If you prefer to keep your ears warm but at the same time want to look special - then Floral Ear Muffs is right project for you. You can use scraps of yarn in different colors to make them. You can give a new life to your headphones. You can wear these ear muffs in winter and also in spring or summer (to protect ears from noise and strong wind). And you will always look unique :)
You will need:
- Yarn in 4 shades. I used Stone Washed* by Scheepjes in shades 801, 805, 809 and 813. (Read my review about this yarn HERE). You can choose and purchase your shades in local Scheepjes shops (NL), or Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping).
- Crochet hook Clover Soft Touch* 3.25mm (D)
- Scissors and tapestry needle to put ear muffs together.
- Ready form for ear muffs, OR ordinary head band, OR headphones :) Update: I've been just given a tip where to find ready forms for earmuffs. Please, check THIS shop on Etsy...
- Stuffing
Stitch guide and Abbreviations
US standard abbreviations are used in this pattern. But if you are used to other terms, please check this Crochet Translation Project which might be helpful in translation to your native language.
rnd - round
st(s) - stitch(es)
ch - chain
sp(s) - space(s)
yo - yarn over
lp(s) - loop(s)
BL - back loop(s)
FL - front loop(s)
NJ - needle join
*…* *crochet following directions* as many times as indicated
sl st (slip stitch) – insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw yarn up and pull 2nd lp through the 1st lp on hook.
sc (single crochet) – insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw up a lp, yo and pull through both lps on hook.
hdc (half double crochet) - yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, yo, pull through all three lps.
dc (double crochet) – yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, *yo, pull through 2 lps* twice.
tr (treble crochet) - yo twice, insert hook in indicated st, yo, draw up a lp, *yo, pull through 2 lps* three times.
sc inc (single crochet increase) - make 2 sc in one st
dc inc (single crochet increase) - make 2 dc in one st
Important notes
These ear muffs are made in overlay crochet. If this is your first experience with this amazing technique, please, be sure to check THIS SECTION with all necessary information about it.
- Attaching new yarn. New yarn is attached by simply pulling a loop of new color in the indicated st and making a ch, which will count as the first sc of the round (unless otherwise stated in the pattern). Read more HERE.
- Working in back or front loops. The stitches of the background are always crocheted in back loops only (unless otherwise stated in the pattern) while the overlaid long stitches are added (“anchored”) in the front loops of sts of previous rounds. If you crochet the background sts through the FL you won’t be able to place long stitches. Read more HERE.
- Skipping stitches. Overlaid stitches “hide” the stitches of background and this is the reason, why sc of the working round should be skipped. Read more HERE.
- Needle join. The rounds are finished with a needle join (NJ) in the first st of the round (unless otherwise stated in the pattern). I use a hook instead of a needle to join, it saves a lot of time. (I also use a hook to weave in all yarn tails). Read more HERE.
Copyright LillaBjornCrochet 2015. All rights reserved. This pattern is for unlimited personal use only. Do not reproduce or sell the pattern. The pattern may not be copied in any way (print or digitally), in part or in full. Items may be sold that are made from this pattern as long as the designer is credited. Shop owners, if you wish to make a kit with yarn using this pattern, please request permission and copyright details from me before offering any kits for sale. Please, read Copyright page for more information.
INSTRUCTIONS
Add this Pattern to your Ravelry QueueColour key: C1 - shade 805, C2 - shade 801, C3 - shade 809, C4 - shade 813
Step 1: crochet around the band
This step is optional and you don’t need to crochet about the band if you don’t wish to. I just thought it might be nice to make the band in matching colour with ear muffs.
Work with C4. To start make as many chains as you need to fit around your band. I made ch4, joined with sl st in 1st ch (around the band) and continued to crochet around with sc. I found it easier to insert the hook into FL.
When you finish crocheting around the band, make 1 sl st and fasten off.
Step 2: Ear Muffs
a. Front (make two)
Rnd 1. Start with yarn C1. Make magic ring, ch1 (doesn’t count as 1st sc) and 6 sc in magic ring; join with a sl st in the 1st sc after ch1; don’t fasten off. (6)
ch1 (doesn’t count as sc), *1 sc inc in next st* 6 times, NJ in 2nd sc of the rnd after ch1. (12)
*1sc (1st sc of the rnd will be ch1), 1 sc inc in next st* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (18)
*1sc in each of next 3 sts (1st sc of the rnd will be a ch), 1 dc (FL) in directly underlying st of rnd 1, sk no sts on rnd 3* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (24)
*1sc (1st sc of the rnd will be a ch), 1 sc inc in next st, 1sc in next st, 1tr (FL) in a st of rnd 2 visible between two dc of rnd 3, sk 1 st on rnd 4* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (30)
NOTE: 1st sc inc will be ch1+sc in same st where yarn was attached.
*1sc inc, 1sc in each of next 4 sts* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (36)
*1 sl st (1st sl st of the rnd will be ch1), (1hdc, 1dc) in next st, 2tr in next st, 1tr in next st, (1dc, 1hdc) in next st, 1 sl st in next st* 6 times, NJ in the 1st hdc of the rnd after ch1. (54) Pull both yarn tails to the wrong side and secure with a knot.
*1dc in each of next 2 sts (1st dc of the rnd will be ch2), 1 dc inc in next st* 12 times, NJ in the 1st dc of the rnd after ch2. (48)
*1sc in each of next 4 sts (1st sc of the rnd will be ch1), 1 sc inc in next st, 1sc in each of next 3 sts* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (54)
*1sc in each of next 5 sts (1st sc of the rnd will be ch1), 1 dc (BL) in 2nd tr on the top of underlying petal, sk no sts on rnd 9, 1sc in each of next 4 sts on rnd 9* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (60)
*1sc in each of next 7 sts (1st sc of the rnd will be ch1), 1 sc inc, 1sc in each of next 2 sts* 6 times, NJ in the 1st sc of the rnd after ch1. (66)
b. Back (make two)
Work with yarn C2. Back part is crocheted in one continuous spiral, so do not join rounds.
Rnd 2. sk ch1 and make 2sc in every st of rnd 1. (12)
Mark the last st of the rnd with yarn tail of contrasting color and move it to the last st of every next rnd as you progress.
Rnd 3. *1sc, 1 sc inc* 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4. *1 sc inc, 2sc* 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5. *3sc, 1 sc inc* 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6. *1sc, 1 sc inc, 3sc* 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7. *2sc, 1 sc inc, 3sc* 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8. *6sc, 1sc inc* 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9. *4sc, 1 sc inc, 3sc* 6 times. (54)
Rnd 10. *8sc, 1 sc inc* 6 times. (60)
Rnd 11. *4sc, 1 sc inc, 5sc* 6 times. (66) Don’t fasten off.
Step 3: Joining and Finishing
Try front part of the ear muff on your band centering any dc on the top of the petal with the center of the band. Mark sts on the sides of the band which will be covered with joining round.
Take back part and place it together with front (wrong side of front part will face right side of the back part), bring a loop of back part on the hook. Now insert the hook in BL of the marked st on the front part, yo, draw up a loop and make ch1. That will be 1st sc of the joining round.
Congratulations!!! Your new Floral Ear Muffs are now finished. And you are ready to show them to your friends and relatives.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
I should tell you the truth. I am totally obsessed with making mandalas.
Sometimes I have a thought about designing a blanket, or a small accessory. But
then another mandala idea pops-up and I forget about everything. Even if I make
a bag – it is round shaped and with the mandala on the front. Do you think it is
a diagnose? A kind of disease? A mandala virus? I don’t know… But I released a
new mandala design again. Though a little bit different this time.
I love to play with colors, but sometimes you need a “color silence” to clear
your thoughts and think more about the shape and structure. I had one big ball
of
Barroco Natural
yarn by Circulo, and I decided to play with it a bit and to create a
monochrome design. With some simple cabling… and this is how my new Minimalist
Cabled Mandala was born. The pattern is available
HERE on Ravelry.
I am very often asked how crocheted mandalas can be used. Yes, they are
beautiful, and colorful and flat. But what is their practical use? And I’ve got
an idea of this post. To show you (on the example of my new
Minimalist Cabled Mandala) different ways of using them.
If your mandala is thick enough – you can also use it as a chair pad. You can
use it just as it is (flat) of you can do what I did. I purchased ready chair
pads in Ikea and stitched mandalas by hand onto it. As a result – you have a
handmade unique accessory with a fabric look.
You can decorate your old pillow cover but stitching a crocheted mandala onto
it. Or you can even make a wall hanging! I came across a nice idea of how to
frame crocheted mandalas. If you are lucky to find a metal (or plastic, or
wooden) ring the same size as your mandala – you can crochet the last round with
sc around mandala and over the ring at the same time. Easy and effective!
I used cotton yarn Bloom* by Scheepjes to make this pair of monochrome potholders (two skeins for each potholder).
Instructions for the bottom layer are given in the pattern. I suggest to join
both layers with one round of sc and then add one round of crab stitches to give
your potholder a nice finished look.
To join top and bottom layers of the pot holder put them together facing with the wrong sides. Work joining rnd (with sc) on the right side of top part inserting your hook through both lps on the last rnd of both layers.
You can also make a loop while putting your potholder together:
Continue with sc till you come to the top of any petal, chain 10 and sc into the same stitch of joining round, forming a loop. Continue with the joining round until the end, finish with a slst in the first sc of joining rnd, don’t fasten off. Return making a round of crab stitch. When you reach the ch10-space, turn work, make 15 sc in the loop, turn work and continue with crab stitch until the end of the round. Cut the thread, fasten off.
The size of my stool cover is approx. 32.5 cm (13 inches) across. And here is
what I did:
Follow Minimalist Cabled Mandala pattern till rnd 12.
Rnd 12-14. 132 dc
Rnd 15. *1dc in each of next 4 sts, 1dc2tog over next 2 sts, 1dc in each of next 5 dc* 12 times; join with sl st in ch2-sp. (120)
Rnd 16. Note: make ch1 instead of 1st sc.
*1sc in each of next 7 sts, 1sc2tog over next 2 sts, 1sc in next st* 12 times; join with sl st in ch2-sp. (108) You may fasten off now or make one rnd with crab stitch and then fasten off and weave yarn tail in.
To make a stool cover in different size, continue with the mandala pattern till
you reach the desired size (the diameter of your stool). If mandala with 2nd rnd
of petals turns to be too large but mandala with one rnd of petals is too small
– you can stop making mandala pattern after rnd 11 and then add several rnds
with dc stitches and 12 increases on each round (see instructions for bottom
part of the potholder in the pattern). When you reach the desired size - add
several more rounds with dc stitches and NO increases, and then one or two
rounds with decreases as mentioned above. When you are satisfied with the stool
cover’s shape, make one rnd with crab stitches and fasten off (weave in yarn
tail).
This pillow was made by Cindy Douglass. Cindy was helping me to test the
pattern and in the end decided to make one more mandala and turn it into the
pillow. She kindly gave me a permission to share her pictures and notes with
you:
Here are all the ways of using crocheted mandala I’ve come up with… Do you know any other? Please, share your ideas in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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1. Flat decoration: trivet, chair pad, wall hanging
Of course the main function of the mandala is to actually decorate. Mandala is round and flat. Large or small it can be used as a table decoration: as a trivet for a bowl with fruits for example, or vase with flowers.
2. Potholder
Another wonderful way of using mandalas is to make potholders of them. They can be one- or double layered. Lace or structured.I used cotton yarn Bloom* by Scheepjes to make this pair of monochrome potholders (two skeins for each potholder).
To join top and bottom layers of the pot holder put them together facing with the wrong sides. Work joining rnd (with sc) on the right side of top part inserting your hook through both lps on the last rnd of both layers.
Continue with sc till you come to the top of any petal, chain 10 and sc into the same stitch of joining round, forming a loop. Continue with the joining round until the end, finish with a slst in the first sc of joining rnd, don’t fasten off. Return making a round of crab stitch. When you reach the ch10-space, turn work, make 15 sc in the loop, turn work and continue with crab stitch until the end of the round. Cut the thread, fasten off.
3. Round stool cover
If you have old round stool and want to give it a new life, you can adjust mandala pattern and make an elegant stool cover.
Follow Minimalist Cabled Mandala pattern till rnd 12.
Rnd 12-14. 132 dc
Rnd 15. *1dc in each of next 4 sts, 1dc2tog over next 2 sts, 1dc in each of next 5 dc* 12 times; join with sl st in ch2-sp. (120)
Rnd 16. Note: make ch1 instead of 1st sc.
*1sc in each of next 7 sts, 1sc2tog over next 2 sts, 1sc in next st* 12 times; join with sl st in ch2-sp. (108) You may fasten off now or make one rnd with crab stitch and then fasten off and weave yarn tail in.
4. Pillow
Do you like pillows? I do! But I only have square ones. Crocheted mandala gives you a great chance to easily make a round one, too.
- I made two mandalas following the pattern. After rnd 15 I added one round of dc and then one round of sc, with no increases in either round. I purchased a 16" pillow form (largest I could find), but had to add some quilt batting around it to fill out the pillow covering. The finished pillow measures about 17" when laid on a yard stick.
- I slip stitched the front and back together through Back Loops only of the sc round (except for the 16" section for the zipper I used).
- I hand sewed the zipper in place using Back Loops of the last round on each mandala (next time I'll probably do the zipper first as it would have been easier).
- Then I crab-stitched in the Front Loop only around both mandalas. This way the zipper is pretty much hidden by the crab stitch when looking at the pillow from either side.
5. Rug
Mandalas will make great rugs. I haven’t tried this particular pattern to make a rug but I believe it will make a very nice rug when made with T-shirt yarn.Here are all the ways of using crocheted mandala I’ve come up with… Do you know any other? Please, share your ideas in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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My ear muffs are finished. It didn’t take long at all to make them, so they may become a nice last minute gift for the friends. If they like unusual and bright accessories.
I used Stone Washed* yarn by Scheepjes (leftovers) in 4 colors, but as with all the projects in overlay crochet – you can go for more or less colors, according to your taste. This yarn is soft and feels very comfortable and warm (check my review HERE).
Update: Free pattern of these Floral Ear Muffs is available HERE.
When I posted a sneak peek of my ear muffs last week you asked where I found a ready ear-form. I bought it in the local yarn shop, but now I think that maybe it was not a very good idea to use it. The length of this band is not adjustable, and thus ear muffs are a little bit loose and don’t fit my head in a good way. I think it would be better to wear them with the hat. But my idea from the very beginning was to avoid the hat :)
Well, I will wear them anyway, but probably the better solution would be to use ordinary hair-band (better – a metal one), because then you will be confident with the size and shape from the very beginning. The whole process of making ear muffs will be the same, but you will just have more flexibility in deciding on how to attach muffs to the band.
Another option is to take old (or even new!) headphones and “wear” ear muffs on them. That will be quite an extraordinary accessory, what do you think? It is even possible to listen to the music in these ear muffs! Oh, I should probably try it myself. :)
I stuffed my ear muffs a little bit too much and they are a bit large and volume. I like that effect very much, but you may want to make them less stuffed…
I believe that crocheted ear muffs are ideal for mild winter. They are not too warm and they keep your ears safe. If made with cotton yarn they can even be used in the warm weather – just to protect the ears from strong wind (by the sea for example) or noise. And made in contrasting colors they will certainly bring a bright accent to your (any) outfit.
A free pattern will be published next week! You can check the full colour range of Stone Washed yarn at Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping).
Don't forget to subscribe to Weekly Newsletter not to miss a single post. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
Update: Free pattern of these Floral Ear Muffs is available HERE.
Well, I will wear them anyway, but probably the better solution would be to use ordinary hair-band (better – a metal one), because then you will be confident with the size and shape from the very beginning. The whole process of making ear muffs will be the same, but you will just have more flexibility in deciding on how to attach muffs to the band.
I stuffed my ear muffs a little bit too much and they are a bit large and volume. I like that effect very much, but you may want to make them less stuffed…
Don't forget to subscribe to Weekly Newsletter not to miss a single post. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
p.s. My dear friend Xenia kindly agreed to be my model for this post. Thank you very much! And Happy Birthday!! Love you :)
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
I can finally show you my new blanket. And this feels super-excited. Last week I shared a story of my relationship with the sea and with Malmö (you can read it HERE). I was inspired so much but a wonderful pattern Summer in Swanage (designed by Dedri Uys from Look At What I made), and decided to “tell” my own story about the sea. My blanket is not so bright, and yellow and blue. I chose mute and calm color palette trying to draw the landscape of beach in Malmö with its grey wood and pale green grass. I was drawing the houses and the sea in late August. The time when my birthday is.
My gauge was off from the very beginning as I am not good friends with gauge in general. My blanket turned to be a little bit wider and a little bit longer. It was not easy to take the pictures (because it is so large). And my son was actively helping my husband (you can see 4 feet beneath the blanket's edge). :)
Here are some more pictures of my finished blanket.
Surprisingly the suburbs of Brno in late November look a little bit like Sweden. You just need to imagine there is the sea right around the corner.
The largest hook I had before I started to work was 4mm (G). So I had to buy some additional hooks and decided to try Clover Amour*. Highly recommended!! Now I totally understand why Dedri uses it nearly all the time. The stitches slide perfectly on it and the yarn doesn’t split at all.
Dedri made a superb job writing the pattern down. It was very easy to follow, with lots of progress pictures (I don’t even want to think how much time she spent to explain everything – both with written text and the pictures). The putting together part is especially detailed and very helpful if you are not very confident with sewing.
I would only mention a small thing (which is not necessary at all but I am just too crazy about keeping everything in order). In the original pattern there is only one instruction given for sand half-triangles. But I found it helpful to mirror second half-triangle since there is a ridge formed by the row of hdc. This is not really important so much, as the ridge can bring additional charm to the blanket and help to imitate the “sand effect” even better (especially if you put sand triangles together with huts alternating their right and wrong sides).
As I wanted the whole blanket to be in the same color palette, I used the same colors for the sea as for huts and sky. It helped to reduce the yardages and I used only 18 skeins of Colour Crafter* yarn by Scheepjes in total. If you haven't heard about this yarn - please, check my review HERE.
You can now purchase a yarn pack for Birthday in Malmö blanket at Wool Warehouse HERE*. It includes 18 skeins of Colour Crafter yarn along with printed copy of the pattern. Separate skeins can also be found HERE at Paradise Fibers* (US).
1054 Haarlem (55g – 1 skein)
1065 Assen (80g – 1 skein)
1035 Kampen (55g – 1 skein)
1062 Dordrecht (55g – 1 skein)
1710 Ermelo (1 skein)
1064 Veenendaal (1 skein)
1722 Alphen (2 skeins)
1063 Rotterdam (2 skeins)
1218 Zandvort (2 skeins)
1099 Wolvega (3 skeins)
1203 Heerenveen (3 skeins)
Huts: 1054 Haarlem, 1065 Assen, 1722 Alphen, 1035 Kampen, 1099 Wolvega, 1062 Dordrecht
Sandy triangles: Make 5 with 1218 Zandvoort
Sandy half-triangles: Make 2 with 1218 Zandvoort
Sand:
Rows 1-5. Zandvoort (1218)
Rows 6-11. Ermelo (1710)
Rows 12-16. Veenendaal (1064)
Row 17. Zandvoort (1218)
Waves and Sky:
Rows 18-23. Heerenveen (1203)
Rows 24-29. Heerenveen (1203) and Wolvega (1099)
Rows 30-35. Wolvega (1099)
Rows 36-41. Wolvega (1099) and Alphen (1722)
Rows 42-47. Alphen (1722)
Rows 48-53. Alphen (1722) and Wolvega (1099)
Rows 54-56. Wolvega (1099)
Rows 57-60. Wolvega (1099) and Rotterdam (1063)
Rows 61-72. Rotterdam (1063)
Rows 73-74. Zandvoort (1218)
Rows 75-76. Zandvoort (1218) and Heerenveen (1203)
Rows 77-89. Heerenveen (1203)
Row 90 (edge of the blanket = row 92 in the pattern) – Heerenveen (1203)
Sand below Huts:
Rows 1-3. Ermelo (1710)
Linen Border:
Rnd 1. Assen (1065)
Rnd 2. Veenendaal (1064)
Rnd 3. Rotterdam (1063)
So here it is! If you decide to make Summer in Swanage blanket in my colors – please, share the pictures with me. I would love to see them.
And I am very happy with my new blanket. Now I can keep my own sea and my precious memories... forever :)
Don't forget to subscribe to Weekly Newsletter not to miss a single post. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
Here are some more pictures of my finished blanket.
Surprisingly the suburbs of Brno in late November look a little bit like Sweden. You just need to imagine there is the sea right around the corner.
Dedri made a superb job writing the pattern down. It was very easy to follow, with lots of progress pictures (I don’t even want to think how much time she spent to explain everything – both with written text and the pictures). The putting together part is especially detailed and very helpful if you are not very confident with sewing.
You can now purchase a yarn pack for Birthday in Malmö blanket at Wool Warehouse HERE*. It includes 18 skeins of Colour Crafter yarn along with printed copy of the pattern. Separate skeins can also be found HERE at Paradise Fibers* (US).
Here are the shades and yardages:
1054 Haarlem (55g – 1 skein)
1065 Assen (80g – 1 skein)
1035 Kampen (55g – 1 skein)
1062 Dordrecht (55g – 1 skein)
1710 Ermelo (1 skein)
1064 Veenendaal (1 skein)
1722 Alphen (2 skeins)
1063 Rotterdam (2 skeins)
1218 Zandvort (2 skeins)
1099 Wolvega (3 skeins)
1203 Heerenveen (3 skeins)
Colorway for Birthday in Malmö blanket
Huts: 1054 Haarlem, 1065 Assen, 1722 Alphen, 1035 Kampen, 1099 Wolvega, 1062 Dordrecht
Sandy triangles: Make 5 with 1218 Zandvoort
Sandy half-triangles: Make 2 with 1218 Zandvoort
Sand:
Rows 1-5. Zandvoort (1218)
Rows 6-11. Ermelo (1710)
Rows 12-16. Veenendaal (1064)
Row 17. Zandvoort (1218)
Waves and Sky:
Rows 18-23. Heerenveen (1203)
Rows 24-29. Heerenveen (1203) and Wolvega (1099)
Rows 30-35. Wolvega (1099)
Rows 36-41. Wolvega (1099) and Alphen (1722)
Rows 42-47. Alphen (1722)
Rows 48-53. Alphen (1722) and Wolvega (1099)
Rows 54-56. Wolvega (1099)
Rows 57-60. Wolvega (1099) and Rotterdam (1063)
Rows 61-72. Rotterdam (1063)
Rows 73-74. Zandvoort (1218)
Rows 75-76. Zandvoort (1218) and Heerenveen (1203)
Rows 77-89. Heerenveen (1203)
Row 90 (edge of the blanket = row 92 in the pattern) – Heerenveen (1203)
Sand below Huts:
Rows 1-3. Ermelo (1710)
Linen Border:
Rnd 1. Assen (1065)
Rnd 2. Veenendaal (1064)
Rnd 3. Rotterdam (1063)
Don't forget to subscribe to Weekly Newsletter not to miss a single post. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
*This blog post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!
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