Pinky the Poodle!

My mother started out as a dog trainer in Italy.She also had a dog show called La Mia Bella Cani, translation My Beautiful Dogs.She would use pomegranate juice to color her white standard poodles pink! You don't have to go that far when making this little poodle. All you need is pink yarn ,and a whiskey bottle. Before you know it, your little dog will sit up and beg!

PINK POODLE BOTTLE COVER

MATERIALS: Red Heart Super Saver 7 oz skein one skein of Pink Petal

1/2 oz. Black

Crochet hook size G/4.25mm

Stuffing,

2 pipe cleaners,

7 inches of elastic,

2 buttons (if you have black buttons with rhinestone center, that would be great!)

Piece of felt for collar

Trimmings

Bottle with long narrow neck

DIRECTIONS

Body; Starting at bottom, ch 2.

Rnd 1; Make 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc). Join as before.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in joining, * 2 sc in next sc,(l sc increased), sc in next sc. Repeat from * around (18 sc). Join.

Rnd4 Sc in first sc, * 2 sc in next sc, so in next 2 sc. Repeat from * around . Join.

Rnd 5; Sc in each sc around, increasing 6 sc evenly spaced. Join. Repeat Round 5 until there are 42 sc on Round.

NOTE; Work in back loops of each sc here­after on all pieces.

Work even on these sts for 7 1/4 inches. Break off and fasten. Draw elastic through every other sc on last round tie ends securely.

Head; Rnd 1: Starting at top, ch 2. Make 5 sc in 2nd ch from the hook. Join

Rnds 2 and 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in sc

Next 15 rounds; Ch 1, sc in each sc. Join.

Next 3 rounds: Ch 1, sc in each sc, in­creasing 5 sc evenly spaced. Join.

Working in front loop of each sc on last round, sc in first sc, * draw loop on hook up to measure 3/4- inch, yarn over and draw through loop on hook, insert hook between long loop and the single strand behind it and ... make an sc (knot st made), sc in next sc. Repeat from * around. Join. Break off and fasten.

Nose: Starting at tip with Black, ch 2. Rnd 1; 6 sc in 2nd ch.from hook. Join

Rnd 2; Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around. Join. Break off and fasten. Attach Pink.

Next 4. rounds; Ch 1, sc in each sc around.

Join. Break off at end of last round leaving a 6-inch strand. Stuff firmly and sew in place.

Working in free been loops of the 3rd round of nose, make 3 knot sts at each side for Whiskers.

Hair Piece and Ears; Starting at center top work as for body until there are 24 sc. Work 2 rounds even. Ch 1, turn.

Continuing to pick up back loops only, work in rows for Ears as follows:

Row 1; Sc in 6 sc. Ch 1, turn

Next 3 Rows; Repeat Row l

Next Row; (insert hook in next sc; (yarn, over and draw loop through) twice yarn over and draw through all loops on hook (1 sc decreased); sc in each remaining sc, decreasing last sc. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat last 2 rows until 2 sc remain. Break off and fasten.

With wrong side of Hair Piece facing, skip 6 sc on last round, attach yarn to next sc and work Ear same as for First Ear. Work knot sts in free loops of every sc on every other round and row of Hair Piece and Ears. Sew Hair Piece to top of Head. Sew eyes in place.

Fore Leg (Make 2);

Starting at top, work as for Body until there are 18 sc on round. Work even until there are 12 rounds in all.

Stuffing pieces as work progresses, decrease 3 sc evenly spaced on each of next 2 rounds (12 sc).

Next Rnd: Working in both loops, sl st in next

6 sc, sc in back loop of next 6 sc. * Join.

Following Rnd: Ch 1, sc* In back loop of each sl st and in each sc. Join.

Repeat last 2 rounds once more Break off and fasten. Attach Black

Next Rnd; Ch 1, dec 6 sc evenly around. Join.

Following Rnd: Ch 1, (dec 1 sc) 3 times. Join . Break off, leaving an 8-inch strand. Pinching foot flat, sew neatly to form pointed toes.

Hind Leg (Make_2); Work as for Fore Leg, until 12 sc remain. Work 3 rounds even. Break off and fasten. Attach Black and complete as for Fore Leg. Sew Legs in Place.

Tail:

Row 1: Make a chain 3 1/2 inches long. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

Ch l, turn.

Rows 2. 3 and 4: Sc in each sc across Ch 1, turn. Break off, leaving an 8-inch strand. Lay a roll of stuffing and 3 pipe cleaners to stiffen it, on center of tail and sew long edges together. Wind yarn several times around 4 fingers of one hand to form a bundle. Tie this bundle tightly around center of loops. Sew to one end of tail. Sew tail in place.

Finishing: Starting on 8th round of Body and working free loop of each sc on every other round, make 4 rounds of knot sts. Make knot sts around legs and around top-of Body for 2 rounds, starting on 6th round from top edge.

Make a felt collar to fit around Neck.

Trim with sequins and beads. Sew in place.

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From Here To Maternity!

Here is a maternity top crocheted in a chevron stitch. It's easy to work and has a plain yoke that can easily be embellished. It calls for a zipper but I know you can figure out how to substitute buttons.

CROCHET MATERNITY BLOUSE

Directions are given for Small Size.Changes for Medium and Large Sizes

are in parentheses.

Materials: 12 (12, 14) ounces sport yarn such as Lustersheen or Bernat Satin

DRESS OR NECK OPENING ZIPPER 12-inch length. In matching color

OR you can use buttons.

Crochet Hooks, Sizes E and G.

GAUGE: Yoke Pattern—7 sc and 6 ch-1 sps = 2 inches; 5 rows = 1 inch.

Sizes

BLOCKING MEASUREMENTS

Body Bust Size (In Inches)

Small 31-32 Medium 34-36 Large 38-40

Actual Crocheting Measurements

Width in inches across front at underarm

Small: 25, Medium:28, Large:31

Width in inches across each back at underarm

Small: 11, Medium: 12, Large:13

Width in inches across front yoke above armhole shaping

Small: 14 Medium: 14 Large:15

Width in inches across each back yoke above armhole shaping

Small: 7 Medium: 7 Large: 7 1/2

Length from shoulder to lower edge

Small: 24 1/2 Medium: 25 1/2 Large: 26 1/2

Length of body

Small: 18 1/2, Medium: 19, Large: 19 1/2

INSTRUCTIONS

LEFT BACK YOKE

1st row: Starting at lower edge with Size E hook, ch 46 (46, 52) to meas­ure 7 1/2 (7 1/2, 8) inches Sc in 2nd ch from hook, * ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * across—23 (23, 26) sc. Ch 1, turn.

2nd row: Sc in first sc, * ch 1, sc in next sc. Repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn. Repeat 2nd row for pattern.

Work in pattern until length is 5 (5 1/4, 5 3/4) inches. Do not ch 1 at end of last row. Turn.

Shoulder and Neck Shaping:

1st row: (sl st in next sc and in next ch) 3 (3, 4) times; * ch 1, sc in next sc. Repeat from * across. Turn.

2nd row: (sl st in next sc and in next ch) 5 (5, 6) times; (ch 1, sc in next sc) 12 times. Turn.

3rd row: (SL st in next sc and in next ch) 3 (3, 4) times; (ch 1, sc in next sc) 8 (8, 7) times. Turn.

4th row: SL st in first sc and in next ch, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 4 (4, 3) times. Break off and fasten.

RIGHT BACK YOKE Work exactly as for Left Back Yoke.

FRONT YOKE

Starting at lower edge with Size E hook, ch 94 (94, 100) to measure

14 1/2 (14 1/2, 15 1/2) inches.

1st row: Work first row of Back Yoke—47 (47, 50) sc. Ch 1, turn. Continue as for Back until length is 4 (4 1/4, 4 3/4) inches.

Neck Shaping: 1st row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 18 (18, 19) times. Turn and work over this set of sts only.

2nd row: Sl st in first sc and in next ch, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 18 (18, 19) times. Ch 1, turn.

3rd row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 16 (16, 18) times. Turn.

4th row: Sl st in first sc and in next ch, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 16 (16, 18) times. Turn.

Shoulder Shaping: 1st row: (Sl st in next sc and in next ch) 3 (3, 4) times; (ch 1, sc in next sc) 13 (13, 14) times. Ch 1, turn.

2nd row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 9 times. Turn.

3rd row: (sl st in next sc and in next ch) 3 (3, 4) times; (ch 1, sc in next sc) 7 (7, 6) times. Ch 1, turn.

4th row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 3 (3, 2) times. Break off and fasten.

Skip next 9 (9, 10) sc for neck edge on row before neck shaping, attach yarn to next sc and work as follows:

1st row: Sc in sc where yarn was attached, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 18 (18, 19) times. Ch 1, turn.

2nd row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 17 (17, 18) times.

On Small and Medium Sizes Only: Turn.

3rd row: SL st in first sc and in next ch, * ch 1, sc in next sc. Repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.

On large Size Only: Ch 1, turn.

3rd row: Sc in first sc, * ch 1, sc in next sc. Repeat from * across. Ch 1, turn.

For All Sizes: 4th row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 15 (15, 17) times. Ch 1, turn.

Shoulder Shaping:

1st row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 12 (12, 13) times. Turn.

2nd row: (sl st in first sc and in next ch) 3 (3, 4) times; (ch 1, sc in next sc) 10 times.

Ch 1, turn.

3rd row: Sc in first sc, (ch 1, sc in next sc) 6 (6, 5) times. Turn.

4th row: (sl st in next sc and in next ch) 3 times; (ch 1, sc in next sc) 4 (4, 3) times. Break off and fasten.

YOKE BAND

1st row-right side: Working along opposite side of starting chain of Left Back with Size E hook, attach yarn to first ch at side edge of Left Back, sc in same ch and in next 44 (44, 50) ch. Ch 1, turn.

2nd row: Working in front loop only of each sc, sc in first 2 sc, * ch 2, sc in next 6 sc. Repeat from * across to within last sc, ch 2, sc in last sc. Break off and fasten.

Working along opposite side of start­ing chain of Front, attach yarn to first ch.

For Small and Large Sizes Only:

1st row: Work as for first row of Left Back, mak­ing 1 sc in last ch—94 (100) sc. Ch 1, turn.

For Medium Size Only: 1st row: Work as for first row of Left Back, increaslng 7 sc evenly spaced—(to inc 1 sc, make 2 sc in one sp)—100 sc. Ch 1, turn.

For All Sizes: 2nd row: Working in front loop only of each sc, sc in first 2 sc, * ch 2, sc in next 6 sc. Repeat from * across to within last 2 sc, ch 2, sc in last 2 sc. Break off and fasten.

Working along opposite side of start­ing chain of Right Back, attach yarn to first ch at center back edge.

1st row: Work first row same as Left Back. Ch 1, turn.

2nd row: Working in front loop only of each sc, sc in first 2 sc, * ch 2, sc in next 6 sc.

Repeat from * across to within last sc, ch 2, sc in last sc. Do not break off. Ch 5, turn.

BODY

Change to Size G hook.

1st row-right side: With right side facing and working through both loops make 2 dc in first ch-2 loop—half shell made at beg of row; skip next sc,

hdc in next sc, (draw up a loop in each of next 2 sc, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook—joint sc made; hdc in next sc, skip next sc, in next ch-2 loop make 2 dc, ch 2 and 2 dc—shell made; skip next sc, hdc in next sc) 7 (7, 8) times;

ch 7 for right underarm; with right side of Front Yoke facing (make hdc in next sc, shell in next ch-2 loop, skip next sc, hdc in next sc, joint sc over next 2 sc) 15 (16, 16) times; hdc in next sc, shell in next ch-2 loop, skip next sc, hdc in last sc;

ch 7 for left underarm; with right side of Left Back Yoke facing, make hdc in first sc, (shell in next ch-2 loop, skip next sc, hdc in next sc, joint sc over next 2 sc, hdc in next sc) 7 (7, 8) times; skip next sc, 2 dc in next ch-2 loop, ch 2, dc in last sc—half shell made at end of row. Ch 5, turn. There are

7 1/2 (7 1/2, 8 1/2) shells on each Back section and 16 (17, 17) shells on Front Section.

2nd row: Working through both loops of each st, dc in first ch-2 sp, dc in next 2 dc, joint sc over next 2 hdc; now work across the Left Back as follows: * dc in next 2 dc, in next ch-2 sp make dc, ch 2 and dc; dc in next 2 dc, joint sc over next 2 hdc. Repeat from * to within the hdc preceding next underarm chain, draw up a loop in next hdc, skip next ch, draw up a loop in next ch, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook, dc in next ch, in next ch make 2 dc, ch 2 and 2 dc; dc in next ch, make a joint sc over next ch and the following hdc. Starting at * work as for Left Back across Front and next underarm chain; (dc in next 2 dc, in next ch-2 sp make dc, ch 2 and dc; dc in next 2 dc, joint sc over next 2 hdc) 7 (7, 8) times; dc in next 2 dc, dc in next ch-5 turning loop, ch 1, dc in 4th ch of turning chain. Ch 5, turn.

3rd row: Working in back loop only of each st and each ch, skip first dc, dc in next ch, * dc in next 2 dc, holding back on hook the last loop of each dc, dc in next dc, skip next joint sc, dc in next dc, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook—joint dc made; dc in next 2 dc, dc in next ch, ch 2, dc in next ch. Repeat from * across, making last 2 dc in the turning chain. Ch 5, turn.

4th row: Working through both loops of each st, dc in first ch-2 sp, * dc in next 2 dc; skipping the joint dc, make a joint sc over next dc and following dc; dc in next 2 dc, in next ch-2 sp make dc, ch 2 and dc. Repeat from * across, ending with dc in next 2 dc, make joint sc as before, dc in next 2 dc, dc in turning loop, ch 1, dc in 4th ch of turning chain. Ch 5, turn. Repeat 3rd and 4th rows alternately, until length of Body is about

18 1/2(19, 19 1/2) inches, ending with 3rd row. Break off and fasten.

Block to measurements. Leaving 12 inches free at top of center back for zip­per, sew center back seam. With right side facing, using Size G hook and be­ing careful to keep work flat, sc closely along entire back opening, turn and sl st in each sc. Break off and fasten. Sew in zipper. Sew shoulder seams.

NECK EDGING 1st row: Holding edge in to fit, with right side facing and using Size G hook, sc around entire neck edge. Ch 1, do not turn.

2nd row: Working from left to right, insert hook in last sc worked and complete a sc,

* insert hook in next sc to the right and complete an sc. Repeat from * across. Break off and fasten.

ARMHOLE EDGING Work first and 2nd rows as for Neck Edging, but join last st of each row with a sl st to first st. Work edging on other armhole in same way.

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Not affiliated with Coats and Clark.

The Power of Two!

I'll never forget the summer my brothers and I spent in Germany with renowned animal trainer Gunther Gabel-Williams. My mother was one of his assistants. Gunther had a Lion and Tiger act that was well know in Europe. Irving Feld, the owner of Ringling Bros.and Barnum&Bailey wanted that act real bad. He purchased the entire Circus Williams just to acquire the amazingly talented Gunther, all his animals and the techs.

The boys had loads of fun that year and the best part was that they got to wear vests and sweaters and sit on splintery fences with short pants!

BOYS V-NECK CARDIGAN AND VEST

Sizes

To fit 26[28:30.-32:34] inch chest

Length to shoulder, 16[17:18:19:2I]inches

Sleeve seam, 12[13 ½:15:16:17]inches

Gauge

8 sts and 6 rows to 3 inches over hdc worked

with size J crochet hook

Materials

Red Heart Super Saver Knitting Worsted

Cardigan 3[3:3:4:4] 7 oz skeins

Waistcoat 2[3:3:4:4] 7 oz skeins

Crochet Hooks: G/4.25mm and J/5.5mm

4[4:5:5:5] buttons

Cardigan back

Using size J hook make 37[40:43:46:49]ch.

Base row Hdc into 2nd ch from hook work hdc into each ch to end. Turn. 37[40:43:46:49] hdc.

1st row 2ch to count as first hdc, Ihdc into each hdc to end. Turn.

The last row forms patt. Cont in patt until work measures 10[11:12:13:13] inches from beg.

Shape armholes

Next row Sl st across first 3 hdc, patt to last 3 sts, turn.

Dec one st at each end of next 3 rows. Cont with­out shaping until armholes measure

5 1/2[6:6:6:8] inches from beg.

Shape shoulders

Next row Ss across first 3[4:4:4:5] hdc, patt to last 3[4:4:4:5] sts, turn.

Next row Ss across first 3[3:4:5:5]hdc, patt to last 3[3:4:5:5J sts, turn. Fasten off.

Cardigan left front

Using size J hook make 19[20:22:23:25]ch.

Work base row as given for back. 19[20:22:23:25]hdc. Cont in patt as given for back until workmeasures same as back to underarm. **.

Shape armhole

Next row Ss across first 3 hdc, patt to last 2 hdc, dec one. Turn.

***Dec one st at each end of next 3 rows. Keeping armhole edge straight, cont dec one st at neck edge on every RS row until 6[7:8:9:10]hdc rem.

Cont without shaping until armhole measures same as back to shoulder, ending at armhole edge. ***.

Shape shoulder

Next row Ss across first 3[4:4:4:5] hdc, patt to end. Fasten off.

Cardigan right front

Work as given for left front to **.

Shape armhole

Next row Dec one st, patt to last 3 sts, turn.

Work as given for left front from *** to ***.

Shape shoulder

Next row Patt to last 3[4:4:4:5] sts. Fasten off.

Sleeves

Using size J hook make 16[18:18:20:22]ch.

Work base row as given for back. 16[18:18:20:22]hdc. Cont in patt as given for back, inc one st at each end of 2nd[4th:4th:6th:6th] and every foll 3rd row until there are 30[32:34:36:38] sts.

Cont without shaping until sleeve measures

11 1/2[13:14 1/2:15 1/2:16l] inches from beg.

Shape top

Next row Sl across first 3 hdc, patt to last 3 hdc,turn.

Dec one st at each end of next 3 rows and foll 2 alt rows.

Next row Ss across first 2 hdc, patt to last 2 hdc, turn.

Rep last row once more. Fasten off.

Pockets (make 2)

Using size J hook make 13[13:15:15:15]ch. Work base row and patt as given for back until work measures 3[3:4:4:4J inches from beg. Change to size G hook. Work 2 rows sc, me one st at each end of first row. Fasten off.

Finishing

Press each piece lightly on WS under a damp cloth with a warm iron. Join shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Join side and sleeve seams. Sew on pockets.

Front band Using size G hook and with RS of work facing, attach yarn at side seam, work 1 round sc all round outer edges, working 2sc into each corner. Join with a ss to first sc. Mark positions for 4[4:5:5:5] buttons on right front edge, first to come 1/2 inch above lower edge and last to come just below front neck shaping with 2[2:3:3:3] more evenly spaced between.

Next round (buttonhole round)

Working in sc to end, making buttonholes as markers are reached by working 2ch and skipping 2 sc. Join with a sl st to first sc.

Work 1 more round sc, working 2 sc into each 2 ch buttonhole of previous round. Fasten off. Press seams. Sew on buttons.

Waistcoat back

Work as given for cardigan back.

Waistcoats left and right fronts

Work as given for cardigan fronts.

Pockets (make 2)

Work as given for cardigan pockets.

Armbands

Join shoulder seams. Using size G hook and with RS of work facing, work 2 rows sc round armholes. Fasten off.

Finishing

Complete as given for cardigan.