Vacation Crafts

While I was on vacation, I did have time to make a few crafts. I have been wanting to make my son a bow tie for a very long time. I also have been wanting to crochet. I just have to say that it was a lot easier then I expected. I am just learning to crochet, and these took me about 10 minutes to make. PLUS, I liked aspects from 2 different patterns so I combined them to make my own:)

I made THIS bow, thinking I would put it on a clip for my daughter. I decided I wanted it to be layered. So I changed the pattern to add a 2nd layer.

I found THIS adorable bow tie pattern and made it for my son. He didn't like how the tie touched his face. I didn't like how it had to be sewn together in the back because it added to the bulk and if my son pulled on it at all it would move and show the place where it was sewn together.

After make both I realized I need both of these to make the perfect bow tie for my son. So, here is how I combined both patterns, re-vampt it to fit my wants better and have the perfect bow tie for my son. We are both happier with the outcome!

Want the pattern to make your own!?! Well here it is! Now your little man can look oh so dapper too!
bottom layer
Row 1: ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across: 14 sc
Rows 2-6: ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, sc in each sc across: 14 sc
Border: do not turn, sc in along side of each row, in each ch across bottom, and along other side of each row.
Finish off.

For top layer
Row 1: ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across: 11 sc
Rows 2-4: ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, sc in each sc across: 11 sc
Border: do not turn, sc in along side of each row, in each ch across bottom, and along other side of each row.
Finish off.

For neck band:
"Measure your intended wearers neck. Chain the length of that person's neck circumference. Turn, and in second chain from the needle double crochet to the end. Tie off and weave in ends with a yarn needle. Add a button to the end. You don't have to make a button hole on the other end because there are a plethora of crocheted holes already there. It makes sizing a cinch!"

Place all the pieces in desired place and wrap yarn around all 3 layers. Pull tight and  for 1st few wraps then loosen to as you wrap until it looks good to you.

Here is a picture of the size difference of the 2.

Another variation using THIS pattern would be cut the bow part in half as follows



Bottom bow:
Row 1: chain 17
Row 2: turn, and in the second stitch from the needle single crochet to the end {16 stitches}
Row 3: turn, chain 2, double crochet to the end {15 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 16}
Row 4: turn, chain 2, half double crochet to the end {15 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 16}
Row 5: turn, chain 2, double crochet to the end {15 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 16}
Row 6:  turn, chain 2, single crochet to the end {15 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 16}



Tie off and weave in loose ends with a yarn needle.

Top Bow
Row 1: chain 15
Row 2: turn, and in the second stitch from the needle single crochet to the end {14 stitches}
Row 3: turn, chain 2, double crochet to the end {13 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 14}
Row 4: turn, chain 2, half double crochet to the end {13 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 14}
Row 5: turn, chain 2, double crochet to the end {13 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 14}
Row 6:  turn, chain 2, single crochet to the end {13 stitches - the 2 chain counts as one to equal 14}


Tie off and weave in loose ends with a yarn needle.

Follow same directions for the middle piece to connect all the pieces and neck band.

I haven't made one of these, but I am thinking it might be what I am looking for. BUT I would not do row 6 so it wouldn't touch my son's face.