Handing it Down – Crochet Sandwich

When I was young, one of my favorite toys to play with was a set of plastic food. I had bananas, apples, oranges, and even a few cupcakes. I loved setting the table, lining up all the food, and pretending to eat. The food is long gone, but after finding this pattern for a crochet sandwich, I knew it was something that I had to make for Blueberry. Not only was I duplicating a favorite toy from my youth, but I could also make an example for her. Instead of purchasing something that would probably break in a month, or contain hazardous chemicals, I could create something with my own two hands, using materials I had on hand.

If you have read some of my previous posts, you can probably tell that one of my passions is yarnwork. It is an art form that truly makes me feel motivated and accomplished. So when I found this pattern, it definitely sparked a fire. I was excited to show Blueberry that her mama could make fun toys to play with, while also creating a huge sense of satisfaction for herself.

This pattern had it all: bread slices, beautiful romaine lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and bacon. But the bacon in the pattern was too cartoonish for me. I wanted my bacon to be different. I tried several times to create that wonderful marbling effect of the fat and meat, along with a rouching technique that would mimic the perfect pan fried piece. I eventually settled on holding two different colors together at the same time, and crocheting with that was the best. I used a burgundy, and a tan/red color. Here’s how I created my bacon slices:

Bacon Pattern (Make 2)
Size H hook
Scraps of yarn in burgundy, tan/red, and off-white

Note: I find it easiest to change color in the chains at the end of the previous row. I simply Yarn Over (YO) with the new color, and let the old one hang while I get the new row started. Then, once I have made a stitch in the next row, I can cut off the old yarn and weave in the ends.

Holding a strand of burgundy and a strand of tan/red together, Ch 27.
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in every ch across, ch 2.
Row 2: While still holding the burgundy and tan/red, add a strand of off-white, so you are holding a total of 3 strands. Dc in every st across, ch 2.
Row 3: Cut the strand of off-white, and fasten in the ends. Now you are back to holding just the burgundy and the tan/red.  Dc in every st across, ch 1. Cut the strands of burgundy and tan/red, and fasten in the ends.
Row 4: Holding just a single strand of off-white, sc in every st across. Then sc in the ends of Row 3 and Row 2. Fasten off, and weave in the ends.
With a single strand of the off-white yarn, weave in and out of Row 2. Pull the yarn slightly taut to create a ripple effect in the strip. Fasten off this strand well.

And there you have it: a beautiful strip of bacon! Make two for a fantastic sandwich!

Any good sandwich is made better by adding cheese. I used a simple pattern to create a nice, thick slice of cheddar. Here’s how I did it:

Cheese Slice
Size H hook
Yarn in Goldenrod color

Ch 18.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in each ch across. Ch 1.
Row 2-14: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Make two of these squares. Then, hold both squares together, and slip stitch along the edges to create a thick slice of cheese.

All together, this makes a pretty delectable sandwich, and Blueberry has been able to watch me create it for her from start to finish. Not only was I able to have fun making something, but Blueberry can have fun playing with the finished product, too. Everyone wins! Now go have a picnic!