Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Ireland's Scarf


If you read the last post you will remember the 4 scarves that I started last week. I showed you pics of 3, but not number 4. My little girl, Ireland, recently asked me to make her a scarf. She watched me start all of those scarves last week and decided she wanted one too. So, number 4 is called Ireland's Scarf. I had this pretty Raspberry colored yarn that I thought would be perfect for her.


After I finished, I showed it to her and she said, "I didn't want pink, I want red!"
Ok great...so I went out yesterday to my LYS and bought a bright red for her. So this scarf is mine now. It is a little short, but I'll add a few rows and maybe some fringe and it'll work just fine :)


Ireland requested a "no holes" scarf so I used a very simple stitch. I am a little tired of using half doubles...and I didn't want to use singles either. So I decided to use extended singles. I really like it. It creates a simple but modern look.


I promised to write out the pattern...so here it is

Materials
Worsted weight yarn 1 skein for a child, 2 for adult (I used Vanna's Choice in Raspberry)
Size H crochet hook edit: I used an I hook
Yarn needle

Sizes
Child (Adult)

Gauge
not as important

Pattern

Stitch explanation
Extended Single Crochet (esc): Insert hook in indicated st or row, yo, pull up lp, yo, pull through 1 lp on hook, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook.

Ch 124 (180) I made another and 124 may be a little short

Row 1: Esc in 2nd ch from hook. Esc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Esc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat row 2 for a total of 10 (14) rows. Finish off.

Weave ends.

You can make the scarf wider by adding more rows.
Change it up by alternating esc rows with dc rows. You can easily alter this pattern to make it more interesting or more to your liking.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Scarves and More Scarves


My little Ireland is addicted to all things girly. Makeup, nail polish, body glitter, hair stuff, anything princess. She will sit and paint her own nails for hours....I'm talking polish, stickers, and top coat. She does this everyday. She woke me up the other morning to show me her nails...I wondered, how long has this kid been awake to do this?


Here lately I have been all about scarves. While Ireland has been occupying herself with her nails, I have started 4 scarves... and how many have I finished? Not even one. I ran out of yarn for each one.

The first one is a puff stitch scarf. I found it here on Ravelry. It is super easy and so pretty.


The next one is called Feather and Fan. I found it here. I don't know if I like the blah color.


Number 3 was found here. It is called Isar scarf. I love this one so much...I actually started 2 of these in different yarn.



I came really close to finishing this one. Tomorrow, I'll make a trip to my LYS to get the rest of the yarn for all of these.

A couple of weeks ago I put up a poll and asked what type of crochet project are you most interested in making right now.

51% of you responded with clicking on scarf. So, scarf it is. I'll post scarf number 4 with the pattern later this week...so stay tuned:)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Scrapadelic Scarf


I made this scarf a long time ago...maybe 3 years back. Anyway, I listed it in my Etsy shop and recently someone asked how to make it.

The great thing about this scarf is the colors. You can wear it with a lot of things. Maybe not everything, but I wear it all the time. Even though there are several colors and several ends...there is No weaving...YAaY! I really love stripey projects but really hate weaving in those irritating ends.

This would go great with the Colorful Stripey Mitts...you could make a matching set. All you need is a few scraps of leftover yarn...another great project for getting rid of those pesky leftover balls rolling around in the bottom of your stash basket or bag.


This is a simple pattern great for beginners. All you need to know is a sc and hdc. I use half doubles in a lot of my projects. I guess it's my favorite stitch.

So here you go:

Materials
Worsted weight yarn (I used about 10 different colors)
Size G crochet hook

*No yarn needle needed this time*!!!

Measurements
4 inches wide
60 inches long (not including fringe)

Gauge
not as important for this project

Important
You will leave at least 7 inches of tail when starting and finishing each color. These tails or ends will be the fringe. Change colors for each row.

You can substitute dc instead of hdc for a wider scarf.

Pattern
Ch 181

Row 1: Working in the back ridge, Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each ch across. (180 sc) Finish off. Turn

Row 2-10: Attach new color with sl st to the last stitch worked from previous row. Ch 2 (counts as first st), hdc in the next st and in each st across. Finish off. Turn

Row 11: Attach new color with sl st to last st worked from previous row. Ch 1, sc in first st and in each st across. Finish off.

Fringe

Cut two 12 inch strips of each color. Attach one strand of each color to the end of each row. (Match up the colors) You will have 3 ends for each color on each end. Braid each set. Refer to the photo.


Please leave me a comment if you have any questions. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Winners for the December Giveaway

I'm happy to announce the winners for this month's giveaway. I decided to choose 5 winners instead of 3.

43 people commented, and I really enjoyed reading all of the comments. Since I have no crocheting or knitting friends here in my world...I consider all of you my new crochet and knitting buddies. I love reading comments and reading your blogs. I felt more generous, thus the 5 winners instead of 3:)

Using Random.org I came up with the winners. Here they are

3, 16, 22, 26, 35

and if I'm not mistaken, the numbers translate to these names

Sofie

Anne

Ali

needlekrafter

Shend

Congrats to all of you and please contact me by email or here with your email address. I will send the patterns to you by email later this afternoon.

Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to look at my blog and comment.

Now here is a scarf that I will post later today or maybe tomorrow...hopefully today. It's nothing new...I crocheted it a couple of years ago. It's one of those things that I did not write down. A couple of days ago someone asked me how to make it..so I'll post the instructions soon.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Dishcloth Pattern


I've wanted to work on a new post all week, but it wasn't meant to be. Last week was a little bit rough for my little one. She was down and out with the flu and I obsessed over getting it all week. The doc informed us that she was only the second case she had seen so far this flu season. I had a flu shot a couple of months ago and I'm sure it helped me with not getting the virus... I don't know for sure.

I'm happy to say that all is well for now and Ireland is in good health.

I've been working on several dishcloths over the weekend. I made a couple in crochet and one knitted. I love the knitted ones, but the crocheted ones are really pretty too. The ones in the photos are crocheted.




If anyone is interested in the pattern for this one...I will happily post it here. Just leave me a comment:)




Here is the pattern for the dishcloth:

Note: I used an H hook, however for the next one I make, I will add a few more starting chains and use a smaller hook.

Materials

worsted weight cotton yarn
Size H crochet hook
yarn needle

Measurements
9.5 x 9.5 inches (24 x 24 cm)

Gauge
4 rows and 6sts = 2 inches



Pattern

Ch 30

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc in each ch ac9ross, turn (29 hdc).

Important: Remember to work the beginning ch 2 of each row as a stitch. You will work the last hdc of each row into the top of this ch 2.

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first st of row), Hdc in first st, (skip next st, 2 hdc in next st) across to the last 2 sts, skip the next st, work 1 hdc in the last st, turn.

Row 3 - 18: Repeat row 2

Row 19: Ch 2, Hdc in next st, hdc in each st across. Finish off

Weave ends.

If you have any questions just leave me a comment and I'll try to help.

I managed to make a little progress on the ripple...adding 2 shades of blue, a shade of pink, and starting the red.







And if you have never been here before, please check out the previous post for information about my monthly giveaway. I will be choosing the winners this Sunday. All you have to do is leave a comment under that post.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

December Giveaway

It's that time again. Giveaway time! These are my favorite posts.

This month I am giving away free patterns...4 of them...yes I said 4!

These scarflettes are so easy and quick to make and are great sellers in my Etsy shop.



I'm giving all 4 patterns to 3 winners. All you have to do is leave me a comment to let me know that you are interested. See how easy this is.



The patterns include 2 scarflettes, a ponchette, and a bikini top...something for all seasons and all crocheters from beginners to experienced.

The ponchette is so beautiful and also easy to make. You can make one in cotton for warm weather...or other fibers for the cooler weather.


I will randomly choose 3 winners from the comments in this post...each winner will receive all 4 patterns. I'll announce the winners in a new post on December 18. That is 2 weeks from today.

So make sure you leave me a comment if you are interested!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Blog Award

Thanks to Maria at Dinki Dots for giving me my first blog award.



It feels so nice to see that people actually read my blog and follows me. To me, this is a compliment and something positive, so I decided to participate. The award means 'Dearest' in German and has only a couple of rules. It is given to favorite blogs with less than 200 followers.

So now I want to pass this on to 5 of my favorite blogs...with no pressure to participate of course. Here they are:






Thank you Maria...and I love your blog too. This took me a couple of days because there are other blogs that I love that I didn't include in this list...like the ones in my blog list. If any of my five favorites are award free bloggers... I totally understand...no worries :)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Slow But Steady Rippling


Here's another update on my ripple. I've been distracted this week, so progress has been slow. With working on all of those fingerless mitts, the ripple has been pushed to the side. I managed to add a few rows.


I added the white, orange, dark green, and lime. I'm starting to love it now. I love the randomness of the color and pattern. Before, I wasn't so sure about the colors, but I think it is growing on me.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Pretty Azalea Knitted Hat




I saw the yarn for this hat at the store and loved the color. I knew I wanted a hat. When I made it, my little one saw it and said, "oh...pretty... thank you mommy." She automatically assumes that every thing I crochet or knit is for her. And that's ok. Of course I couldn't say 'That's my hat." It's too big for her, but she still likes it. She looks crazy, happy in the photo below...how could I take it away from her? So now I'll just go get another skein of the yarn.


A couple of you requested the instructions for this hat so I thought I would write it down. I think I am an in-between knitter...meaning I do not knit loose or tight. The size is perfect for my head. I would say that this is a small adult size. The next one I make I will add about 4 stitches.

Materials
1 skein extra chunky 6 weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Hometown in Phoenix Azalea)
Size 13 knitting needles (I used straight needles b/c I had no size 13 circular)
yarn needle

Size
large child or small adult head

Note: A couple of the decrease rows may not end perfectly with a decrease, just follow the instructions and work remaining sts evenly

Pattern

Cast on 40

K2, P2 for 5 rows

Work stockinette stitch for 9 rows

Decrease row (K4, K2tog) across

P the next row

K the next row

P next row

Decrease row (K2, K2tog) across

P the next row

Decrease next row (K1, K2tog) across

Decrease row (P2tog) across ending with 10sts
cut the yarn, leaving at least 12 to 18 inches. Pull end through the remaining 10sts and pull tightly to close.

Use the mattress stitch to sew the side seam.

I am making another one of these hats now... I think I will cast on 44 and add a couple more rows or rounds of the ribbing, so I will edit and correct these instructions as I go.








Thursday, November 24, 2011

Inspiring Colorful Stripey Projects

I really need to stop browsing Ravelry. I have an order for a cowl, two pairs of fingerless mitts, and two hats to finish. All orders for other people...not to mention my ripple blanket that I have not touched in about a week. Oh yeah... my new pattern in progress...and I'm looking at other projects.


I think you'll understand. When I saw this bag, I was so in love, inspired, and motivated to make one. It is so gorgeous. Just look how colorful and bright this is. You can find the free pattern here. The one in the photo is from a wonderful knitter/crocheter. I found her on Ravelry and her projects are so beautiful. Her Caracas bag is just awesome. I really want to find the time to make one for me.

I could use my leftovers from my ripple to make this bag.



This hat below is designed by Julia Vaconsin. I love her designs. I've made almost all of them. This one is next. Of course, this will be for Ireland....since I haven't made her a hat for this year...yet. I love the great color combo used in this pattern. The pattern includes photos for a boy and a girl hat. I will definitely be making this soon...since I just purchased the pattern here.



This sweater is from Susan B. Anderson. Isn't it great? She did an amazing job with this... I am so jealous. Another wonderful color combo. Since this is a knitted sweater, I am so intimidated. I don't know if I could do this. But I might just try. You can find the free pattern here. She also has plenty of other free patterns. Check out her Happily Ever After stripey mitts and hat. They are so pretty.


All of these designers/crafters really amaze and inspire me. I love seeing what others can create.

This is what I have been working on. I know...it is a little rough looking...especially after seeing all of these other amazing projects. Don't laugh. Well, go ahead, I don't mind:)

It is a knitted hat that only took me a couple hours to make. I love it... one of those fun, instant gratification projects.

When I saw the yarn in the store I knew I wanted a hat. I have been wanting a pink hat for myself, and now I have one. I think it is Lion Brand yarn. Super Chunky. If anyone would like the pattern written out just comment and let me know. I'm getting a little better at my knitting....I think!? Maybe not. I need to try cables or something more exciting.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Effortless Cowl

No, this is not my PIP. I am posting this cowl pattern by request. This is a wonderful cowl for beginners...or anyone who loves plushy and soft crochet projects:)
I made this cowl a year ago and put it in my Etsy shop. Of course I kept the one in the photo and wore it a couple of times last winter. Sometimes I get comments on Etsy asking how to make it. I have never written a pattern down for this cowl because it is too simple to write down. It really can't be called a real pattern... i don't know...it just seen too basic to call a pattern.

I figured there were patterns out there already for something like this, so I never even considered writing it down. Well, someone messaged me again asking how to make it so I decided to go ahead and post it here.

This cowl is so simple. It is the most basic cowl you can make. These instructions are great for anyone...especially beginners. It is a mindless creation...meaning it takes literally no brainpower. I am a tv junkie. I love to sit and veg out in front of the tv at night, after the little one goes to bed. Of course, I am always crocheting (or trying to knit) while watching tv. So if you're like me...you will love this. You can mindlessly make this in a matter of minutes or an hour or so.

Like I said before...it is so basic and simple...so here you go

Note: I try to include the most accessible yarns in my patterns. I love being able to buy yarn at major stores that we all shop at. Of course, I love my local yarn shop and shop there more than anywhere else, but for many people, the major chain store is the most accessible.

Materials
3 skeins of super bulky yarn I used 6 weight like Lion Brand Hometown or the Thick and Quick.
Size M crochet hook
yarn needle

Gauge
Not that important with this type of project

Note: Crochet loosely. I'm getting messages and comments about the size. If you crochet tightly, force yourself to loosen up with the tension so the cowl will drape and fit nicely

Pattern
I like my method of working the starting chain better...Ch 87 and begin working into the ch before joining.

Rnd 1: Working into the back ridges of the chain, place hdc in 3rd chain from hook, hdc in each ch till the end. Join with a sl st to the top of first st.

You will take the starting tail and join to the other side. This method will prevent worrying about twisting the starting chain.


If you choose to go the traditional route...

Ch 87, join with sl st to first ch (careful not to twist the chain)

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as first st). Hdc in the back ridge of each ch, join with sl st to top of beginning st.

Rnd 2-14: Ch 2, Hdc in each st around. Join with sl st in the first st. Finish off.

I made mine as a continuous round. I did not join each round. This will give you a seamless cowl...but it will be off (not perfectly lined up) at the beginning and ending. (doesn't really show)
If you get bored you can work in the back loops for each st or you can totally change the look of the hdc by working in the ridge on the back of the hdc. This st looks really amazing. I just wish I had a photo of the result of this stitch.

The cowl in the photo below is the same cowl, but I used worsted weight yarn...Patons wool, I believe. The only difference is the number of chains and sts per row and I added a few more rows. I used an I (5.5mm) hook. I gave this cowl away as a gift, so I'm not sure about the number of chains.

So you can do a lot with this basic pattern. You can use bulky yarn for a ultra thick, warm cowl or worsted yarn for a lighter one.

See how easy this is. I can hardly call this a pattern.
Enjoy...my PIP is coming, it really is.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Winner of the November Give Away


Ok. I had eight commenters in this months give away for the fingerless mitts.
Using Random.org we now have a winner.

And the winner is...

AnneMarie!!! Congrats and I hope you enjoy the mitts

So, Anne Marie please send me your address and I will put the mitts in the mail tomorrow, Saturday, or Monday.

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments.

Next month I will also be giving away another finished item, but I'll provide the details in a few days.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Ripple Progress





This weekend I have been rippling little by little. I'm pretty happy with my progress. I have a couple of orders for fingerless mitts that I'm trying to finish, so that has taken up most of my time.


But I still added two shades of pink and two shades of purple, with only one trip to the store for yarn. I still don't think I have the lighter purple right. I wanted more of a lavender, but I may leave what I've done so far. Not sure yet... The colors in the photos look a little dull... too lazy to fix them.

As I was getting the camera ready to take the progress shots I looked outside and saw my pansies. They are so pretty right now, and I took a few shots of them...it was like they were telling me to take their picture. I love pansies.



With all of these projects, my PIP (pattern in progress) is coming along much slower than I wanted. It will be a few more days before I will finish it, hopefully :)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

November Give Away


It's that time again.... Give Away time! I may just do one each month...pretty ambitious, huh?

For this one I am not giving away a pattern. It is an actual finished product. Remember the lavender mitts I started a few days ago? for my niece? Well, they are a touch too big for her little bitty hands. She tried them on and didn't say anything, but I thought they looked a little too big. This design is supposed to cling to the hands. Now I am making her another pair.

Anyway, I thought about what I could do with the mitts. They are still too small for a teen, but too large for an 8 or 9 year old. I think they would fit a 10, 11, or 12 year pretty well. They measure 6 inches in circumference and 6 inches long. I do not have any family members that could use these. All of my nieces, and daughter are either to small or too old for these to fit.

I thought about putting them in my Etsy shop. Then decided no...they may not sell. I've had really great weeks and then go weeks without selling anything. Sooooo like I told my sister...

Etsy, Shmetsy... I am WaY more successful at giving things away than I am at selling :) Not good, huh? Oh well... I love to give. It makes me happy.

So if you have a 10-12yr old daughter, niece, sis, or friend:

Just leave me a comment here, Follow my blog and you will be entered to win. In one week I will randomly choose a winner and announce the winner in a new post.

I'll mail these mitts to you... totally free. I'll cover shipping and everything.
I know many of you are great crocheters and or knitters, but with the giving season upon us I thought you may want them to help out with your own giving.

Made by me in a smoke and pet free home.
Only tried on once.

Check back in a week...you could be the winner!