Sock Monkey Toddler Dress

Little Miss Lexi recently celebrated her second birthday, and in honor of the occasion I wanted to make her a special handmade present. I had an EXACT theme in mind because this little miss has had her Jo-Jo (sock monkey) by her side for nearly as long as I can remember.

The original Jo-Jo sock monkey belonged to her dad John, and he has also passed along all of his monkey-shining knowledge to this little girl. So, sock monkey was definitely the way I wanted to go. I just needed to find a pattern.

I ended up completing the size 2 Garden Lattice Jumper free crochet pattern using these stash yarns for the Sock Monkey look:

• Bernat Denim Style Rodeo Tan*
• Lion Brand Baby Soft Cream
• Caron Simply Soft Red

Note: This was a yarn that I had available in my yarn stash. It is no longer manufactured by Bernat. However, Vanna's Choice makes two tweed yarns that would be good substitutes: 

• Oatmeal (brown option) 
• Grey Marble (grey option)

Rather than cross stitching on the bodice as per the original pattern instructions, I finished the dress with an iron-on sock monkey applique.

Add this free crochet pattern to your Ravelry queue here: Garden Lattice Jumper

Lexi (and Jo-Jo) approve of the finished product! Doesn't she look adorable?

If you're interested in other crochet patterns for children, check out these popular posts:

• Retro Cherry Baby Dress
• Color Block Toddler Dress
• Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary Layette
• Angel Wings Baby Pinafore and Baby Espadrilles
• Little Red Hood Toddler Cape
• Mermaid Tail and Shark Afghans
• Spiderman Afghan
• Captain America Hat

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Captain America Hat

To celebrate the recent release of Captain America: Civil War, I whipped up this Captain America hat using a free crochet pattern. The pattern couldn't have been easier to complete, and you might even have some stash yarn you can use!

I completed the pattern exactly as written and used Red Heart Super Saver in Royal and a stash white yarn. The only thing I did differently was that I tacked down the wings to the side of the hat so that the hat looks a little more like Captain America's helmet in the movies.

But why are you making a winter hat in the middle of spring? I'm so glad you asked!

With two little boys under foot, you can only imagine that we are ALL superhero all the time in this household. By the age of 3, Aidyn had already aligned himself with Team Spiderman, and he was kind enough to choose Team Captain America for Jaxon when he was born. (I mean, babies don't know anything about superheroes, but Aidyn felt like his brother needed to form some sort of an allegiance with a superhero. It was the right thing to do.)

I give you Exhibit A:

Fast forward 7 years and Jaxon is still firmly aligned with Team Captain America, so you can imagine that he was thrilled to find out that Marvel was releasing another movie featuring his favorite superhero.

So he didn't mind one bit that his hat isn't really in season right now. He'll wear it to play with and then he'll wear it even more when the weather gets cooler. This pattern would even be perfect for school character dress up days or Halloween costumes. The possibilities are endless!

Here's the same hat on cousin Emma when she dressed as WWII Captain America for Halloween - doesn't she look adorable?

Here's you're reference for the look she was going for - I think Harris Sister Misty nailed the costume.

You can add this super FREE crochet pattern to your Ravelry queue here:

Captain America Hat Free Crochet Pattern on Ravelry

Other superhero projects you might be interested in:

Captain America Shield Afghan

Spiderman Ripple Afghan Free Crochet Pattern

Captain America and Spiderman Crazy Hair Tutorial

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Weekend Playlist

This little playlist has a certain theme to it, if you will.  Keep reading, and you will figure it out.  But that aside, they are all new country tunes, and they are all fabulous.  Certainly worth a listen, and a good way to kick off your weekend.  :)

The first one in this set is a relatively new comer on the county scene.  Her name is Maren Morris, and she's giving the ladies of country music a run for their money.  I'm so glad to see some new blood in this group of country music crooners, and she's about as real as it gets.  Take a listen to "My Church" by Maren Morris. 

Next up is the latest from country duo, Florida Georgia Line.  They are the modern day version of Brooks and Dunn. They have their front man and his duet partner, and together they are country magic.  Their latest tune is called "H.O.L.Y".  The first time I heard it, I was literally singing along by the end of the song.  Give it a try here. 

And finally, Carrie Underwood is on a roll again.  This time, her latest is called "Church Bells".  It's a cross between a modern day version of  two of my favorite Reba McEntire songs - "Fancy" and "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia".  She literally just debuted this video on Good Morning America earlier this week so it's hot off the presses. 

So that's what I'm loving this weekend.  What's on your weekend playlist?