Thursday, September 11, 2014

Chevron Scarf

Made this a month or so ago trying out a chevron stitch. Its a good pattern, works up nice and easy.






You can find the stitch pattern here from lebenslustiger.com.

Yarns: Red Heart Acrylic White, Yellow, & Teal
Size: Adult 
Length: 58" Width: 5"


Seed Stitch and Bow-ties

Cus bow-ties are cool...    :)

On my favorite Doctor, and cute fluffy scarfs!

I grabbed some great chunky yarn, doubled it up, and used my big US 35 knitting needles to craft a warm seed stitch scarf with crocheted bows on one side.








Scarf
Super chunky yarn
US 35 Knitting Needles

Cast On 11 with a double strand

Knit 1, Purl 1 across every row

Knit until its the length you desire. Mine is 34" with the bows 14 rows up.

Bows (found on adaiha.blogspot.com)
Super chunky yarn
Crochet Hook J

Make a magic ring.
Ch 5, 3 tr in ring, ch 5, sl st in ring, ch 5, 3tr in ring, ch5, sl st in ring.

Cut yarn leaving a tail at least a few inches long, create the center of the bow by wrapping the two ends under and then back over the bow a few times.
Make 3 and sew them onto scarf in a row. Weave in ends on the bows so they cannot be seen.

Poufs from Pickles!

I recently bought a pair of the largest knitting needles I could find (size 35) and knitted up my own pouf! Those fun sized ottomans that are in all those fancy decor photos; I too felt I had to have one, but was not going to spend $$$ on a fancy bean bag. I know there are many patterns out there, but I went with the one from Pickles! Its easy and fast, and I love the blog name :)

My Big Knitting Needles!


My Pouf!

The more you fill it, the bigger it gets! I could probably fill mine a little bit more; I think this is a nice size and it is a good height for resting my feet on while I make more lovely poufs and scarves with my new big knitting needles. Try out one for yourself here.

The Knot Knitted Headband

The problem with living in Las Vegas is that it never really gets that cold here. So all my knits go unused for most of the year. However, I still love to crochet and knit things like ear warmers, headbands, gloves, and hats.


My latest creation, the Knot Knitted Headband, is a great ear warmer with a nice medallion for a button. It was a wonderful quick crochet piece found on Cottonfables by Ruby Faye.





I used just a few less chains at the beginning to make a snugger fit for 20/21" head.
I think it turned out beautifully! This is a project I will make again in the future in many different colors. I also think I nice border would be a fun way to jazz it up and make it a little more unique. 


Saturday, April 26, 2014

Something Pretty.... Rides Again!


Bobbles and All Bag

Something Pretty 


All over Pinterest I see these wonderful crochet bags, pot holders, pillows, and blankets all using the same very textured stitch called Something Pretty

Here is one beautiful example from Mille at http://millemakes.wordpress.com/.

Image Source: millemakes.wordpress.com
I thought I'd love to make a big bag to carry around my yarn and crafty crochet projects in too! So I did.
Here is my Something Pretty Bag, bobbles and all. :)


I used the something pretty pattern, but instead of taking the cluster off my hook i just made them bobbles, and then used the bobble stitch for the other side of my bag. The ribbing stitched used for the sides and handle is a rib stitch. Made the pieces separately and then sewed them together. Easy peasy!

Yarn: Caron Light and Dark Purple worsted weight
Crochet Hook: J
(Any size of yarn and hook will work)
Mine made a 16" x 16" bag

Stitches:

MB= Make Bobble

Begin a double crochet in the first stitch, yarn over and pull through so that you have four loops on your hook, only take off the first two loops. continue to start four more double crochets in the same stitch, only taking off the first two loops on the hook each one. After the fifth dc, you will have 6 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook.

Check out Allison's tutorial on mastering the bobble/puff stitch. She has great pictures and video!


Rib Stitch 

Make a multiple of 2 ch. 

Row 1: 1 dc in 4th ch from the hook, 1 dc in each ch to end of row. 
Row 2: 2 ch (which counts as first stitch), miss first dc, *1 dc around the post of next dc from the front, 1 dc around the post of next dc from back* repeat from * to end of row, 1 dc in in top of turning ch at end. Turn.


Front: 

Make 9 Something Pretty squares 
Sew together and make a border around the outside of the squares sc the top and bottom, and crochet bobble stitches on the sides.

Back: 

Chain 50 stitches 

Row 1 and 2: SC across
Row 3: 3 ch (which counts as first stitch), begin a double crochet in the first stitch, Yarn over and pull through so that you have four loops on your hook, only take off the first two loops. continue to start three more double crochets in the same stitch, only taking off the first two loops on the hook each one. After the fifth dc, you will have 6 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook. *SC in next stitch, MB and repeat from * across
Row 4: (change color) sc across
Row 5: *sc, make bobble, repeat from * across
Row 6: (change color) sc across

Repeat rows 3-6 until piece measures the same as the front piece.

Sides
 
Chain 10 or desired width (chain in even number)

Row 1: 1 dc in 4th ch from the hook, 1 dc in each ch to end of row. 
Row 2: 2 ch (which counts as first stitch), miss first dc, *1 dc around the post of next dc from the front, 1 dc around the post of next dc from back* repeat from * to end of row, 1 dc in in top of turning ch at end. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until piece measures desired length. Mine is approximately 80 inches.

Sew to front and back
Weave in ends
Enjoy your new bag!

Anesha Lace Necklace


Anesha Lace Necklace


This is a nice project for something quick and fabulous. Lace stitches can look quite complicated, but they are simply a repeated pattern. If you are having trouble transitioning on to the next motif, you can also do these motifs separate and then join them together later.
I added a nice button jewel and attached bead string on to the ends to make this a wonderful statement necklace. I have made a couple of these. They are fun to make and wear!

Anesha Lace Necklace:

Yarn: Caron Taupe Worsted Weight
Crochet Hook: H 
(any size will work, smaller ones are better for detail)
Matching beads and button
Bead String
Enclosure

Image Source: g-ecx.images-amazon.com


I used two repeats for my necklace. It might look challenging, but go for it it's a rewarding project to quickly work up.


Check out the book! It's full of great patterns and motifs.

For more unique lace patterns, check out Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia: 300 Stitch Patterns, Edgings, and More

Monday, March 17, 2014

Braided Crochet



We all do little fun things here and there with yarn that small and quick projects. Today I created fun little crocheted and then braided bracelets. 

I basically started by chaining 6 to 8 chains, 
Sc first row, turn and sc1 then chain 20-30 and sc back, slip stitching into the original piece. Repeat this step twice and then braid the crotchet tentacles. After you have it braided, pick up the same crochet hook and crochet the ends together in the new order you have it arranged. Crochet a couple more rows and bind off. 

You can use a button closure, or your favorite jewelry findings to clasp the ends together. For bracelets I like the magnetized ends that snap to each other. 




It looks better in the multi colored matched with coordinating solid color yarn. 
Here it is with variegated green yarn.  



Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Thick and Quick Boots

Thick and Quick Boots

Star Stitch Boots

US #10.5 straight knitting needles
Bulky Yarn
Fabric to line inside
N- 9.00MM crochet hook
Tapestry needle and sewing kit

Boot Uppers (make two)
Size: Women’s 6

Cast on 36 (multiple of 4)  

Row 1: *(K1, P1, K1) all into next stitch, P3tog* repeat across
Row 2:  Purl across
Row 3:  *P3tog, (K1, P1, K1) all into next stitch* repeat across
Row 4:   Purl across
Repeat these 4 rows 6 more times
Row 29: Bind off 4 stitches, *P2, K2 Repeat from * across (32)
Row 30: Bind off 4 stitches, *K2, P2 Repeat from * across (28)
Row 31: Bind off 4 stitches, *P2, K2 Repeat from * across (24)
Row 32: Bind off 4 stitches, *K2, P2 Repeat from * across (20)
Row 33: P2tog, *K2, P2 Repeat 3 more times, K2tog (18)
Row 34: P2tog, P1, *K2, P2 Repeat 2 more times, K1, K2tog (16)
Row 35: *K2, P2 repeat 3 more times
Row 36: *P2, K2 repeat 3 more times
Repeat last two rows 5 more times
Row 47: Bind off 2 sts, *P2, K2 Repeat to end
Row 48: Bind off 2 sts, *P2, K2 Repeat to end
Row 49: Bind off 2 sts, *P2, K2 Repeat to end
Row 50: Bind off 2 sts, *P2, K2 Repeat to end
Row 51: Bind off 2 sts, *P2, K2 Repeat to end
Row 52: Bind off 2 sts, *P2, K2 Repeat to end

Bind off the remaining four stitches and weave in ends.



Crochet hook L                                                              
Bulky Yarn

Soles Size Women’s 6 (make two)

Follow the diagram chart and weave in ends.

Line the Boot Uppers with your
chosen fabric, using a sewing needle and thread. 

Using the larger tapestry needle 
and yarn, sew the boot upper to the sole and to close the sides of the uppers together.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Houndstooth Vest







Houndstooth Vest: Medium


Needles:
8 straight
10.5 Circular

2 skeins of each color of yarn
MC: Cream
CC: Brown

Single Rib Stitch:
Row 1: k1, *p1, k1 *repeat
Row 2: p1, *k1, p1 *repeat

Back:
Cast on 64 (multiple of 4) with size 8 needles with CC (Brown)
Row 1: k1 *p1, k1* repeat to end
Row 2: p1 *k1, p1* repeat to end
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 2 inches. Change to size 10.5 circular needles and knit one row, purl one row back.
Row 3: *MC k2, CC k1, MC k1* repeat to end
Row 4: *MC p1, CC p3* repeat to end
Row 5: *MC k1, CC k3* repeat to end
Row 6: *MC p2, CC p1, MC p1* repeat to end
Repeat rows 3-6 until piece measures 14” from the beginning, ending with row 6.

Bind off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next four rows, continue in the pattern by using the altered pattern.

Row 3: CC k1, MC k1, *MC k2, CC k1, MC k1* repeat to end
Row 4: CC p2, *MC p1, CC p3* repeat to end
Row 5: CC k2, *MC k1, CC k3* repeat to end
Row 6: CC p1, MC p1, *MC p2, CC p1, MC p1* repeat to end

Next continue with the previous pattern for 5 more inches or until the work measures 21“ from the beginning.
After you have reached 21” ending with row 6:

Row 7: (MC k2, CC k1, MC k1) x3, (CC k1, p1) x12, (MC k2, CC k1, MC k1) x3
Row 8: (MC p1, CC p3) x3, (CC p1, k1) x12, (MC p1, CC p3) x3
Row 9: (MC k1, CC k3) x3, (CC k1, p1) x12, (MC k1, CC k3) x3
Row 10: (MC p2, CC p1, MC p1) x3, (CC p1, k1) x12, (MC p2, CC p1, MC p1) x3
Row 11: (MC k2, CC k1, MC k1) x3, (CC k1, p1, k1, p1) x12, (MC k2, CC k1, MC k1) x3
Row 12: (MC p1, CC p3) x3, (CC p1, k1, p1, k1) x12, (MC p1, CC p3) x3
Row 13: (MC k1, CC k3)x3, (CC k1, p1, k1, p1) Bind Off 16 stitches, (CC k1, p1, k1, p1) (MC k1, CC k3)x3

Left Side:
Row 14: (MC p2, CC p1, MC p1) x3, CC p1, k1, p1, k1
Row 15: (CC k1, p1, k1, p1) (MC k2, CC k1, MC k1) x3
Row 16: (MC p1, CC p3) x3, CC p1, k1, p1, k1
Row 17: CC k1, p1, k1, p1, (MC k1, CC k3) x2, MC k1, CC k1, k2tog
Row 18: CC p2tog, MC p3, CC p1, MC p3, CC p1, MC p1; CC p1, k1, p1, k1
Bind Off

Right Side:
Row 14: (CC p1, k1, p1, k1); MC p2, CC p1, MC p1) x3
Row 15: (MC k2, CC k1, MC k1) x3; (CC k1, p1, k1, p1)
Row 16: (CC p1, k1, p1, k1); (MC p1, CC p3) x3
Row 17: (CC k2tog, k2) *(MC k1, CC k3)* repeat to last 4 stitches (CC k1, p1, k1, p1)
Row 18: (CC p1, k1, p1, k1); (MC p2, CC p1, MC p1, p2tog
Bind Off

Front:
Cast On 72 stitches on size 8 needles with CC yarn.
Row 1: k1 *p1, k1* repeat to end
Row 2: p1 *k1, p1* repeat to end
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 2 inches. Change to size 10.5 circular needles and knit one row, purl one row back.
Row 3: *MC k2, CC k1, MC k1* repeat to end
Row 4: *MC p1, CC p3* repeat to end
Row 5: *MC k1, CC k3* repeat to end
Row 6: *MC p2, CC p1, MC p1* repeat to end
Repeat rows 3-6 until piece measures 14” from the beginning, ending with row 6.

Bind off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows keeping in pattern.

Next row work in pattern for 32 stitches turn
Separate and continue each side separately;
keep working in pattern binding off 1 at the end of KNIT rows and binding off 1 at the beginning of PURL rows, until there are only 12 stitches left. Then continue in pattern until piece measures 22” from beginning. Bind off.

Sew front and back pieces together adding border on the neckline and arm holes if desired by picking up stitches and working 4 rows in single rib stitch.



Friday, February 14, 2014

Star Wars: Boba Fett

I am a big nerd who loves Star Wars. I fondly remember days spent at home eating my dad's delicious chili and curled up on the couch having Star Wars marathons. This was back in the day when it was the original, unenhanced, VCR (maybe even copied off of TV) version. I now own all the epic movies on DVD, but still enjoy the old ones the best.

There are lots of star wars hats, amigurumi action figures, death stars... I am a fan of making Boba Fett hats. I have made four and they are all different.

My first attempt was a ski mask. I had to restart this one a few times to get the size just right. The first one I made looked like it could fit a sumo wrestler!






I even had a pencil wrapped up in yarn for the antenna. I was really happy with the way this one turned out. Although it does look boxy in pictures it fit very perfectly.



My next one was created just this past christmas for my nephew.

I saw other nifty star wars lovers had added this patch on the back, and I liked it, so I did it too!

Next, I had a friend request more of a hat like version. 


 Instead of doing all appliques, I did some surface crochet for the front mask and weaving. I think this one has turned out very nicely and I have kept track of the pattern, to share with you.


Basic DC Beanie:

Hook: J   
Size: 22"/23" 
Yarn: double stranded worsted weight 
Colors: dark green, red, camouflage, black, yellow
ch= chain
SC= single crochet
DC= double crochet

Magic Ring (or chain 5 and slip stitch to form ring),

Chain 2, 9 DC in ring, join to first DC (not the top of the chain 2), ch 2

Round 2: 2 DC in each around, join to first DC, ch 2 (18 DC)
Round 3: DC in first stitch, 2 DC in next, repeat around, join, ch 2 (27 DC)
Round 4: 2 DC, 2 DC in next stitch, repeat around, join, ch 2 (36 DC)
Round 5: 3 DC, 2 DC in next stitch, repeat around, join, ch 2 (45 DC)
Round 6: 4 DC, 2 DC in next stitch, repeat around, join, ch 2 (54 DC)
Round 7: DC around (54 DC)
Change color to red yarn. 
Round 8: 8 DC, 2 DC in next stitch, repeat around, join, ch 2 (60 DC) 
Round 9: 9 DC, 2 DC in next stitch, repeat around, join, ch 2 (66 DC)
Change color to green yarn, join and ch 2 
Round 10-11: DC around, join and ch 2 (66 DC)
Change color to camo yarn, join and ch 2 (optional color change)
Round 12: DC around, join and ch 1 (66 DC)
Round 13: SC around, join. Fasten off.

Place ear flaps 7 stitches from back seam on each side, leaving 16 stitches open in the front. 


Start at back seam, count 7 stitches over join with camo or green yarn

Ear flap:
Row 1: Chain 2, HDC 12, ch 2, turn 
Row 2: HDC 2 together, 8 HDC, HDC 2 together, ch 2, turn 
Row 3: HDC 2 together, 4 HDC, HDC 2 together, ch 2, turn 
Row 4: HDC 2 together, 2 HDC, HDC 2 together, fasten off.


Move over 16 stitches (or however many you need to be symmetrical to other earflap)
Repeat ear flap.

The ear flaps can be done in DC and made to be longer by decreasing on the sides on every other row.
There are many ways to achieve the ear flap look, whatever works for you is what you should do.

Braided tails:
Cut 6 1 yard strands of various colors. The more strands you have, the thicker the braid, so feel free to add more. Fold in half and tie with a slip knot to bottom of earflap.  Braid the strands together to desired length, tie, and trim. 

Repeat on the other ear flap.

The mask on this one is a combination of surface crochet, weaving, and appliques.The surface crochet is free hand, but if you would like to use the appliques just make them using the same hook.

Red and Black Mask: 
Every odd row is the right side and every even row is the wrong side. When finished with the black on the odd rows (right side facing you) hold the black yarn in front. When you are finished with the black on the even rows (wrong side facing you) hold the yarn in the back. When you are not working with the red it always should be held on the wrong side. Only one side should look like a jumbled mess. When changing colors you can use a slip stitch, just make sure you don't count the slip stitch when you crochet across the next row. 

Chain 9, SC in 2nd stitch from hook across, ch 1, turn (8)
Row 2: SC across, ch 1, turn (8)

Row 3: SC 4, join with black yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 1, change to red yarn (keeping the black yarn in the front), SC in same stitch, SC 34, ch 1, turn(10)

Row 4: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 3, change to red yarn (keeping the black yarn in the back), SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (12)

Row 5: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 5, change to red yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (14)

Row 6: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 7, change to red yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (16)

Row 7: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 9, change to red yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (18) 

Row 8: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 11, change to red yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (20) 

Row 9: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 13, change to red yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (22) 

Row 10: SC 4, pick up black yarn SC in same stitch, SC 15, change to red yarn, SC in same stitch, SC 4, turn (24)  

Row 11: SC across, fasten off. Sew onto hat in center space.

Yellow side applique:

Chain 18, 15 DC starting in second chain from hook, 3DC in last stitch, 15 DC down the other side, join in first DC Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew onto hat.

Also use the yellow and a tapestry needle to whip stitch the yellow bars that go two rows above the red stripes on the hat and on the opposite side of the vertical yellow bar. I do around 5/6 stripes.

Weave in all the ends and you're done!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Tunisian Crochet

During my coffee break this morning I taught myself how to Tunisian crochet. I've been putting off learning this stitch because it looks complicated and I can get the same look by knitting. However, there are days I get interested in trying out something new, usually when there is another project I need to get started on (of which there are currently two). So today is the perfect time to try this new stitch out! It took me all of 5 minutes. Lol. I still feel very accomplished and look forward to designing new patterns with this new stitch.



I used Jane Crawfoot's Ultimate Crochet Bible published by C&B Crafts, for instructions on how to create the basic Tunisian stitch. This is by far my favorite crochet book! It is easy to understand, has simple but effective graphics and has informative tutorials on stitches, color work, adding beading, and color work. I definitely recommend this book for beginners to intermediate crochet addicts. :) 



For online instructions, Mary from Crocheting the Day Away has a great tutorial on how this stitch is accomplished. It can be found here.



My first finished Tunisian crochet project: a headband with a crocodile flower. Instructions for the crocodile pattern can be found here. Enjoy!

Now on to my other projects. Come back for a look at my Star Wars Boba Fett hats!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Crochet Necklaces

Crochet Necklace


I think the crochet necklaces are very interesting, although a little drab. This is my first attempt at making one on my own. Next time I'll try a smaller hook and a daintier pattern, but I'm pleased with my first necklace. What do you think? I didn't write down the pattern for this one. It's a simple shell pattern punched up with some beads and jewelry findings. I'll be sure to write down the pattern next time!

Happy Hippos!


During the end of the summer last year I discovered the Happypotamas crochet pattern by Heidi Bears and fell in love with the idea of making my own Happy Hippo. I bought the pattern and was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of hexagons and pentagons that were needed, but I picked up my hook-n-yarn and decided I was going to crochet on! I tried out some different color combinations, but found it difficult to get it just right and so I had to put my Happypotamus pattern away for awhile. Sad, I know... But as it happens I have a beautiful niece who is a talented little dancer and for their final number in her Christmas recital they danced to Gayla Peevey's version of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and guess who wanted a happy hippo of her own. So I raced back to my pattern and pumped out all the many hexagons and pentagons I needed and then came the daunting task of putting them all together. Even though the directions were well written, I still managed to put them together wrong a couple of times and had to take it apart. After rereading the directions I finally got it all put together, stuffed, added eyes and put in a box just hours before it was time for her to open it..
Whew! Talk about last minute gifts. :)

My hippo is very large; she almost took up the whole table!




My niece riding her Happy Hippo :)

This pattern can be purchased from Heidi Bears' website here. She also gives great tutorials on how to achieve success with the many versions of the african flower motif.