a cute little carrying case.

10. Easter Egg Treat Bag by Petals to Pecots

This egg shaped drawstring bag is great for filling with treats and small toys. Hide it on Easter morning for a grand prize.