Crochet

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Crocheted Treasures

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cro laurie toys 0414

My dear friend Laurie showed me her home renovations on a recent evening.  The house she grew up in is now hers alone since her father passed away last year.  She set about to update many areas, redecorate, and focus on only the items she loved so that the home would have her imprint on it.

Laurie has two cute grandkids who live about 150 miles away.  They come to visit for weekends, so one of her renovated rooms is a bedroom she has converted to a very child-friendly playroom.  When I walked into that room, the first thing I saw were these two obviously well loved crochet toys.  The monkey, especially, grabbed my attention.  It’s about 3 feet long and is unique, like nothing I’ve ever seen before.  The cute little bear is more common.

Laurie has only one child, a son who is now about 35.  These were his toys, crocheted for him by friends of Laurie’s mother who was an artist herself.  I wanted to share them with my readers.  In addition to these animals, there were two of the son’s baby afghans crocheted for Laurie’s baby shower before her son was born.  One is a lovely ripple in yellow and white.  The other is a shell stitch in pink and white.  Obviously, someone was hoping for a girl.  The good news is that baby doesn’t care what color his/her afghans are!

Laurie has no idea of the pattern source for either of these stuffed animals.  I bet some readers do.  They are both worked mainly in single crochet and stuffed very tightly.  The monkey sits better than the photo shows, but he also stands up pretty well too.  I can just see Laurie’s son toddling around the house, carrying this monkey which was probably bigger than the boy!

If you are fortunate enough to have similar items tucked away in your home, take them out and let them be seen.  These are treasures that are both priceless and invaluable.  They wouldn’t sell for much, but no amount of money could replace them!

NOTE:  Thanks to Kirsten Ellis for taking this picture for me!

Looking for more Crochet patterns using the Ripple stitch check these out on Etsy?

Comments

  2. those are the most treasured of toy finds that usually don’t wind up being kept. a fine find to pass onto the next generation.
    thanks for sharing.

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.