I started Once Upon a Cheerio back in 2016 as an Instagram account. BB had just turned one at the time, and I was looking for a platform to share my crafting hobby with the world.

Unfortunately, I wasn't always consistent with updating, because let's face it, sometimes life gets in the way. I also took some time off Instagram while I was trying to set up this blog. This is a one-person show after all, and I can only dedicate so much time to it given that I now have two little ones at home.

Today, my Instagram account turns two and to celebrate, I decided to share with you a pattern that I have been working on, my Instagram purse! When I started my Instagram account, they were still using the old logo, and to be honest, I still prefer the old logo; it's more nostalgic. You may have seen many other crochet Instagram purse designs out there, and this is just my variation of it.


The final measurements are 8" x 8". I went through three iterations of the purse before I was happy with it. If you are interested, you can read about the design process and some behind-the-scenes of creating a crochet pattern here.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in the colours cream/light brown, brown, and white
• Size H crochet Hook (4.0 mm)
• Tapestry needle
• D-rings (I got mine from Daiso craft section)
• Felt in the colours red, yellow, green, blue, and black
• Glue gun
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• sc - single crochet
• st/sts - stitch/stitches 
• sc inc - single crochet increase, 2 single crochets in the same st
• sl st - slip stitch
• hdc - half double crochet
• hdc inc - half double crochet increase, 2 half double crochets in the same st

Purse Body

Using light brown/beige coloured yarn...
Ch 26
Round 1: sc into the second st from the hook, sc in the next 23 sts, 3 sc in the last st, and turn. Now working on the other side of the chain, sc in the next 23 sts, then sc inc in the last st [We are making a very long oval by crocheting around the chain] (52 sts)
Round 2: sc inc, 23 sc, 3 sc inc, 23 sc, 2 sc inc (58 sts)
Round 3: sc, sc inc, 23 sc, [sc, sc inc] x 3 times, 23 sc, [sc, sc inc] x 2 times (64 sts)
Round 4: 2 sc, sc inc, 23 sc, [2 sc, sc inc] x 3 times, 23 sc, 2 sc, sc inc] x 2 times (70 sts)
Round 5: 3 hdc, hdc inc, 23 hdc, [3 hdc, hdc inc] x 3 times, 23 hdc, [2 hdc, hdc inc] x 2 times (76 sts)
Round 6-23: hdc in the third loop in each st around (76 sts)
Change to brown coloured yarn...
Round 24-36: hdc in the third loop in each st around (76 sts)
Round 37: sl st in the third loop in each st around (76 sts)



Fold down the top part (dark brown), creating the top of your Instagram camera.

***UPDATE (06/15/2018): You can get the FREE Instagram Purse crochet pattern here.

Most people don't know how much work is involved in creating a crochet pattern. There's a lot of trial, errors, testing. Basically a lot of frogging, and making the same thing multiple times.

Instagram changed up their logo about two years ago, but their old logo is still very recognizable. Not only that, but many people have been creating various crafts featuring this iconic logo. For example, there are cookies, cakes, felt keychains, cross stitch patterns, wallets, and let's not forget crocheted purses.


I love all the variations of the different types of crocheted Instagram purses out there, but I had something in mind and wanted to create my own pattern. So that's what I did. I actually made two of these crocheted purses about a year ago, but never got around to finishing them because I just wasn't completely happy with them. It wasn't until more recently, I set out to create a newer one that I was more satisfied with.


Examining the different types of stitches that I can use for the purse, I loved the look of the half double crochet in the third loop as it creates a knitted-look to the purse. Not only that, but half double crochets work up much faster than single crochets do so I wouldn't have to do as many rounds.

Then, I debated on whether I wanted to do them in rows, or rounds. Joining each row created this undesirable seam up the side of the purse which I wanted to avoid. However, if made using rounds, the colour change from light brown to dark brown becomes very obvious given how tall half double crochets are. Long story short, I decided to use rounds anyway.

After that, it came to deciding how I wanted the dark brown part of the purse to look. There could be many options, I could create a flap cover or a separate lid, or simply flip the top part inside-out. At first, I created a lid. but the lid didn't always sit straight and there wasn't a good way to secure it. At that point, I grew tired of this project and set it aside for the next year or so. As you can see, I even went as far as to sew lining inside of this one.

More recently, I remembered that my Instagram birthday in June is coming up, and I thought maybe I would give this project another try. So I modified the purse and crocheted a taller portion of the dark brown part and folded it down. I also tried many different stitches to see which one looked best. To my surprise, the reverse side of the HDC in the third loop complemented the look of this purse very well.


I wanted a purse with a flat base and would be able to at least carry my wallet inside. But after I completed the first two purses, I just felt that the base was too small. After putting my wallet inside, my keys and my cell phone create this unwanted bulky look to my otherwise neat structured purse. So then, I set out to make a larger base.


Then, I decided that the lens looked kind of small too. I thought a larger lens would make the purse look cuter, so I went ahead and made a larger lens as well.


So you see, in total, I now have 3 variations of this purse sitting at home. However, I only have one that I am completely satisfied with. Not only that, but think about how many times I had to frog it and start over. Creating a crochet pattern is no easy task. I haven't even gotten to the part where you have to actually write down the pattern.

The only reason why most of us are able to create something so beautiful on our first try is that there was a crochet designer behind the scenes that put so much work into creating an easy-to-follow pattern. And for that, I thank all crochet designers out there that provide their patterns for free all over the Internet because technically, they don't have to. But because they do, I was able to learn how to crochet and fall in love with this craft 5 years ago. And because I learned and fell in love with crochet, I can now write free patterns on my blog to share with all of you!

The pattern for this Instagram crocheted purse will be released soon, so stay tuned and subscribe to my social media (Instagram, Facebook, The Cheerio Club Email List) for the latest updates.

***UPDATE (06/15/2018): You can get this FREE Instagram Purse crochet pattern here.

I got nominated by the lovely Jasmine from Sweet Softies to do a challenge and come up with 10 things about myself. I mostly treat my blog as a journal for all my craft projects, but I do enjoy sharing about myself from time to time. I'm just always afraid that nobody would be interested in reading it.

Coming up with this list was actually harder than I thought. I was glad that I was able to stop at 10 because I honestly could not think of any more. So... here we go!

1. I work as a Registered Nurse.

Since graduation, I have been working as a pediatric nurse. I love working with kids and for the most part, I don't mind the shift work. However, after having babies, I often feel I am missing out on a lot of family time on the weekends. After my current maternity leave, I will be starting a new job as a chemo/cancer nurse working Mondays to Fridays. I will miss working with the kids, but I am very excited for all the new challenges that come with the new job.

2. I have a Bachelors in Computer Science. 

Yes, I'm a geek. Right out of high school, I went to university to study computer science. I loved computers at the time, but more so as a hobby than as a career. I knew I didn't really want to work in computers by the second year, but didn't know what I wanted to do instead. By the time I figured I wanted to do nursing, I was more than halfway through my program, so my mom convinced me to finish what I've started so I have something to fall back on in case nursing doesn't work out.

3. My mom taught me how to crochet.

Shortly after my mom was diagnosed with cancer in late 2013, I asked her to teach me how to crochet. We both enjoy crafting. It's basically in our blood. This was just another way for us to bond and spend more time with each other. Of all the crafts I've done, crochet stuck with me the longest. I love how calm it makes me feel and most of all, how it reminds me of my mom when I do it. Fun fact: my mom crocheted more than 200 mini baskets as wedding favours for her wedding back in the 1980s.

4. I love my car.

I drive a MINI Cooper S, and I absolutely love my car. I decided to name it "Sheldon" after Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory. I wanted my first car to be a MINI because my mom's first car was also a MINI! It's not easy driving a 2-door car with 2 kids, but as long as Mui Mui can still fit in her infant car seat, then I can still drive both of my kids in my car.

5. I have a tattoo.

When my mom passed away, I found some comfort from many of the Winnie the Pooh quotes. So shortly after her passing, I went through what some people call, "a midlife crisis". I chopped off all my hair and got a tattoo. The symbolism is pretty obvious with this one.

6. I hated being pregnant.

If I could describe my pregnancy with two words, it would be "nausea" and "vomiting". I was extremely sick for both my pregnancies - I couldn't be more miserable. The morning sickness lasted through all 9 months. I didn't get better until after delivering the babies.

7. I used to work at the Apple Store. 

During nursing school, I held a part-time position as a Specialist at the Apple Store selling Apple products. I was already a Mac user at the time, so no need to try to convert me. The people I worked with are some of the most wonderful people I've met. I had the most memorable time working there.

8. I hate dolls.

Ever since I can remember, I hated Barbies and baby dolls. I can't stand the smell of the plastic and they've always creeped me out. I am, however, OK with plush dolls and stuffed animals. Just something about the plastic ones that brings me goosebumps even when I think about it. I'd love to, on the other hand, try my hands at crocheting dolls in the near future!

9. I have a thing for Wolverine. 

But only the Hugh Jackman version, not so much the cartoon version who's dressed in yellow/blue tights. I didn't use to care for any of the Marvel movies. However, Hanson got me hooked pretty quickly. I think Wolverine/Logan's NFG attitude make him particularly charming. So yeah... I added him to my "list" 😉.

10. I like numbers divisible by FIVE.

I hope you had fun reading a little bit more about me. I'd love to get to know more about my readers. So drop me a line and let me know something about YOU!

Always be yourself. Unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a unicorn.

Unicorns are the symbolism of every happy dream that we've ever dreamt and tried to wish into reality. They are also used to define people and things that are exquisite, rare and desirable. It's a term that covers everything we want to be and/or want to have in life.

As Britney S. Pierce (from Glee) puts it: A unicorn is someone who knows they're magical and isn't afraid to show it.

Our children are unicorns and unique in their own ways. So let's add a bit of creativity and imagination back into our lives with these magical unicorn crochet patterns.

Here is a collection of the most adorable unicorn crochet patterns on the Internet. Most of them are free, but I've added a couple of paid patterns at the end because they are just too fun and magical to pass up.

1. One Dog Woof: Rainbow Cuddles Crochet Unicorn

My mom actually made this one for me for my baby shower 3 years ago! I tell my kiddos that it's an heirloom piece and to be enjoyed by the eyes and not to be played with because I don't want them to ruin it! This one will always remain a special piece because my mom, my kids' grandma, made it for them.

I grew up in the era when hoodies were cool. Hoodies are pretty much my go-to items when I just want something to lounge around in. Back in high school, I pretty much lived in my hoodies because I hated putting outfits together and fussing about what to wear. I'm going to confess now that I am no fashionista and that I have no sense of style.


Cows are my spirit animals, but I also have an affinity for bunnies. I loved creating something that defined me, so that's when I came up with this amigurumi bunny wearing a hoodie. I am very proud of this creation. And just so you know, you can take the hood off (like a real hoodie)!


If you are interested in creating your own Amigurumi Bunny in the Hood, keep reading!

Materials

Head

Round 1: Magic Ring with a base of 6 sc (6 sts)
Round 2: sc inc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 3: [sc, sc inc] x 6 times (18 sts)
Round 4: [2 sc, sc inc] x 6 times (24 sts)
Round 5: [3 sc, sc inc] x 6 times (30 sts)
Round 6: [4 sc, sc inc] x 6 times (36 sts)
Round 7: [5sc, sc inc] x 6 times (42 sts)
Round 8-14: sc in each st around (42 sts)
** Insert the safety eyes between rows 11 and 12
Round 15: [5 sc, sc dec] x 6 times (36 sts)
Round 16: [4 sc, sc dec] x 6 times (30 sts)
Round 17: [3 sc, sc dec] x 6 times (24 sts)
** Stuff firmly as you continue to decrease
Round 18: [2 sc, sc dec] x 6 times (18 sts)
Round 19: [sc, sc dec] x 6 times (12 sts)
*** Fasten off and leave a tail to sew onto the hood

Ears (x 2)

Round 1: Magic Ring with a base of 5 sc (5 sts)
Round 2: sc inc in each st around (10 sts)
Round 3: [sc, sc inc] x 5 times (15 sts)
Round 4-5: sc in each st around (15 sts)
Round 6: [3 sc, sc dec] x 3 times (12 sts)
Round 7: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 8: [2 sc, sc dec] x 3 times (9 sts)
Round 9: sc in each st around (9 sts)
Round 10: [sc, sc dec] x 3 times (6 sts)

At this point, you might want to attach the ears to the head and try measuring to see if the hood fits the bunny. Depending on the thickness of your yarn and the tension, you might have increase or decrease a row between rows 9-12.

Body

Round 1: Magic Ring with a base of 7 sc (7 sts)
Round 2: sc inc in each st around (14 sts)
Round 3: [sc, sc inc] x 7 times (21 sts)
Round 4: [2 sc, sc inc] x 7 times (28 sts)
Round 5: sc in each st around (28 sts)
Change to Colour B...
Round 6: slst in each st around (28 sts)
Round 7: sc in the back loop only of each st around (28 sts)
Round 8-10: sc in each st around (28 sts)
Round 11: [2 sc, sc dec] x 7 times (21 sts)
Round 12: [sc, sc dec] x 7 times (14 sts)
** Fasten off and leave a tail to sew onto the hood

Arms (Make 2)

Using Colour A...
Round 1: Magic Ring with a base of 6 sc (6 sts)
Round 2: [sc, sc inc] x 3 times (9 sts)
Round 3: sc in each st around (9 sts)
Change to Colour B...
Round 4: slst in each st around (9 sts)
Round 5: sc in the back loop only of each st around (9 sts)
Round 6: [sc, sc dec] x 3 times (6 sts)
Round 7-8: sc in each st around (6 sts)
** Fasten off and leave a tail to sew onto the body

Legs (Make 2) and Tail

For the instructions on how to make the legs and tail, I will refer you to All About Ami's Spring Bunny crochet pattern available for free on her blog (here).
** Fasten off and leave a tail to sew to the body

After that, you basically have all your pieces ready to go.

Assembly

On the hood, you have two slits, these are for your bunny's ears. To line them up correctly, the ears should sit right on top of the head. I attached it right after the first round (photo 2)


Then, position your bunny's head by placing it inside the hood with the ears through the slits. Make sure that your bunny's eyes are facing outside. Using the long strand that you left on the head, sew bottom of the head to the bottom of the hood (photo 7).

On the bottom of the hood where you sewed the head, you'll see yarn in Colour A but don't worry as this will be hidden once the body is attached.


Next, attach your tail to the body, as well as the arms and legs. And then attach the head along with the hood to the body. If the head and body are attached properly, you should no longer be able to see Colour A yarn on the bottom of the hood. After that, you sew on the details of the bunny's face and then you're done!


And there you have it your very own Bunny in the Hood! Look at that, a family reunion! Click here for the pattern for the classic (and naked) amigurumi bunny pattern.





This is an inspired pattern written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Permission obtained from Stephanie of All About Ami. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for your own personal use but please DO NOT sell the pattern or distribute it. 

You may sell products made from this pattern, but please clearly credit the design to me, Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio and provide a link to my blog www.OnceUponaCheerio.com. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you for understanding!