Monday, October 22, 2012

Crochet Catch-all Baskets

I saw these on Pinterest and thought I'd give them a try.
I used Peaches and Cream in a variety of colors. The pattern works for yarn, string and twine. It's a pretty easy project and quick to complete. Enjoy!

Crochet Bowls

Note: This pattern can be worked either crocheting through the back loop of each single crochet or the entire stitch, I did both and each gives a different look.
Chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
Round 1: Make 8 single crochets (sc) into the ring, mark the first stitch of the next round with a removable marker.
Round 2: Make 2 sc into each stitch to end of round.
Round 3: *1 sc into next stitch, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: *1 sc into next 2 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 5: *1 sc into next 3 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round.
Continue to work in this pattern, each round adding one stitch between the increases until the bottom is desired size (mine are 3″ diameter). Move stitch marker to current position in work. For sides, continue 1 sc in each stitch without increasing until desired height (mine are about 1.5″ tall). To change colors, add new yarn where the round begins, cut old yarn end to about 3″ and then work over yarn end with new color for a few stitches. This avoids having to weave in loose ends later. At the end of the final round, cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last stitch. Remove marker, steam if desired.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Tablecloth

Worked on this over the summer while we were driving cross country... Didn't write the pattern for it because I'm not that happy with it. I just wanted to try something new, especially since I haven't seen a pattern that I felt worked for me. I'm going to put this one in the shop window since I don't have a round table for it.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Crochet Lace Cowl Free Pattern

I got this from Pinterest - it's a Martha Stewart Lion Brand Cowl*:

Crochet Lace Cowl free pattern



It's fairly easy, so I did a few, though I didn't do as many rows. This is eight rows. I may change my mind and add more rows. Here's mine:

Here's the pattern, in case you can't link:


COWL
Ch 96, taking care not to twist sts; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 1 (Right Side): Ch 1, sc in first ch (same ch as joining sl st), ch 1, sk next 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, sk next 2 ch, *sc in next ch, ch 1, sk next 2 ch, (dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, sk next 2 ch; rep from * around; join with sl st in first sc-16 pattern reps at the end of this rnd.
Rnd 2: Ch 5, dc in 5th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps, sc in next tr, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps, *tr in next sc, ch 1, dc in base of tr just made, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps, sc in next tr, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps; rep from * around; join with sl st in 4th ch of beg ch-5.
Rnd 3: (Sl st, ch 5, dc) in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, *(dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp; rep from * around; dc in first ch-1 sp again, ch 1; join with sl st in 4th ch of beg ch-5.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same ch as joining sl st, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps, tr in next sc, ch 1, dc in base of tr just made, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps, *sc in next tr, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps, tr in next sc, ch 1, dc in base of tr just made, ch 1, sk next 2 ch-1 sps; rep from * around; join with sl st in first sc.
Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, (dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, *sc in next sc, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp, (dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp; rep from * around; join with sl st in first sc.
Rep Rnds 2-5 until piece measures 14 in. (35.5cm) from beg.
Fasten off.

There's also a really good two-dimensional diagram that goes with it. It's a rare thing, my friends, that I find these illuminating.

*Sign up for the Lion Brand newsletter here:

Friday, August 10, 2012

Multistrand Crocheting

Theresa is awesome. Here is her demo for multistrand crocheting.

Friday, May 11, 2012

New Challenge

I love the look of this pattern, though I'm not sure how well I could replicate it. I probably won't get to it for a couple of weeks, but I want to sort of bookmark it here and get any feedback anyone has.

Lyon Brand Intarsia Brocade Afghan

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Child's Throw *Updated*

Got something unusual I just finished (after two tries):

I call these pieces samplers because I use stitch variety to create textural interest. I like using a thick, soft, monochromatic acrylic to keep it soft and warm to use as well as attractive. For this throw, I used a homespun yarn to rim it in a similar but varied color.


Yarn details: 6 skeins chunky solid color; 1 skein contrasting homespun.
ch = chain
st = stitch
sk = skip
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tc = treble crochet
fps = front post stitch
bps = back post stitch

*Note: On each row, from row 2 on, the final stitch will be in the top stitch of the chain that began the row that you are working stitches in. Email me with any questions.

Getting started:
Chain 67
1.  sc in second ch from hook; sc in each ch to end, ch 1, turn
2.  sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st, ch 1, turn
3.  sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 3, turn
4-9 dc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 3, turn
10. dc in each st. repeat to end *, ch 1, turn
11. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 1, turn
12. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 4, turn
13. fps in second tc, bps in third tc, repeat to end *, ch 4, turn
14. tc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 1, turn
15. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 1, turn
16. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 3, turn
17-18 dc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 3, turn
19. dc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 4, turn
24-26 tc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 4, turn
27. tc in first 4 st, sk st,  clstr st, sk st, clstr st to last four st, tc in last four st *, ch 4, turn
At this point you will mirror every row to the end of the throw, like this:
28-29 tc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 4, turn
30. tc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 3, turn
31. dc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 3, turn
32. dc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 1, turn
33. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 1, turn
34. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 4, turn
35. fps in second tc, bps in third tc, repeat to end *, ch 4, turn
36. tc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 1, turn
37. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 1, turn
38. sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 3, turn
39-44  dc in each st, repeat to end *, ch 3, turn
45. dc in each st. repeat to end *, ch 1, turn
46-47 sc, dc in same stitch, sk st, repeat to last 2 st, sc in last st *, ch 1, turn
48. sc in each st. repeat to end *, ch 1, turn
Border:
finish ch 1 from ros 46 with complimenting color homespun or other yarn;
I used the seed stitch from rows 2, 3, 46 and 47, sc, dc in same st, sk st, repeat around. As you go down the sides, you will have to estimate the length of the st you are skipping. Repeat around the throw three times.
Weave in ends.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Circle Throw

This is a gorgeous pattern that I am adapting: Kew Gardens Circle Afghan from Lyon Brand Yarns.

Caveat crocheter: The pattern I got for this from the yarn is kind of hard to follow. I will share more later in case you're interested,

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Hmmmmmph...

Just spent a few hours working on a mitten that works well.

I'm not convinced it exists yet...

Saturday, January 21, 2012

SIMPLE SHAWL *update*

SIMPLE SHAWL

I loved coming up with this alternative wrap - it's in a nice gritty wool so it's warm, but the stitches you choose give it special character. I am making another one that has two buttons at the top of one side so it can be buttoned in place across your shoulders.

*I've bumped this back to the top because I just noticed, as I get ready to do another one in a different color, that I did not write the pattern here.*






Materials:
1 skein Lyon Brand Fisherman's wool (I used )
K 101/6.5mm Hook

Notes: sample gauge 4 stitches = 2"
x stitches will stand up as you go, but it's good to check how they're looking every 10 stitches or so.

Special stitches:
Seed stitch: sc, dc in same stitch, skip a stitch, sc, dc in next stitch
Medium x: skip a stitch, dc in stitch, dc in skipped stitch.
Large x: skip a stitch, dc in stitch pulling up one loop and leaving one on, begin another dc in same stitch pulling up one loop, then yarn over and pull through 3 remaining loops. Repeat the stitch in the skipped stitch

Note: feel free to switch combinations of stitches, just be aware that the chain up at the end will be shorter or longer depending on the size of the next row of stitches. For example, you only need to chain up one stitch for a seed stitch, but you will need three chains up for a new row of medium or large x stitches, or for a row of doubloe crochets.

Glossary:
ch = chain
st = stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tc = triple crochet
mx = medium x
lx = large x


Chain 120
1. sc in same st, sc in each st to end, ch 1, turn
2. Seed stitch across to end, ch 1, turn
3. Seed stitch across to end, ch 3, turn
4. small x across to end, ch 3, turn
5. medium x across to end, ch 3, turn
6. small x across to end, ch 1, turn
7. seed stitch across to end, ch 3, turn
8. dc across to the end, ch 3, turn
9. medium x across to end, ch 3, turn
10. small x across to the end, ch 1
11-12. seed stitch across to the end, ch 1, turn
13 seed stitch across to the end, ch 3, turn
14-21. dc across to the end, ch 3, turn
22-23. seed stitch across to the end, ch 1, turn
24. seed stitch across to the end, ch 3, turn
25. small x across to the end, ch 3, turn
26. large x across to the end, ch 1, turn
27. seed stitch across to the end,
finish by sc in each stitch down the side you've ended on, tie off and weave in.
finish other side by sc in each st down the side, tie off and weave in.

Friday, January 20, 2012

If you like something you see

If you like something you see and want one, shoot me an email. I'm very cheap, and I can help you pick a yarn for the project.  Toodles!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

In case you think I've been slacking off No. 2

Gossamer Blue scarf



I couldn't help falling for this super-soft baby bamboo yarn. It's like working with gossamer. Working with it was a little daunting after playing around with lots of chunky yarns. The bamboo was so soft and light.

I used this: bamboospun yarn in denim.

The pattern is a basic one that makes the most of an already-textureful yarn. I've played with front-loop/back-loop stitching as parts of other patterns, but don't usually find attractive except in a case like this.

Here is a good basic tutorial on making a back-loop stitch:



Chain however long you want - I chained about 153.

1. dc in third chain from hook. dc in each stitch to end. Chain 3, turn.
2. dc in back loop of each dc to end. Chain 3, turn.
3. - 5. repeat row 2 to the desired width. I went for length over width with this one, so my scarf is only 4 rows.

Tadah!

In case you think I've been slacking off No. 1

Catepillar:

I used a ball of Yarn Bee fancy, which is a medium-weight "yarn" I picked up at Hobby Lobby. It was so soft and fleecy and colorful that I couldn't resist, and here's what I came up with.

chain 83.

1. dc in third chain from hook; *chain 1, skip a stitch, dc in next stitch*. Repeat ** to end. Chain 4, turn.
2. dc in dc, chain one, dc in next dc. Repeat to end, tie off and weave in.

Easy!





Update PS:  You can find yarns like the one above at Hobby Lobby here: Hobby Lobby specialty yarn "Chinchilla"

Theresa is a goddess.

check out the v cluster stitch here and the treble crochet front post stitch in the suggested videos on the side:



You can see this and more at the BellwetherCreations Youtube channel.