Headbands for Christmas }{ crochet pattern

I'm thinking this will be the last in a series of crochet and knitting posts I've been writing.

Following the headband and the scarf, today I'm sharing the pattern I used for the flowers I used in the girls' headbands for Christmas. It's a modified version of a flower pattern I learned a while back, but I can't remember where I got it from.

The pattern itself is simple and easy, but I wanted to share it because of the scalloped edges it creates. Making scalloped edges in crochet projects creates a cute little detail and it's so easy. The secret is to crochet some double or half double crochet stitches in the same stitch, then skip the next and slip stitch in the following stitch. Easy, right? You'll see what I mean in the pattern below.

In terms of yarn and hooks, I used an E hook and sport weight yarn, but that can be changed. Play around with different weights and hooks to find the results you like best.

CH = chain
DC = double crochet
SL = slip stitch

Pattern for base:

1. CH 17
2. Row 1: In 5th ch from the hook (including the chain on the hook, count 5 backwards), DC. *ch 1, skip the next ch, then DC, ch 1, DC in the following chain*. Repeat steps between ** until you reach the end. 
3. Row 2: CH 3, turn. This will be your first "DC" in this row. 5 DC in first ch 1 space, *SL in the next ch 1 space, 6 DC in the next ch 1 space*. Repeat steps between ** until the end of the row.
4. Tie it off leaving a long tale for sewing the flower together with a tapestry needle, then attaching it to the headband.

Pattern for second layer:

1. CH 17
2. Row 1: In 5th ch from the hook (including the chain on the hook, count 5 backwards), 5 DC. *skip the next ch, sl in the following ch, 6 DC in the next*. Repeat steps between ** until you reach the end. 
3. Tie it off leaving a long tale for sewing the flower together with a tapestry needle, then attaching it to the flower base.

The princess asked me to add a "jewel" to the middle and I let her pick one for me to attach with hot glue. Done! Then reluctantly, the dragon modeled the finished headbands.

what's this you've got on my head, mom?

Quick crochet headband

Fall still has me in the mood for the needle arts, but this time the little misses got to choose the color (well, the princess did). So pink it is!

This headband is so easy and quick, I've been making it left and right for different girls in my life. It truly is the "genius" headband as the original designer calls it. By the way, that designer is Elizabeth Alan of the Lovely Crow (you should check out her facebook and Ravelry pages). She offers this pattern for free with youtube videos to help you along (though it's an easy pattern to begin with).

The original was a bit wider than I like, however, so I modified it slightly. Here's how my modifications ended up:

before weaving in the loose ends

1. chain 7
2. Row 1 - slip stitch on the third chain from the hook and chain 3, slip stitch on the last chain and chain 4
3. Row 2 - slip stitch through the first oval and chain 3, slip stitch through the last oval and chain 4
4. repeat row 2 until you're happy with the length. Finish your last row without the chain 4.
5. Tie the two ends together by: chain 2 from the end of the last row, slip stitch through the first oval in row 1, chain 2, slip stitch through the first oval in the last row, chain 2, slip stitch through the last oval in row 1, chain 2, slip stitch through the last oval in the last row, chain 2, slip stitch through a chain on the edge of row 1.
6. Weave in loose ends with tapestry needle.

That gives you a headband that's thinner and with only two little oval loops on each row. Here's the princess modeling hers for me:

Any quick and easy patterns/crafts to share?