Did you know that the first episode of the Friends TV Show aired 25 years ago of this month? That's crazy and kind of makes me feel a bit dated.

Fun fact: I'm a huge Friends fan. I own all 10 seasons on DVD and have watched it a countless number of times.

I've always identified myself as a "Phoebe Buffay". I love how she's not afraid of being who she is. She can be a little weird sometimes, but who isn't? I love letting that part of me shine because that's what makes me who I am.

Unfortunately, my husband is kind of on the other side of the spectrum and doesn't enjoy the show as much as I do. He's probably a "Ross Geller" 🤣. So I don't get to watch it as often as I used to.

But hey, guess what?! I got this whole week to myself at home because I have vacation time from work to burn, so that means Friends marathon all week while crocheting with no pants!

Who's your favourite character?

What You Need / Materials

### Most of these items can be purchased through our affiliate links. Purchasing items through these links will not cost you any extra money. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

• Worsted Yellow Yarn
• 4.5 mm Crochet Hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Stitches & Abbreviations 

Pattern

• Long Sides (Left/Right) (x2)

Ch 37
Row 1: Slst into the second st from the hook and into the next 24 sts, leaving the 11 ch unworked


Row 2A: Ch 1, turn. Working in the BLO, 5 sc, 5 hdc, 5 dc, 5 hdc, 5 sc


Row 2B: Slst into the turning ch from the row 1 (does not count as a st), ch 12


Row 3A: Work 3 sc into the second st from the hook, 3 hdc into the next st, 2 dc into each st for the next 9 sts


Row 3B: On the opposite side of the foundation ch, sc in each st for the next 25 sts.


Row 3C: On the unworked ch, 2 dc into each st for the next 9 sts, 3 hdc into the next st, 3 sc into the last st.


Cut and fasten off.

• Short Sides (Top/Bottom) (x2)

Ch 32
Row 1: Slst into the second st from the hook and into the next 19 sts, leaving the 11 ch unworked
Row 2A: Ch 1, turn. Working in the BLO, 4 sc, 4 hdc, 4 dc, 4 hdc, 4 sc

Did you make your own Peephole Frame? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.






This is an original pattern written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this blog post 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!

*** Please note that this blog post is the crochet pattern for the crochet pattern for the Candy Heart Pillow. If you are looking for the cross-stitch pattern for adding the letters to these pillows, please click here.

It's still January, but it seems like everyone in the crochet world is getting ready for Valentine's Day already!


These little Valentine's Day treats are well known to many. Even if you've never had one of these candies, you might have seen or heard of them. Especially around Valentine's Day, these sweet treats have become a hallmark of the season. Apparently, they've been around since the early 1900s. Who would have thought! Of course, they've updated their sayings on these confectionaries over the decades to include sayings that are more up to date, so to speak (e.g. "call me", "fax me", "email me", "txt me", etc.).

I had such a hard time choosing what I wanted my pillows to say that I posted a photo of my blank candy heart pillows on Facebook to ask for suggestions! Of course, there are the classic ones like "I love you", "be mine", "hug me", "kiss me", etc. But I wanted something a little more unique. Many people on Facebook started asking me for the pattern for these Candy Heart Pillows, so I figured I better get crackin' and write out the pattern for you can have enough time to make them for Valentine's Day!

Basically, the options for sayings on these candy heart pillows are endless, and that's usually when my "indecisive disorder" starts to kick in. I'll share with you in a later post what I decide to put on my pillows. But here's the crochet pattern for these sweet pillows for now. I would love to know what you decide to put on yours, so don't forget to let me know!! By the way, these pillows measure 12" wide x 10" tall.

What You Need / Materials

### Most of these items can be purchased through our affiliate links. Purchasing items through these links will not cost you any extra money. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Stitches & Abbreviations

• st/sts - stitch/stitches
• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• sc inc - single crochet increase, work 2 single crochets into the same stitch
• sc dec - single crochet decrease, single crochet 2 stitches together

Notes

• The heart is worked from bottom up
• The finished project measures approximately 12" wide and 10" tall

Pattern

• Heart (x 2)

Row 1: Magic Ring with a base of 2 sc (2 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc inc (4 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc inc, 2 sc, sc inc (6 sts)
Row 4-25: Ch 1, turn, sc inc, sc in each st across until the second last st, sc inc in the last st (8, 10, 12 sts... etc. until you have 50 sts)

Row 26-30: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (50 sts)
Row 31: Ch 1, turn, sc inc, sc in each st across until the second last st, sc inc in the last st (52 sts)
Row 32-35: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (52 sts)
Row 36: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 48 sc, sc dec (50 sts)
Row 37: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (50 sts)
Row 38: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 46, sc dec (48 sts)
Row 39: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (48 sts)

Now, we'll shape the top of the heart's first "bump". Each bump is separate, so we will only be working the next part up to the middle of the piece.

Row 40: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 20 sc, sc dec, leave the rest of the sts unworked (22 sts)
Row 41: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (22 sts)
Row 42: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 18 sc, sc dec (20 sts)
Row 43: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (20 sts)
Row 44: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 16 sc, sc dec (18 sts)
Row 45: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 14 sc, sc dec (16 sts)
Row 46: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 12 sc, sc dec (14 sts)
Row 47: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, 10 sc, sc dec (12 sts)

Cut and fasten off after the first bump.

For the second bump, join your yarn to the first unworked stitch left from row 39 (see photo below) and repeat rows 40-47 without the first "ch 1, turn" step in row 40. Cut and fasten off.

• Edge / Band

Ch 7
Row 1: Turn sc into the second ch from the hook and across (6 sts)
Row 2-132: Ch 1, turn, sc across in each st (6 sts)
Do NOT cut. 

Assembly

Once you finish crocheting the edge of the pillow, DO NOT cut. Continue by single crocheting the long side of the edge/band around one of the heart panels. I started by crocheting from the middle  (between the two heart bumps) and around the heart counter-clockwise so the stitches would look nicer when looking at the heart straight on. Then single crochet the short sides of the edge/band piece together, and continue single crocheting the second heart panel on the other side of the band. Remember to stuff your pillow before closing!




Did you make your own Candy Heart Pillow? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.


You can turn them into the classic Valentine's Candy Heart treats by cross-stitching your very own saying on these candy hearts! Find the cross stitch letters here.

Check out mine below!

Back in September, Tara of @killerqueenknits sent me a message on Instagram asking if I was interested in participating in a crochet project/collaboration. She was collecting crocheted and knitted squares from fibre friends around the world to create beautiful blanket(s) that would be donated for a fundraising gala hosted by Odd Squad Productions.

Odd Squad Productions is a charitable organization comprised of in-service & retired police officers and civilian volunteers, and is recognized as a leader in the field of drug and gang education for youth. Odd Squad receives no funding or financial support from the Vancouver Police Department, so all donations help the organization in delivering valuable and needed reality-based education on the consequences of engaging in risky behaviour to thousands of students in the Lower Mainland, throughout B.C, and across Canada 

The goal was to collect as many squares as possible by October 1st so Tara can figure out how many blankets she would be able to make and put them together in time for the event. She showed me photos of the blanket that she created last year and it was stunning!


The blankets were such a success at their silent auction last year that Tara thought it would be awesome to donate another custom blanket for the gala this year!

Tara chose the colours of white and greys, but the real challenge of this collaboration is that the squares must be 8x8. I end up frogging my square at least 3 times to get it to measure properly.


Check out the beautiful blanket from this year!



Along with the blanket includes a little pamphlet with a blurb outlining its lovely contributors/makers and how the blanket came to be. It's a lovely touch that really tells the story of the blanket and its makers!
Meet some of the makers now!
@onceuponacheerio (myself), @croochetshop, @cyarnhut, @inslstitches, @thewoollykraken, @crochet.byj, @thelittlefoxesknits, @yokieb, @pinkbookpenguin, @thewhistlingbluebird, @craftycrochetlass, @thedreamcrochet @capital.crochet

We live off of follows and likes, so make sure you give us a follow!

The temperature is dropping and the leaves are falling. It's that time of the year again where we just want to bundle up and stay inside with a cup of hot cocoa. Last year, I shared a post of 12 Weeks of  Christmas Crochet Projects to make in the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas! This year, I thought I'd round up another collection of 12 projects to make for Christmas! Although, keep in mind that some of these projects might take you more than a week to complete.

A year or two ago, I learned how to crochet cables! I love the look of the cables as it adds an extra level of sophistication to a piece. I have yet to design my own cabled project but I love gawking at all the different cabled projects out there on Pinterest. So I thought I might round up a few of my favourites and share them with you today!

1. Cabled Beanie, version 2 by All About Ami

2. Cabled Headband Hat with Big Button by 365 Crochet

I love how stylish this beanie looks! I have actually made one myself in shiny yellow yarn that I had leftover from my Rapunzel-Inspired Braided Scarf. BB has since hi-jacked my beanie, calling it her Rapunzel hat. I have to say, I was very impressed with the construction and how the hat was made. I love how you always get to learn something new from working off other designer's patterns!

4. Cable Wrist Warmers by JR Crochet Designs

5. Women's Cable Ear Warmer by Jenni Designs

6. Catrina Cabled Wrap by Bonnie Bay

7. Braids & Cables Beanie & Cowl Set by MNE Crafts

8. Crochet Heirloom Cabled Sweater by Sewrella

9. Matilda Tote by Megmade with Love

10. Woven Cable Mug Cozy by 1 Dog Woof

11. Farmhouse Pillow by Megmade with Love

If you have a cable crochet pattern that you love, share it with me! In the meantime, don't forget to pin this collection to your Pinterest!

We've been marking BB's heights on the wall for a while now. And since Mui Mui was able to stand on her own, we started marking her heights too. I ordered a growth chart online last year, but then it never arrived. Luckily, I got my money back, but the point was that I still wanted a decent looking growth chart that we can add to our home to keep track of the kids' growth.


I've stumbled upon some gorgeous DIY growth charts on Pinterest and decided to make an attempt at creating one myself. I initially saw these bronze coloured metal numbers from Daiso that I thought I was going to use on my growth chart, but by the time I wanted to buy them, they had sold out. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like a product they even stock anymore because it's been MONTHS and I have yet to see them in stores again.

I crochet a lot of things, I don't know why I didn't think to crochet the numbers! I found these free patterns for crochet numbers from Moogly, and they were the perfect size. The final product turned out so much cuter than I had envisioned!


Last year, 12 days before Christmas I posted a photo on Instagram of the number "12" using crocheted numbers. Yes, I started this project *that* long ago. I just haven't been able to take photos of it until now.

Want to make your own Crocheted Growth Chart? Keep reading!

Materials

• Burlap Table Runner (at least 210 cm or 7 feet in length, mine is 15cm wide)
• Yarn
• 4.0 mm Crochet Hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors
• Wooden Dowels
• Jute String
• Safety Pins
• Washi Tape

1) Crochet Your Numbers

I used worsted weight yarn to crochet the numbers on my growth chart. You can get the pattern for these numbers from the Moogly blog. You will only need the numbers 1 to 6. Unless your family is really tall and you expect your child to grow beyond 7 feet.

2) Iron Your Burlap

My burlap banner did not lie flat and it made the measurements a little off when I hung it on the wall. I'll admit that I didn't clue in to do this step until after I sewed on the numbers. So I'll advise doing this step early on!

3) Mark the Measurements

Use a measuring tape and a permanent marker, mark your measurements in inches along the side of your burlap.

4) Trim, Sew and Saw

6) Numbers

7) Hang Up Your Growth Chart

If your burlap is like mine, it's probably kind of wavy when you hang it up. While the ironing helped a little, it didn't completely solve this problem, making the measurements a bit off. Instead of using a push pin or nailing the of the growth chart to the wall, I used another two hooks to pull down on the wooden dowels so it will stay in place and straighten out the growth chart.

8) Mark your heights

Here comes the fun part! I used some safety pins and washi tape to mark the heights. I'm sure my husband is glad that I'm finally putting my collection of washi tape to good use.


This project should take no more time than an afternoon (as long as your kids are not hanging off you). I hope you will have fun making your own Crocheted Growth Chart! I love that these growth charts are so portable. They would make great presents for baby showers and/or first birthdays. I have one for BB right now but will be making a second one for Mui Mui soon.

They grow up so fast!

Did you make your own Crocheted Growth Chart? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.






This is an original tutorial written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this tutorial as your own. If you wish to share this tutorial, you may link to this blog post 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 tutorial or distribute it. 

You may sell products made from this tutorial, 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!

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.

What You Need / Materials

### Most of these items can be purchased through our affiliate links. Purchasing items through these links will not cost you any extra money. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

• Worsted weight yarn in the colours taupe, brown, black, and white
• 4.0 mm Crochet Hook
• Yarn Needle
• D-rings (I got mine from Daiso craft section)
• Felt in the colours red, yellow, green, blue, and black
• Glue Gun
• Scissors

Stitches & Abbreviations

• st/sts - stitch/stitches 
• sc - single crochet
• 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

Pattern

• 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.