Little Crochet Football Pattern

Even though I live in a city that houses two beloved football teams, the Seahawks and the Huskies, I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of football. I know, it's terrible. However, you'll be happy to know that I have plenty of friends who insist upon sharing the joys of sports with me. One of those friends recently had a birthday, and to show my appreciation for him I went out of my usual designing comfort zone. I created... a football!

It's a sweet and simple little football and I really like it. It's the perfect size to keep on your desk at work, to turn into an ornament, or perhaps even to turn into a baby rattle. In the spirit of sharing, I've decided to post the simple pattern for this ball for free below. I hope you enjoy it! I used about 60 yards of Martha Stewart Crafts Extra Soft Wool Blend (a worsted weight yarn which has tragically been discontinued) for the base of the football and white scrap yarn for the lacing and stripes. I used a US size G6 4mm crochet hook. You'll also need some fiberfill to stuff the football and a yarn needle to stitch it together and add the stripes.

Football Panel (make 3)
Row 1: Ch 2. Work 3 hdc into the first ch. (3)
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st now and throughout), turn. Work 2 hdc into the first st, work 1 hdc into the next st, work 2 hdc into the last st. (5)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (5)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc into the first st, work 1 hdc into each of the next 3 sts, work 2 hdc into the last st. (7)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc into the first st, work 1 hdc into each of the next 5 sts, work 2 hdc into the last st. (9)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (9)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc into the first st, work 1 hdc into each of the next 7 sts, work 2 hdc into the last st. (11)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (11)
Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc into the first st, work 1 hdc into each of the next 9 sts, work 2 hdc into the last st. (13)
Rows 10 through 13: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (13)
Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc dec over the first 2 sts, work 1 hdc into each of the next 9 sts, work 1 hdc dec over last two sts. (11)
Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (11)
Row 16: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc dec over the first 2 sts, work 1 hdc into each of the next 7 sts, work 1 hdc dec over last two sts. (9)
Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (9)
Row 18: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc dec over the first 2 sts, work 1 hdc into each of the next 5 sts, work 1 hdc dec over last two sts. (7)
Row 19: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc dec over the first 2 sts, work 1 hdc into each of the next 3 sts, work 1 hdc dec over last two sts. (5)
Row 20: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc into each st. (5)
Row 21: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc dec over the first 2 sts, work 1 hdc into next st, work 1 hdc dec over last two sts. (3)
Row 22: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 hdc dec over all three stitches. (1)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Finishing
Two of the three panels will have white stripes sewn with a satin stitch across rows 6 and 7 and also rows 16 and 17. Use a yarn needle and white scrap yarn for the stripes. Next, use the remaining brown yarn tails to sew the three panels together, stuffing the football semi-firmly before you close the final seam. Finally, use the yarn needle and white scrap yarn to sew the lacing of the football along the seam that joins the two striped panels. Weave in all ends securely.

First Finished Knit: An Ear Warmer!

Hey, friends! I am so excited to have finished my first actual knitting project. It's a soft ear warmer made out of only 40 yards of alpaca yarn. Check it out! Ah, the glories of my newbie, wobbly garter stitch :)

Success! Also, you may have noticed that my regular Friday features haven't been running lately. I'm taking a little break from them and they'll be back soon. TGIF! (At least for another half-hour...)

Streamwave Throw plus Giveaway Winners Announced

Just as the best writers read often, I believe it is important for crochet pattern designers to follow others' patterns on a regular basis. Not only does taking short breaks from pattern writing allow you to collect and organize your thoughts for your next pattern, it also shows you styles and ideas that are different from your own. While following someones crochet fox hat pattern you might be struck with an awesome idea for a coyote throw pillow. If you follow a poorly written pattern you can make mental notes about what not to do, and if you follow an awesome pattern you can reflect on what makes it so awesome and incorporate that awesomeness into your own designs. Since crochet designers are often trying to make a beloved hobby into a career, it's important not to burn out or lose the joy by focusing on designing to the exclusion of everything else. Plus, let's be honest, following others' patterns every now and then is fun! Finally, working up patterns that others have written helps you stay connected to the crochet community and its trends.

I recently followed Kim Guzman's Streamwave Throw pattern and I'm really proud to show you my finished product.

The blanket was a pleasure to make. It has a great rhythm to it and is a nice size. It must be noted that I rarely follow the recommended number of rows on patterns like this. I like to stop or continue on as I see fit. This throw didn't take me too long to make. I worked on it over a three month span of time, during which I worked on and completed several other objects. If I had dedicated myself to it I think I could have finished it in about two weeks.

I think this throw pattern looks like stained glass. The original calls for variegated yarn, which would probably look very nice if you found the right color. Since I'm not a huge fan of variegated yarn I opted for two solid colors to make it interesting. I used Caron Simply Soft for its glossy finish and reasonable price.

It will be a pleasure to add this project page to my Ravelry account. It's great looking back on all of the hard work I've done, especially when so many of my finished objects are sold or given as gifts. I'm sure you can relate :) As ever, my hook keeps moving. If there's a pattern you really love and you want me to check it out, you're always welcome to drop me a line via illuminatecrochet@gmail.com.

Now, for the giveaway announcement! Using a random number generator, I have selected our winners! Congratulations to Crocheter Carrie R. and Admirer Melissa S.! After I get their details I will arrange their packages and show you what they're receiving. A huge thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. If you didn't win, stay tuned for more fun giveaways and contests.

Tiny Furry Friend

I love mice. Some folks shy away from them because they find them dirty or frightening. My friend Katie is disgusted by their tails. I understand that they do have the potential to spread disease or damage property, but I just can't help loving the sweet little things! Their soft little ears and other cute features melt my heart.

I recently hooked up a mouse who can surely be of no trouble to anyone. This furry friend won't be scaring anyone or spreading disease anytime soon.

The pattern was easy to follow and quick to work up. I found it interesting that the mouse is constructed from back to front rather than from front to back like most amigurumi. I used a 6mm yarn instead of the yarn the pattern calls for, so I also made the tail, feet, and ears a bit bigger. If you've never tried making amigurumi before you might consider starting with this short and simple pattern. It's free, so you've got nothing to lose! Gotta love those free patterns.