New Patterns

New Patterns, Tutorials, Yarnbombs

MFYBAL Week 4


Quick links: MFYBAL overview, weeks 1, 23, 4, 5, 6.

Welcome to Week 4 of the Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Along!

This week we crochet the Leg section of the pattern. It’s pretty quick work, so we’ll spend some of this post sharing your stories from the past three weeks. Next week we’ll add optional claws or toenails.

Remember, it’s never too late to join inGo at your own pace, fast or slow. All the resources will remain on the web! Each week is listed at the top and bottom of each post for quick reference.

Our forum is full of amazing crocheters!

Wow, we’re amazed at what a phenomenally experienced group of yarn bombers and crocheters are hanging out in the MFYBAL forum! We wanted to point this out because the forum is poised to be an excellent resource. If you have a favorite yarn bomb, there’s a good chance the person who made it is in the forum. So go wild and ask all those questions you’ve always wondered about. What are your fears about the upcoming installation? Do you have any tips for people who are doing their first yarn bomb? Nothing is off topic!

Here’s some past work by the talented members of our forum.

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

Installations are happening!

As we are starting to see monster feet in the wild, we wanted to give some shout outs to the interesting locations and stories you shared in the forums and on social media so far. Remember you are not behind! The purpose of our sharing these is not to stress you out or make you feel behind. Rather, it’s to provide you with some interesting tips and stories to mull over as we approach the final week’s installation. Go at your own pace and keep sharing your stories!

Pyganies found the world’s funniest bench for a pair of Monster Feet on her school campus. Someone was sitting on it waiting for the bus, but she wasn’t deterred. We are giving Pyganies a virtual Ounce of Preparation badge (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ for putting a separate needle and thread on each foot so she could install as fast as possible!

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern
Pyganies came prepared for a flash installation on the worlds best bench for feet.

A Green Toe badge (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ goes out to rckh2o in rural Nebraska for getting her feet wet with yarn bombing. Because her small town lacks anonymity, she’s starting her journey toward becoming the crazy yarn bomb lady with monster feet in her own back yard garden. We think this is a great idea! Like we’ve said, Lorna over here is secretly a selfish yarn bomber and loves to put pieces near home.

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern
rckh2o seems to be continuing a tradition of stashing monsters around the house…

If you’re still on the fence about where to put your monster feet, take a tip from Naomi. “I’m nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone… and attempt FEET aarrgh. But I know the local kids will LOVE them.” What did Naomi do with her nerves and monster feet? She secretly installed her first pair outside a friend’s office as a surprise! One is Silver and the Other’s Gold badge (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ for Naomi. Now she says she’s hooked and is already hooking up some jumbo feet by holding the yarn double and using a jumbo hook. Can’t wait to see how they come out!

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern
Naomi dealt with her nerves by planting the feet near a friend’s place as a surprise.

We love this “screech” of the record needle Lorri did upon seeing a sad bench in need of some love. “These monster feet were originally going to grace a USPS mailbox but the… bus stop looked so sad, that it got covered first. A regular rider waiting for his ride proclaimed them ‘Dope!'” Toes on Fleek badge (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ for the custom tag! It looks like this was a difficult spot to sew in and we also are dying to know if the feet stretched to fit or did you adjust them for the bench?

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern
Lorri went rogue and repurposed feet she made for a mailbox after seeing this sad-looking bench.

Alex has a warning for us all: double check your bag and checklist before heading out to yarn bomb. On his way home from work he planned to install his first pair of feet, only to realize one was missing. Gah! He had to wait all night to see if he left it at work or dropped it and lost it forever. Fortunately it was hiding under a table at work, yay! Gonna hand Alex’s this chocolatey Butterfingers badge (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ.

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern
Alex’s three-toed variation in East Harlem.

Ok, last fun story. Jen has yarn bombed lots, but told us it’s with growing trepidation since several of her pieces have gone missing. For MFYBAL she asked the library if she could do the bike rack. Great idea! The more work you put into something, the more you risk by installing it guerrilla style. Getting permission not only can help your nerves but provide some reassurance it won’t go missing. In our experience, yarn bombing overwhelmingly leads to more positive things. And it did! “Amazing news. Library loves the idea. So much so they want to do a program around it!! I’m so excited. Thanks for the support guys.” Jen is saving the library for a bigger project since the risk is reduced. Smart Cookie badge (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ right there. We can’t wait to see where she puts her monster feet.

Hop on over to the MFYBAL forum and let us know how it’s going for you.

Week 3 recap

Before we get crocheting, we wanted to give a shout out to all the people who shared their week 3 progress. You guys are killing us with how much fun you’re having over on Instagram with these #mfybal posts and stories. Keep them coming, and remember to follow each other too!

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

Week 4: the Leg Section

OK let’s get down to business with this week’s crocheting.

If you’ve always made crochet stitches in the top of the row below, you’re about to go crazy and try something new! Crocheting is so sculptural and permissive. You can put the next stitch anywhere you want, really. So let’s do it! Check out the video tutorial above or follow along here with the photos.

Notice how your flaps from last week are splayed out to the sides to wrap around the pole. Now we need to build height with rows parallel to the ground. We’re just going to pretend our work so far is one big rectangle and keep going. Yep, we can totally do this: crochet lets you do whatever you want!

How many stitches are in this new row? It depends on how big around your pole is and how big your stitches are, so the pattern can’t say. Typically you’d make a swatch to determine your stitches per inch. But that’s a waste of time because we have two swatches right here in our flaps! If you get lost with swatching, the pattern has distilled it to the essentials for you. Just plug in the numbers and you get the number of stitches in the leg rows.

Number of stitches in leg row = (circumference of the pole / width of the flap row) x 12. We got 20.

Notice in the photo below that one row is worked across the top of entire piece. To evenly space the stitches, it helps to mentally divide your work into quarters. Put one quarter of the stitches in half of one flap, and so on.

Knits for Life Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

What if my pole isn’t straight?

Beth had this question in the forum because she’s doing a tapered chair leg. Since this is a small project and we don’t need to worry about wasting yarn, just make the flaps and leg to the largest circumference. When you install you can overlap the narrow areas to get a tailored fit.

So, keep crocheting until you reach your measured height and this project is almost done!

Next week we’ll be back for the toenails and claws. We look forward to seeing what you’re up to this week!

xxxo,

Lorna & Jill

@KnitsForLife

Quick links: MFYBAL overview, weeks 1, 23, 4, 5, 6.

New Patterns, News, Tutorials, Yarnbombs

New Crochet Pattern and Yarn-Bomb-Along


Quick links: MFYBAL overview, weeks 1, 23, 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!

Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

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.

Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

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 Crochet Pattern

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.

Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

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!

Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet Pattern

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!

Monster Feet Yarn Bomb Crochet PatternBecause 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

Quick links: MFYBAL overview, weeks 1, 23, 4, 5, 6.

New Patterns

New Crochet Pattern: Snake Yarnbomb


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We love yarnbombing street art that transforms everyday objects into surprising characters. While we expected kids to love these crochet yarnbombs, we were surprised how much these characters took adults out of their daily doldrums by adding a little fun to their lives too. Now with this yarnbomb crochet pattern, you can help fill the world with whimsy and bring a smile to the faces in your neighborhood. Purchase this Snake Yarnbomb Crochet Pattern on Ravelry, Etsy, or Craftsy.   (more…)

New Patterns

New Crochet Pattern: Monster Slippers


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Our first yarn bombs were imaginative mailbox feet that transformed the big blue boxes into elves, ducks, frogs, and monsters. They soon became our most popular work, with everyone requesting slipper versions of their own to wear at home. Indeed, why should mailboxes have all the fun? Now you can yarn bomb your feet with this new Monster Slippers crochet pattern, available for instant download where ever you like to buy patterns: Ravelry, Etsy, or Craftsy. (more…)

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New crochet pattern: Choir of Angels Christmas Ornaments


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Every December after the fresh-cut tree is up I set aside an evening to gather around and unpack our family ornaments. We take turns hanging them one at a time, sharing again the familiar story behind each one. A trio of brilliantly painted wooden angels always delights. Like a little chorus of seraphim in heaven, they sing out their song, “holy, holy, holy!” I wanted to share my family’s tradition with you by designing a simple crochet angel ornament pattern with just enough charming detail to earn a place on your family’s tree for years to come. (more…)

New Patterns

Free Crochet Pattern: Draft Dodger


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My latest custom order was so fun and simple, I can’t resist sharing the tiny 10-line pattern with you all. Drunk past midnight at the Beach Boardwalk like a member of the Lost Boys after a reunion slash wedding, I picked my phone up out of the sand for like the fourth time and started reading emails. “Woah guys, what the hell is this? Someone just messaged me on Etsy asking for a draft extruder! What the hell is that? *kapow!* Oooooh, look over there, someone’s launching some leftover fireworks. Let’s go in the ocean right now. It’s not even cold! Hiccup. Geez, I seriously love you guys…”

A sunrise and several liters of water later, I remembered something about a confusing custom order inquiry. How wonderful is the internet to connect us with people all over the world, and muddle through translations to eventually communicate. The inquiry referred to a German post about a Türzugluftstopper, that is, a draft dodger. Mystery solved! (more…)

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New Crochet Pattern: Bicycle Skirt Guard


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Finally, you can cycle in a maxi dress! We’re excited to announce another fresh crochet pattern is out today: the bicycle skirt guard on RavelryEtsy, and Craftsy. A perfect crochet project for spring or summer, or just a pretty way to yarn bomb your bike with crochet and still cycle chic. Don’t crochet? Gift the pattern to your favorite crocheter with a box of cupcakes and your biggest smile. Grandma will love making something you really want for a change!  (more…)

New Patterns

New Crochet Pattern: Happy Earrings


The inspiration for these exotic crochet earrings came from a chocolate tasting room in Palo Alto, California called The Chocolate Garage. Specializing in the world’s best-tasting bean-to-bar craft chocolate, the staff needed some appropriately exquisite, hand-crafted accessories that evoke the exuberance of cacao. I designed this pattern while savoring a bar of The Garage’s so-called Happy Chocolate, so it was only fitting to christen them Happy Earrings. (more…)