<![CDATA[BROWNCOAT CRAFTING - Journal]]>Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:23:21 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[May 05th, 2023]]>Fri, 05 May 2023 14:22:12 GMThttp://browncoatcrafting.com/journal/may-05th-2023
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    This cuddly creature is here for your needs. When you're feeling down, just give him a squeeze! He'll keep all your secrets and tell you no lies, and he fits in your hand- just the right size! So when you're feeling lonely, give Doc a call. You won't make a better decision at all!

I've struggled with depression since my early teenage years, and sometimes "the funk" can be really difficult to pull out of. When I started to crochet again several years ago, it was with the intention of using it as a coping mechanism, and when I discovered how well it worked Browncoat Crafting was born to help manage the ever-growing stack of things I've made (because you can't keep everything you make....you *can't* keep everything you make... lol). The last month or so has been especially challenging for me, and this little fella here has been an absolute gem. I first started the pattern on a whim, wanting to find something to do with a bunch of partial skeins of Bernat Blanket Yarn, and the soft, cuddly nature of the yarn, combined with his adorable, non-judgmental little face, definitely helped turn my blues around! It's not just making them that makes you feel better, either! They are fun to hug and just have around! I even made Mr. Browncoat a giant, pillow-sized one (which was, in hindsight, a bit much hahah). 
​
This cute little octopus works up in about an hour, is an easy pattern for any skill level, and is a lot of fun to make and play with. The soft Bernat Blanket yarn is a soothing sensory delight, and comes in a variety of colors, both solid and variegated! This plushie is good for most ages, however the addition of the safety eyes (however tightly installed) could present a choking hazard for babies and very small children. Alternatively, you could embroider eyes on, or make them from felt and glue them on to make them safer for the very wee ones. Happy stitching!

What you’ll need
  • Bernat Blanket yarn- roughly 80 yards
  • 8mm crochet hook
  • Stitch marker
  • Two 6mm safety eyes
  • Stuffing
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors

Stitches and abbreviations used
(This pattern is worked in the round and written using American crochet terminology)
  • Single crochet (sc)
  • Stitch (st)
  • Slip stitch (sl)
  • *Instructions like this should be repeated*Decrease (dec) Insert hook into first stitch, yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.Back loop only (blo) Work your stitches into the back loops of the prior row.Place marker (pm) Use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch of the previous row.

    ​Pattern
  • Work 6sc into a magic ring, pm in last st (6)
  • 2 sc in ea st, pm in last st (12)
  • *2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in next* around, pm in last st (18)
  • *2sc in 1st st, 1 sc in next 2* around, pm in last st (24)
  • Sc in ea st around, pm in last st (24)
  • Sc in ea st around, pm in last st (24)
  • Sc in ea st around, pm in last st (24)
  • Sc in ea st around, pm in last st (24)
  • Sc in ea st around, pm in last st (24) You will put the eyes on now, 4 stitches apart, on row 4. I try to center the stitch marker between them when placing. 
  •  In BLO, *1 dec, 1sc in next 2 st* around (18)
  • *1 dec, 1 sc in next st* around (12) Stuff firmly!
  •  Dec around (6) Fasten off yarn, weave in end, and get ready to start the tentacles.

    The tentacles are surface crocheted onto the body of the octopus using the front loops of round 10.

  • Join yarn to back of octopus body (you will be able to see where rounds 9 and 10 meet on the back, as it is crocheted in rounds, and the BLO will not match up 100%- this is where you will join.)

  • ​Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 1- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 2- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 3- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 4- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 5- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 6- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 7- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch]
  • Sl in next 2 st, then chain 9 [Tentacle 8- 3sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea st back to body, then sl to body in next BLO stitch] Sl to where you joined yarn, fasten off, and weave in ends.

Congratulations! You have made your very own Doc, the Emotional Support Octopus! Feel free to sell your finished product- you made it after all! I do ask, however, that you do not re-use any of my images, you do not sell this pattern, that you do not reproduce any part of this pattern for distribution, and that you give designer credit to @browncoatcrafting on your listings and social media posts!
]]><![CDATA[Free Pattern Friday- 03/10/2023- Catherine Ear Warmers]]>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:07:21 GMThttp://browncoatcrafting.com/journal/free-pattern-friday-03102023-catherine-ear-warmers​These adorable ear warmers are a great accessory for this lingering winter weather! The design inspiration came from Catherine the Great, one of the most powerful women in history. Like their namesake, these ear warmers are elegant but feminine, and great for keeping your head and ears warm during the long, cold winters! Whether you're planning on overthrowing the patriarchy, or just braving the cold for craft supplies, spice up your outfit with some cute head-wear today! 
This beginner-friendly pattern only needs about 240 yards of yarn, 120 yards of the Main Color and 120 yards of the accent color. If you have that, and a little over an hour of free time, this is the pattern for you! A copy is for you below, or you can download a free pdf copy with step-by-step pictures from the Pattern Shop.
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You will need:
  • Two colors of #4 yarn- I’ve use “Big Twist”, “I Love This Yarn” and “Red Heart”
  • 4.5mm (I) crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

Stitches and Abbreviations you should know (this pattern is written using US terms):
  • Chain (ch)
  • Single crochet (sc)
  • Half-double crochet (hdc)
  • Front-post double crochet (fpdc)
  • Back-post double crochet (bpdc)
  • Each (ea)
  • Stitch (st)
  • Fasten Off (FO)

Pattern
           1.With Main Color Ch25, sc in back bump of 2nd ch from hook, and ea st across (24)
  1. [Ch1, hdc in first st, *bpdc in next, fpdc in next* across, hdc in last st (24)
  2. Ch1, hdc in ea st across (24)]
    For rows 4-29, repeat [ rows 2 and 3] 12 times, then change to Accent Color
      30.[Ch1, hdc in first st, *bpdc in next, fpdc in next* across, hdc in last st (24)
      31. Ch1, hdc in ea st across (24)]
    For rows 32-55, repeat [ rows 31 and 31 ] 12 times
    ​    56. Ch1, sc in ea st across, FO, and leave a long tail for sewing. 

    To sew: Lay work out flat, and fold each end in half. Put the middles of the two halves together, and fold the ends over until you have a “zig zag” pattern of folded fabric. Using the long tail, sew the folded fabric together firmly. Weave in the ends, turn right-side out to hide the seam, and voila! Your Catherine Ear Warmers are ready to wear and enjoy! Feel free to sell your finished product- you made it after all! I do ask, however, that you do not re-use any of my images, you do not reproduce any part of this pattern for distribution, and that you give designer credit to @browncoatcrafting on your listings and social media posts!




]]><![CDATA[Free Pattern Friday (01/20/23)- Pokeball]]>Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:22:43 GMThttp://browncoatcrafting.com/journal/free-pattern-friday-012023-pokeballIt only seems fitting that I kick off Free Pattern Friday with the Pokeball. One of the original patterns that started it all, this little guy has been one of my favorite thins to make since I came up with the terribly subpar first design. Since then, I've revamped it and tweaked it, and am finally (mostly) happy with the end result!  

The Pokeball pattern is great for busting through your scrap yarn, as it takes less than 100 yards of both red and white yarn, and the black yarn requirements are minimal. The white button can be of whatever size you like, however, if you are going to crochet this without joined rounds you will want to make sure that your button is large enough to cover up the color changes. That said, feel free to work this in joined or un-joined rounds! The pattern is written using US crochet terms, and if you are unfamiliar with any of the stitches or techniques required, I highly recommend a YouTube search. Bella Coco Crochet has some very helpful videos for different crochet techniques.  And now, without further ado, I present the Pokeball pattern (a downloadable pdf version with photos is available in my Ravelry store for free over the debut weekend, and then only $0.99 after that)!

          SKILLS/ABBREVIATIONS YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW
  • Magic Circle
  • Chain (CH)
  • Single Crochet (SC)
  • Decrease (DEC)



    MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
  • G (4mm) Crochet Hook
  • Stitch Markers
  • Red Yarn
  • Black Yarn
  • White Yarn
  • Stuffing
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle
  • White Button
  • Pokemon Theme Song queued up



    1) WITH RED 6 SC in magic circle, sl to first st of round (6)
    2) Ch 1, 2 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (12)
    3) Ch 1, (1 SC in next stitch, 2 SC in next stitch) Repeat around (18)
    4) Ch 1, (1 SC in next 2 stitches, 2 SC in next stitch) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (24)
    5) Ch 1, (1 SC in next 3 stitches, 2 SC in next stitch) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (30)
    6) Ch 1, (1 SC in next 4 stitches, 2 SC in next stitch) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (36)
    7) Ch 1, (1 SC in next 5 stitches, 2 SC in next stitch) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (42)
    8) Ch 1, (1 SC in next 6 stitches, 2 SC in next stitch) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (48)
    9) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48)
    10) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48)
    11) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48) CHANGE TO BLACK
    12) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48)
    13) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48)
    14) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48) CHANGE TO WHITE
    15) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48)
    16) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48)
    17) Ch 1, 1 SC in each stitch around, sl to first st of round (48) For the last rounds, make extra sure to keep your stitches very tight
    18) Ch 1, (SC in next 6 stitches, DEC) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (42)
    19) Ch 1, (SC in next 5 stitches, DEC) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (36)
    20) Ch 1, (SC in next 4 stitches, DEC) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (30)
    21) Ch 1, (SC in next 3 stitches, DEC) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (24)
    22) Ch1, (SC in next 2 stitches, DEC) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (18) STUFF FIRMLY, AND KEEP STUFFING UNTIL FINISHED
    23) Ch1, (SC in next stitch, DEC) Repeat around, sl to first st of round (12)
    24) Ch1, DEC in next 3 stitches, fasten off leaving a long tail, sew hole closed, but DO NOT CUT YARN
    25) Place button in center of Row 13 (or over area on ball where the color change rows are visible, if using non-joined rounds). Poke yarn tail up through the center of the Pokeball, and sew the button securely into place. Fasten off, weave in end. Voila! Your Pokeball is complete!
    I would absolutely love to see your finished work! Tag me on Instagram with @browncoatcrafting and tag your work #craftingwithbrowncoats ! Feel free to sell your finished work- you made it, after all! I do ask that you give designer credit in your listing, if you do sell them. Please do not sell, reprint or reproduce the pattern itself in any way.






]]><![CDATA[UPWARDS AND ONWARDS]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:38:40 GMThttp://browncoatcrafting.com/journal/upwards-and-onwardsHello world! Welcome to Browncoat Crafting 2.0! For those of you who remember my original website- wee bit of an upgrade, eh? Finally! I am so happy to be able to introduce you to the new look for the site!

A few months ago, I got an email from Etsy regarding the deposit of funds from a pattern I sold on their platform. Mind you, it's a $0.99 pattern, so it doesn't fit the definition of "big ticket item", but I found the fact that I received $0.26 to be rather insulting. It was the principle of the thing, and it really put into a stark perspective for me just how much they have been hiking up their fees lately.  At that moment, I decided I was going to do something else, but I wasn't entirely sure what.  The natural-feeling option was to just move everything to my website, but not being well versed in the website building world, I wasn't entirely sure that was the best idea. I ran through a list of other options, and kept coming back to "just do it on your website". And so the total overhaul began.

I had no idea, when I started, how daunting of a task this was going to be.  I had an idea of what I wanted, and no real idea of how to get there.  Then I discovered Weebly, and everything just sort of fell into place!  I picked the design, started adding the different pages, set up the shop, and then it was time to start uploading pictures of the items.  And it was at that moment that I realized I had another problem.  My photos were not up to snuff for the kind of website I wanted.  

With this knowledge, the hunt for a decent (but cheap) photo editor began.  A run to Joann's was made for backdrop fabric, and the never-ending photo shoot began.  To date, it is still not finished!  I have been working on uploading new photos for items as I get them finished, but I have also decided to not stress on it too badly.  I originally wanted to have everything done before I published the website and officially opened the store, but then I realized that I am not sure when I am going to have time to finish taking new photos of everything, so I may as well just publish what I have, and add to it as I complete things.  So here we are!  A quick peek in the shop will show you how much progress I've made/am making!

A quick note on pattern sales- I am in the process of getting a Ravely account set up for pattern sales, as the current sale platform I have here on BC doesn't support digital downloads.  I am not sure just yet how we're going to set up the link to there, but in the meantime, if you want to purchase a Pokeball pattern for $0.99, just send me a message and we'll get you all squared away!  As far as new patterns go, I have a TON of stuff that I'm currently working on, and as patterns get finished, I will be posting the free versions here, on this blog.  I know it will probably not go quite how I envision it, but my goal for 2023 is to publish 1-2 new patterns per month, so be sure to check back often to see what's in the yarn lab! 
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