Quick links: MFYBAL overview, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

New yarn bomb crochet pattern out today!

You’ve seen our Monster Feet Slippers crochet pattern, but did you know it all started with yarn bombing? Back in 2013, we snuck monster feet on our local mailbox and the requests for a slipper pattern came pouring in. But we never published exactly how to crochet them as a yarn bomb until now. The best part is, we’re kicking it off with a virtual yarn-bomb-along, starting today!

Our new Monster Feet Yarn Bomb crochet pattern includes three silly versions and teaches you how to crochet an attached leg for any size pole. It’s chock full of process photos, was professionally tested and edited, and uses just one typical ball of worsted weight acrylic yarn. Use it to make a monster in your neighborhood, or sneak a pair on some furniture in your home.

Buy the pattern on Etsy or Ravelry, then join in the fun with the Monster Feet Yarn-Bomb-Along. Don’t worry, you can jump in at any time and catch up on all the details here.

Monster Feet Yarn-Bomb-Along Week 1

Welcome to our first ever Yarn-Bomb-Along! It’s week 1 and we are most excited about meeting you all. This week we do everything short of crocheting. If you’re a beginner and want to read through the pattern and brush up on your skills, now’s the time to do it. Here’s what we’ll do this week:

Introduce yourself in the Ravlery group
Get the pattern and materials
Pick a location and measure

Introductions

We are Lorna and Jill Watt. We are sisters who yarn bomb and design patterns for a living. Lorna likes bright, crazy things and Jill likes whimsy and cats. Basically, this is us. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work in our art studio. People think we’re twins, but you can tell us apart because Jill is usually wearing a cat shirt.

Tell us about you! Join the Monster Feet Yarn-Bomb-Along Ravlery group and introduce yourself in the Introductions thread. The Ravlery group is where we will host our internet forum: essentially our cozy circle of virtual armchairs and yarn baskets. Bring your cats and your beverages–and all your questions and photos too. Ravelry.com is a free database for knitters and crocheters. If you don’t have an account, getting set up is free and easy. Once you’re logged in, navigate to groups and search for Monster Feet Yarn-Bomb-Along.

Our hashtag around the web is #MFYBAL.

Pattern and Materials

Our new Monster Feet Yarn Bomb crochet pattern is now on Etsy and Ravelry. Purchase it and these other materials this week. Remember to check stores’ websites and apps for coupons!

200 yd worsted weight acrylic yarn

We like worsted weight because it’s widely available and makes a yarn bomb that’s a good size for most objects. That said, you can go as small or big as you like with your creation. The pattern will work with any weight yarn (and the appropriate hook).
We like acrylic yarn because the fiber and color stand up to the elements (they’re even flame retardant). Natural fibers age and deteriorate much faster. That said, we advocate for removing acrylic yarn bombs from the environment before they become pollutants.
Pictured is Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Flamingo, Blue, Coffee, Gold, and White.
One ball of Super Saver Yarn leaves enough extra to make very tall or thick legs. If you use yarn with a smaller ball, you may find yourself going over so make sure you get enough yarn.

optional 20 yd worsted weight acrylic yarn for claws or toenails

We like to use a high-contrast color so the details stand out.
Pictured is Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Delft Blue, Cafe Latte, Grenadine, and Flame.

crochet hook H/8 5 mm – J/10 6 mm

Gauge is not important, so use whatever size hook you have on hand or prefer.
If you use a different weight yarn, remember to use an appropriate size hook.

tapestry needle

You’ll need this to sew closed the gaps between toes, sew on any toenails or claws, weave in your ends, and to sew the yarn bomb in place.

removable stitch marker

We actually never use those fancy ones. Jill likes to use a bobby pin and Lorna uses the beginning yarn tail as a stitch marker.

fiberfill

Lorna has been known to use toilet paper and plastic bags to stuff yarn bombs.

soft measuring tape

This is our favorite yarn bombing tool!

What colors did you pick? What yarn are you using? Post your materials in the Ravelry group!

Choose a Location and Measure

In the video above, we talk more about what makes a good yarn bomb location and how to measure. So make sure to watch it! Where are you thinking of putting your Monster Feet? Do you have any questions or concerns? How else can we help? Post your questions in the Ravelry group where we can all give you feedback and discuss it in our upcoming live video.

This week you will take 2 measurements: the height and circumference of the object you want to yarn bomb. Easy!

Because gauge is not important, you don’t need to make a swatch. Instead, you’ll use your work as your swatch at the end of week 3. At that point, the pattern text tells you how to use these two measurements to determine the size of the leg. So you can forget all about gauges and swatching and just focus on getting some fun materials and these two measurements. If you are feeling indecisive and need more time, get your measurements by week 3 at the latest.

Ok, that’s a wrap for week 1. Chat at us in the Ravelry group and on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @knitsforlife and #MFYBAL!

We’ll see you there!

xxxo,

Lorna & Jill

@KnitsForLife