dawntoussaint

the creative process

2013-01-27T16:59:00.002-08:00

Since I've ben away for a while, I thought it was only fair to share what I've been up to... some of it anyway ;D
So as I work through my latest project, I'm going to bring you along. This project is a valentines bunny that I've envisioned in a classic, vintage, and even a little french inspired look. Rather than waiting until it's done, I thought I'd provide updates as I go... so let's get started!

1/22/2013: Sometimes I begin with a sketch, but this time I began with the wool. I had recently purchased a lot of random wool, and so I got in there to investigate. When I saw all the variation in color and texture I thought about a soft bunny, and the special nature of hand spun wool. What I always loved about hand spun is not when it's perfect, but when you can really tell that it's hand spun. The thicks and thin, and silky mixed with fluffy, what would make a better bunny. So I pull out the mix I think will embody those characteristics, weigh it up, and get carding.

1/26/2013: Next step is spinning. I have a ladybug spinning wheel, and I have been known to lose myself spending a few hours spinning. But don't get me wrong, the repetitive motion can take it's toll and I've had to declare self imposed bans on spinning (and sometimes knitting and crocheting too) from time to time. In this case, I needed to spend a few hours to spin the single ply. And since I want to create a strong, quality item, I've decided to spin my singles thin and ply them together for a 2 ply wool. Once it's plied, I'll soak the yarn so it can bloom, and set the twist.

1/26/2013: While waiting for the yarn to dry, I can work on other things; like choosing fabrics and working out the dress pattern on paper. I usually work out as much as I can from existing or estimated measurements, and then make adjustments once the final doll is done. For this one I'm choosing some french prints in florals and toile, and rich rose and olive tones.

2/3/2013: With the yarn plied and set, it's time to get the hook out. I start by crocheting the ears and arms of my bunnies so that they're ready to attach when I need them. I'm really enjoying the way the variation in the yarn is working out, both in the color and the texture.

2/7/2013: With the exception of the foot bottom, my bunny's all pieced together and ready for stuffing. I use a combination of bamboo and polyfil stuffing, and whatever yarn and fabric scraps I happen to have around. The polyfil gives the spongy quality, while the bamboo and scraps give the firmer texture you want in the bottom and feet. The stuffing tool is great for this type of work since I work the doll in one piece and stuff the entire body through the legs!

2/9/2013: And with my bunny stuffed, I'm ready to complete her feet. Usually I like to cap off the feet with a coordinated fabric to match the dress; but I'm loving the wool so much that I've decided to wet felt 2 small pieces and use them to create the soles of her feet. It's not too difficult, if you have some roving or carded fiber, just layer the fiber out in thin perpendicular layers. Use a spray bottle to wet it down with warm soapy water, then message it into a flat sheet of felt with a gloved hand or another smooth item (I sometimes use a smooth river rock). In the detail phase, I'll most likely embroider in some toes since her feet are a little bare.

2/14/2013: So from fluff to finished, here she is! I pieced the skirt together from 2 inch strips of that awesome moda fabric you saw in the beginning of the post, and then decided to make a dark burgundy ruffle trim to set it off. Serging and stitching all the edges as I went, I used the same burgundy for straps and the waist band that ties the back together in a bow. Then I picked out some gorgeous glass eyes in a rose tint, and set them over a camel colored felt. I embroidered her nose and freckles in a dark brown, and her knees and toes in the cream colored hand spun I used for the rest of her body.

You can check out some more pics in my etsy shop where she'll be listed for sale, so stop by and let me know what you think!

Thanks for following along ;D
Dawn.

Doing the math: increase and decrease evenly row over row

2012-03-26T16:24:00.007-07:00

I've recently received a few questions about a technique used in many of my patterns:
"SC across, INCR 3sts evenly over each of the next rows, trying not to place increases in the same place row over row."
Firstly, the instructions are written this way to allow flexibility and ease of creation. Once you understand it, it's easier to complete using the "technique" versus tracking each row on a pattern sheet(especially if you happen to be travelling). And if you are creating more than one, it allows you to find the formula that you like the best (although I know I do it differently every time!)

OK, now for the math! The formula works thusly...

random number(Stitch count of row/Number of Inc)

Explanation:
OK, say you have 24 stitches in the row, and you need to increase 3.

24/3=8

now choose a random number from 1 to 8, let's pick 5... meaning we'll increase in the 5th stitch of our repeat

so we'll work the row like this: SC next 4 sts, inc1 in next st (the 5th st), SC next 3

repeat 2 more times to complete the row, for a total of 27 sts.

do this as many times as the pattern calls, just choose a different random number every time (at least 2 higher or lower than the previous row).

Now how about decreases? Same thing...
OK, say you have 24 stitches in the row, and you need to decrease 3.

24/3=8

now choose a random number from 1 to 8, let's pick 5... meaning we'll start our decrease on the 5th stitch

so we'll work the row like this: SC next 4 sts, dec1 in next 2 sts, SC next 2

repeat 2 more times to complete the row, for a total of 21 sts.

do this as many times as the pattern calls, just choose a different random number every time (at least 2 higher or lower than the previous row).

I hope this helps make the pattern instructions clearer ;D

the holidays are over!

2012-01-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Wow, the holidays were CRAZY busy... and I'm sure I'm not the only one. But They are finally past and now to look ahead to 2012!
So, as some of you know, I have become addicted to spinning! I got some amazing alpaca fiber for Christmas and I just haven't been able to put it down. So what that means for you? Well, new dolls and kits featuring my very own hand spun wool of course! Right now I'm working on a lovely kit that not only has the supplies to make a beautiful doll, but also includes a handmade project bag and lavender sachet to protect that ooak creation you'll be working on ;D

But in order to do all this I need to clear some space in my workshop... so for all of you who have been asking "when will I see more FO's in the shop?" The answer is today! If you follow me on twitter than you've probably already seen that Mia and Libby are up for sale in my shop! But what you don't know is that I will be listing a few more of my stock every day over the next few weeks. So if your interested in getting your hands on one of my own personal favorites (and at a discount I might add) just keep an eye on the etsy shop!
Thanks as always, and happy new year!
Dawn.

Petra: my halloween mystery project

2011-10-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you've joined our ravelry group, then you may have seen the beginnings of my latest project... you may have even tried to guess what she was going to be.
Well, I've finished her just in time to keep my jack-o-lanterns company this Halloween! And here she is: Petra the mummy! She's not the conventional mummy, but that's OK... She'll happily take her place along side my wolfboy, pumpkin witch, scarecrow bear, and kitty noir in the Halloween collection (pattern to be available in the near future). Find more pics on her ravelry project page ;D

September CAL: Hermione the unicorn

2011-08-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a little while but we're back together for this adorable crochet along requested specifically by our ravelry group! This little unicorn is a fantastic way to feature some of those "must have" custom or specialty yarns that you have lurking in your stash, even if you only have a few yards ;D

For this CAL I definitely suggest joining the ravelry group (if you haven't already) because I will not be around much this month. The group has some experienced crocheters and they have always been great at supporting each other!

I can't wait to see the herds of unicorns come to life ;D

Download the pattern now!

Kits are here!

2011-07-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have been wanting to do this for so long!
I don't know about you, but my favorite part of making ami's is choosing the supplies, matching up fabrics, and mixing up the colors! Unfortunately I can't finish them quick enough to keep up with my imagination. This means all those dolls I dreamed up but couldn't get to myself will now be up for grabs in my etsy shop ;D

I've started off with Mia (a bunny), but I'll probably be expanding to make other patterns available as kits soon.
The kits include things like:

hand dyed/painted wool

fabric pieces for sewn clothes(serged)

felt for eye details

coordinated custom fabric covered buttons

hand made glass eyes

Each one is unique. I only hope that whoever ends up with these kits are kind enough to share the FO pics with us!

Ami of the month: May

2011-05-23T16:29:00.001-07:00

Bonjour Cosette!
She's this month's FO... featuring the most lovely handspun yarn I picked up at YarnParty2011 from Mid Valley Fibers. As a matter of fact it was the yarn that inspired the doll. I love this colorway called "Sunset over water", and I had a great time matching the fabrics in her apron skirt! To me she looks like blue skies and sunshine ;D
You can see more in my etsy shop!

May CAL: it's Neila the koala

2011-05-08T08:31:00.001-07:00

Well it's that time again! Time to CAL with us on ravelry, and this CAL brings us Neila the little koala... suggested by one of our CAL members, and I couldn't resist! I've never seen a koala in person, but that's never stopped me before ;D
For mine, I decided to paint the hands and feet, and even a little bit of the ears for some added interest... but I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Grab up your free pattern today and join us on ravelry, group name: CALwithDawnToussaint

Ami of the month

2011-04-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Some of you might remember that I started off making custom ooak amigurumi and offering them in my etsy shop. Well, I'm going back to my roots... sort of ;D
I've decided to offer 1 finished object in my etsy shop every month! That means every month you will have the opportunity to pick up a custom designed, handmade cutie that I made just for the love of ami's (and those are the best kind if you ask me!) I'll be making something new every month, which may or may not be based on one of my existing patterns, and will definitely include all my favorite materials. Look for custom hand spun yarns, hand made buttons, and gorgeous fabrics... and keep an eye on this blog right here for a sneak peak at each month's offering!

Speaking of, have you seen this month's offering? Meet Mia ;D
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72509208/mia

I spoiled myself at yarnparty 2011

2011-03-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

How could I resist, it was my birthday after all ;D
It all started a few weeks ago when my awesome husband asked, "any special requests for your birthday?"... well since you asked! And off we drove to Savage, Maryland. When we got there I was a little concerned because parking was a challenge(the place was packed!), but once a got inside the Savage Mill building I was pleasantly surprised. It's a charming place filled with little shops including paper crafts, pet stuff, paintings, beads, quilts, and more. So we made our way over to the main hall where the yarn party was being held and walked on in (no fee to get in!). The floor was crowded but manageable, and I made my first sweep around the room in about 5 minutes. Then in the next 2 passes I picked up all the items I had my eyes on and well... I came home with a great big bag of fancy hand dyed, hand spun, hand sheared, and all around awesome fibers... so I thought I'd share my favorites with you here!

Meet Amelie

2011-03-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

Many of you out there asked for an all crochet version of my little Aubrey, and here she is! Amelie also wears an adorable little crochet sweater dress that's removable. She's just the latest in my "ready to wear" collection.

It took me a while to work out just the right combination of features, so thanks to all of you for your patience... She's a great pattern to start with if you're new to ami's, or if you just need something to work up as a quick gift!

Enjoy ;D

Valentine's CAL: Roman the lovebird

2011-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

Meet Roman, my Valentine gift to you ;D

Whew, I feel like I just made it in under the wire! I would hate to disappoint, especially after all the words of encouragement here and on ravelry... but I wanted to get him just right. I was going for a more home made look with Roman, and I think I got there, but only after about 4 tries. Sometimes you have something in your head and it takes a little extra effort to bring it to life. I also wanted to offer something that gave each of us the opportunity to make it our own, and I think this pattern does that!

Thanks so much, and as always I can't wait to see your creations!
Remember to join us on ravelry: CAL with Dawn Toussaint

Download pattern: Roman the lovebird
*This pattern was updated on 2/19/2011 ;D

February CAL???

2011-01-30T06:20:00.000-08:00

Well, now that the holiday hustle is over... I'm thinking about our next CAL ;D
Of course February means Valentines day (at least it does in my house) so I automatically started thinking of love birds, puppy love, and all that stuff. But maybe your not into Valentine's mushiness? So I want to hear from you! What do you want to see in our next CAL?

BTW: I've opened it up on the ravelry group too... join us over there for more about our next CAL!

Aubrey: the pattern

2010-12-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Well I first want to thank everyone for all their kind comments on Aubrey, my latest creation. It was because of all your compliments that I have decided to offer the pattern in my ravelry and etsy shops!

If you haven't seen her yet, you're in for a surprise... not only does she have removable clothes, she has hair that buttons on! That's right, dress up time is taken to another level. Right now she is the only one of the prete a porte collection to have removable hair, but I have a feeling it won't be long before there are some more. And before you ask, yes I am working on an all crochet version as well!

So thanks again for your comments and questions... I love to hear your thoughts, so let me know what you'd like to see next in my shop!

Murray (the merry) reindeer

2010-11-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time, and I have an early gift for you...
As promised, our December CAL is a brand new reindeer pattern! You can download the pattern here, or on ravelry, and then join the ravelry group to share your progress.

Thanks for your support this year, and happy holidays to all!
Dawn.

I ♥ my LYS

2010-11-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to go on a few trips this year, and each trip had at least an afternoon set aside to find a local yarn shop. I'm always jealous of the selections they have since my area is strictly limited to "craft shop" yarn. I could spend hours just dreaming up what to make, but then my husband says "are you going to buy anything?"... Well, that's how I end up with a single skein of just about everything in the place!

I don't mind buying online, but I would love to have a great yarn shop around to get a real feel for what I'm buying, and that instant gratification!

Do you have a LYS that you love? Do you own LYS? I want to hear all about it!

Here are 2 of the shops I visited recently:
Newbury Yarns in Boston MA: http://newburyyarns.com/
Strands and stitches in Laguna Beach CA: http://www.strandsandstitches.com/

Custom needle case

2010-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I didn't do this sooner!
I just got back from a great trip with the hubby, and this little needle case was awesome to carry all my knit/crochet stuff. I made it just before we left after realizing that the only bag I had big enough to carry all my yarn had no pockets for needles or anything. Then I remembered I had this absolutely adorable kitten fabric laying around (I had actually been hoarding it for a project worthy of it's cuteness!)... And voila ;D
I know there are a few patterns available on the web, but here's mine which used exactly 2 fat quarters, and a 12 inch piece of ribbon:

Cut your 2 fat quarters so you have 2 pieces 5x18 inches, and 2 pieces 18x18 inches.
A. Stitch the 2 smaller pieces together (right sides facing) as shown in diagram using .5 inch seams. Clip the corners and turn right side out. This is the pocket piece.
B. Lay out one of the larger pieces right side up. Place the pocket piece just made on top and sew pocket separations as indicated in diagram B. You can place as many as you like here, evenly spaced or not.
C. Fold ribbon tie in half and stitch in place as shown. Stitch as close to the edge of the fabric as possible to avoid stitches showing when everything is done.
D. Now take the final large piece of fabric and lay it on top (with right sides facing) and stitch as shown in diagram D, using .25 inch seam. Clip corners and turn out through opening left in the bottom edge. Press and top stitch bottom edge to close.

Enjoy ;D

Click on the diagram below to enlarge:

In my photo you'll notice I didn't use ribbon, that's because I had enough fabric to make a tie. This is simple 2 pieces of 1.5 x 12.5 inch fabric stitched together(right sides facing) with .25 inch seam leaving 1 inch opening on one of the long edges, corners clipped, turned right side out, and pressed.

Spooky cute Halloween projects

2010-10-12T15:28:00.001-07:00

So I love Halloween! It's my favorite holiday to decorate for, and this year is no exception...
I have a few Halloween themed patterns available, but this one was made just for me. This little wolf boy has been on my mind for a while (I think I first sketched him out last year) and I'm so glad I finally took the time to create him! I did some experimenting to get his hair just the way I pictured it, using a latch hook technique to attach wool yarn in 5 different colors to the head. Then brushing the hair with a wire pet brush, and finally working the hair rubbing and twisting in my fingers until it was the shape I wanted. As an accent I also added quilting thread, felt, and fabric strips to the hair in strategic spots to get a slightly "wild" look. I used the same process on the tail... and yes it took a really long time, but he is just what I wanted!

What are you working on for Halloween? What are you thinking about making...
Are you like me, do you have one of those projects that just doesn't make the cut year after year? Let's hear about it!

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 4

2010-10-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last part, here we go!

When we attached the legs to the belly(part1) we left 9 leg stitches open per leg, and these are the stitches we are going to pick up and use to begin the main body. So choose a leg as the starting point (they're all the same so it's your choice), find the first stitch(right most stitch, closest to the belly)and attach yarn. The starting point you choose will be the center back of the monkey. Begin R1 here.

R1-3: SC across. (36 sts)
R4: SC next 10, begin attaching muzzle by lining up 15 stitches of the last row of the muzzle with next 15 stitches of body and work SC through both layers, SC last 11. (36 sts)
R5: SC next 4, join first ear by lining up next 6 sts with 6 sts of bind of edge of the ear(make sure the ear is facing the front!) SC through both layers, SC across 15 remaining muzzle sts, attach second ear over next 6 sts, SC last 5 sts. (36 sts)
R6: unravel last 3 sts made, begin attaching tail by lining up 9 sts of tail to next 9 sts of the body, SC next 30 sts.
R7: SC across working across 9 remaining tail sts.

Begin decreases.
R8: *SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts * repeat across. (30 sts)
R9: *SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts * repeat across. (24 sts)
R10: *SC 2, DCR1 over next 2 sts * repeat across. (18 sts)
R11: *SC 1, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (12 sts)
Time to stuff...
Stuff the legs first, stuffing pretty firmly. Then the body and tail. You can also add a wire to the tail at this point (if you want it to be posable). Otherwise you can pose it when your monkey is complete and stitch it in place. If you are using safety eyes you will want to attach them now as well.

R12: *DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (6 sts)
Bind off leaving a long tail. Weave tail through remaining stitches and pull to close. Secure and pull tail to inside to hide.

All that's left to do now are your finishing touches: eyes, expressions, accessories, anything you can think of!

Let's see your finished product! Post it on Ravelry: CAL with DawnToussaint

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 3

2010-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

We're up to the head now! Manuel's ear is worked similar to Padma's... but smaller;D
OK, ready for part 3?

EARS(make 2)
Start with (color A)a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across. (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1 in next st* repeat across. (18 sts)
R3-7: SC across.
R8: Skip next 6 sts (pushing them to the back), SC across. (12 sts)
R9: ch1, flatten the remaining stitches so that the next st is aligned with the last st of the round(st1 & st12). SC across stitching through both layers to close up ear. After 6th stitch, bind off and set aside.

Want to see how everyone else is progressing? Join us on Ravelry: CAL with DawnToussaint

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 2

2010-10-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Part 2 is a piece of cake, enjoy ;D

TAIL(make 1)
Start with (color B) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3 to end: SC until piece measures about 5-6 inches from beginning.
bind off and set aside.

MUZZLE(make 1)
Start with (color A) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3-4: SC across.
R5: *SC 2, INCR1* repeat across (24 sts)
R6: *SC 3, INCR1* repeat across (30 sts)
bind off and set aside.

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 1

2010-09-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

OMG it's CAL number 2... As requested, it's a monkey, crocheted together (no sewing required)! ENJOY ;D

This pattern will be in 4 installments, Wed & Sat (EST)!

As always, the rules remain the same, so here they are:
1. Ask any question or feedback that comes to mind while working on this project, that's why we're here!
2. Please share your pics, we want to see how it's going!
3. Even though this pattern is free, please don't copy and distribute it... but feel free to link to it here!

So here's the first installment of Manuel:
This pattern assumes that as you work, the "right side" is facing out.
color A is a natural cream colored wool(as seen in my pics)
color B is a brown colored wool(as seen in my pics)

LEGS(make 4)
Start with (color A) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3: Make bobble, SC next 17.
R4-5: SC across.
R6: change to color B, work a row of chain st across in front loops only.
R7: SC across in back loops skipped in previous row.
R8-15: SC across.
Bind off and set aside.

BELLY(make 1)
Start with (color B) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3: *SC 2, INCR1* repeat across (24 sts)
R4: *SC 3, INCR1* repeat across (30 sts)
R5: *SC 4, INCR1* repeat across (36 sts)
Next row joins legs to the belly (same technique we used for Padma)
R6: *With yarn attached to belly piece, pick up one of the legs and SC next 9sts through both belly and leg.* make sure your toes are pointing in toward the center of the belly! Repeat with each remaining leg, and bind off.

Another CAL???

2010-09-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

That's right! If you had fun with Padma, get ready for the next crochet-a-long...

If you haven't joined us yet, the pattern discussion has been going on for the past week or so in our ravelry group, and the clear favorite is [...drum roll...] MONKEY!

I wouldn't have guessed it but it sounds like everyone would like to see a monkey pattern. And I have to admit, it does sound like fun. So stay tuned... I'm looking to get that up and running in 1 week! (9/29)

Crochet-a-long: Padma part 4

2010-08-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last part, here we go!

When we attached the legs to the belly(part1) we left 12 leg stitches open, and these are the stitches we are going to pick up and use to begin the main body. But to minimize gaps between the legs we are also going to work in 2 of the stitches used to attached the leg and belly in our round (one on either side of the leg). That means we will work 14 stitches across each leg of this round. So choose a leg as the starting point (they're all the same so it's your choice), and identify the 12 open stitches, then go 1 stitch before and attach yarn. The starting point you choose will be the center back of the elephant. Begin R1 here.

R1-3: SC across. (56 sts)
R4: *SC 6, DCR1 over next 2 sts, SC 6* repeat across. (52 sts)
R5: SC across.
R6: SC 22, join trunk by aligning back 9 stitches of flattened trunk with next 9 stitches of body, SC through both layers of those 9 stitches, SC 21. (see image RIGHT)
R7: SC 22, SC front 9 stitches of flattened trunk, SC next 21 on body.

Make Padma's tail here by chaining 12, turn, skip 2 ch and work slip st in next 10 ch (working back toward body).
R8: *SC 5, DCR1 over next 2 sts, SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (44 sts)
R9: SC across
R10: *SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts, SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (36 sts)
R11: SC across
R12: *SC 6, join ear by aligning 7 stitches of flattened ear with next 7 sts of body, SC through both layers of those 7 stitches, SC 5* repeat.
R13: *SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (30 sts)
Time to stuff...
stuff the legs first, stuffing pretty firmly. Then the body and a small amount in the trunk to help shape the face. Don't over stuff the body, since you will have one last chance to add some stuffing before closing. If you are using safety eyes you will want to attach them now as well.
R14: *SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (24 sts)
R15: *SC 2, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (18 sts)
Last chance to get in any stuffing before closing!
R16: *SC 1 ,DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (12 sts)
R17: *DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (6 sts)
Bind off leaving a long tail. Weave tail through remaining stitches and pull to close. Secure and pull tail to inside to hide.

All that's left to do now are your finishing touches: eyes, expressions, accessories, anything you can think of!

Let's see your finished product! Post it on Ravelry: CAL with DawnToussaint

Crochet-a-long: Padma part 3

2010-08-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

We're in the home stretch now...
OK, ready for part 3?

EARS(make 2)
Start with a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across. (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1 in next st* repeat across. (18 sts)
R3: *SC 2, INCR1 in next st* repeat across. (24 sts)
R4: *SC 3, INCR1 in next st* repeat across. (30 sts)
R5-9: SC across.
R10: *SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat. (24 sts)
R11: *SC 2, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat. (18 sts)
R12: Skip next 6 sts, SC across. (12 sts)
R13: ch1, flatten the remaining stitches so that the next st is aligned with the last st of the round(st1 & st12). SC across stitching through both layers to close up ear. After 6th stitch, bind off and clip tail.

Want to see how everyone else is progressing? What are you waiting for? Join us on Ravelry: CAL with DawnToussaint