CHA pics and info coming soon--as soon as I can get my laundry under control! It was a GREAT trip! Until then, here's another fun crochet pattern.

My siblings and I went in on Nooks for our parents for Christmas this year. They read a ton, so we knew they'd enjoy them. My mom called me last week and said she is always worried it's going to get scratched in her purse, but the cases in the store were way too expensive. She thought there might be other readers out there with the same problem, so she suggested I do a tutorial for a Nook case! This crocheted version is for my dad (watch for the fabric version for my mom, coming soon!). So if you're looking for a more manly handmade gift for your Valentine, this may be it. It's similar to my cell phone/iPod case, so try that pattern if your love doesn't have an eReader!


Crocheted Nook or Kindle eReader Case Pattern

Supplies:
*Worsted weight yarn
*Size I crochet hook
*2 buttons
*Yarn needle

Stitches used:
*Single crochet (sc)
*Double crochet (dc)
*Moss stitch (explained in pattern)

Row 1: Ch 20. Sc in 3rd ch from hk. Begin moss stitch: Ch 1, sk st, sc in next st, *ch 1, sk st, sc in next st*. Repeat from * to * to end of row. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 2 - 56: Continue moss st: Sk 1st sc, *sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1* across. Sc in last st. Ch 2, turn.

Row 57: Dc in 1st sc, dc in next st, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next sc, dc in next 9 sts (both sc and ch-1 spaces). Ch 1, sk next sc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next 2 sc. Ch 1, turn. (Two buttonholes made.)

Row 58: Sc in 2nd st from hk and in ea st across, including ch-1 spaces. Ch 1, turn.

59: Sc in 2nd ch from hk and in ea sc across. Fasten of and weave in ends.


To finish your case, fold the bottom end up 8 inches. Fold flap with buttonholes over the top. Your case should measure approximately 5" wide and 8" high.


Lay buttons on top of buttonholes. Make sure they'll fit through the opening (it will stretch a little).



Sew buttons to main piece under the flap with a yarn needle. I usually cut a length of the yarn I used for the project and separate it out into several strands, then use that to sew on my buttons. Perfect matching thread every time, and you only have to do a couple passes through the button to get a really good hold!

After your buttons are in place, fold the long piece backwards up 8". Imagine you have just turned it inside out. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, stitch up the two sides of the case. I use a whip stitch. Then turn your case right-side-out and button closed. That's it!

A few weeks ago, Jessica asked me if I knew how to make a dish towel hanger for her oven handle. Every time her son dried his hands, it ended up on the floor. I'd seen dish towels with crocheted toppers, but I knew she wouldn't want permanent toppers on all of her towels. Just something to keep it in place so her kids could use it. This is what I came up with.




My first try I just used a double crochet across. But it looked a little boring. So I pulled out one of my favorite stitches--the crossed half double crochet. It's a lot more interesting than a double or half double crochet, don't you think? Here are the instructions for this stitch if you've never tried it.

Crossed Half Double Crochet Stitch

If you can do the half double crochet (hdc) stitch, you can do this very cute variation. Here's how:

Starting with any number of chains, ch 2, *sk next st, hdc in next st, hdc in previously skipped st, repeat from * to end of row. If you have a chain left, do a hdc in that st. Ch 2, turn. Repeat.


Once I got going with it, I wanted to keep using it! But seriously, how many towel hangers do we Birdies need? So I came up with a new pattern using this old favorite. This iPod or cell phone cozy was made using the crossed hdc stitch. I love the way this stitch looks with two strands of cotton yarn. Practice the crossed hdc a little, then try this fun pattern!

iPod/Cell Phone Cozy Crochet Pattern



Finished size: 3" x 4.25" (approx.)--holds a full-size iPod and many cell phones, but measure yours before making this. You can always add stitches to make it taller or wider.

Materials:
G hook, 2 strands cotton yarn (we like Lion Brand's Cotton Ease)

Okay, let's get started!

Ch 13, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

Row 1: Ch 2, turn (counts as hdc). Sk 1st st, hdc in 2nd st, hdc in 1st skipped st (crossed hdc completed). Repeat across row, ending with hdc in last st. (12 total hdc)

Rows 2-20: Same as row 1.

Row 21: Crossed hdc twice (4 sts), ch 2, skip next st, hdc in next st, hdc in previous st, sk next st, hdc in next st, hdc in skipped st, hdc in last st. (This row creates the buttonhole.)

Row 22: Repeat row 2.

Row 23: Sc in each st across. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Decide which side you want to be the right side. Fold over with right-sides together at about row 10. Make sure your device will fit inside with a flap folded over the top--adjust fold if necessary.

Using your tapestry needle and a length of yarn, sew up each side. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Turn right-side out. Position button so it will fit through buttonhole and sew to front side. You're done!

So are you going to try it? Oh, you don't crochet? No worries--there are couple of these cuties in Mandy's etsy shop. And if you like them, I'll make more.