Christine's scarf

Hey there everybody!  Sorry to have neglected you all for so long, but I have been a busy little bee and I hope to make it up to you all with a crochet pattern.

A gal pal of mine asked me to crochet a scarf in warm fall colors using a ripple pattern, so I set to work.  For this project, I used worsted weight yarn because that was the only weight I could find at the store in an autumn-inspired variegated pattern.  It was still pretty soft, and had I seen this blog earlier on how to soften worsted or sport weight yarn, I would have treated the yarn first to make it especially snugly.  BTW, great creativity there SleepyCrochet on thinking of how to soften up affordable yarn to make it feel expensive!  Here goes the pattern I followed for my easy ripple:

Ch 22
Row 1:  dc in third ch and in next 2 ch, dc2tog skipping 2 ch in between, dc in next 3 ch; ch 2, dc in the next 3 ch, dc2tog skipping 2 ch in between, dc in next 2 ch, end work 2 dc in last ch, ch 2, turn.
Row 2:  dc in first dc and in the next 2, dc2tog skipping 1 stitch in between, dc in next 3 stitches, ch 2, dc in next 3 stitches; dc2tog skipping 1 stitch in between, dc in next 2 stitches, end work 2 dc in last stitch, ch 2, turn.
Row 3:  repeat row 2 for ripple pattern

I like to make my scarves long enough  so that when it is draped around your neck, the 2 ends meet somewhere around the thighs.  This gives enough length to wind it around in a multitude of ways!  Well, maybe just 2 or 3 ways, but saying "multitude" sounds much more optimistic, doesn't it?

Beware with the pictures listed below. After re-reading the directions and looking at these pictures, I think I took these pictures upside down.  Not that I was upside down, but I think I photographed the end of the scarf without noticing it wasn't the beginning.  But you're all a clever bunch of kids and I know you'll get my meaning!

You may notice that there's a little purple smudge on the bottom corner of the scarf.  That's actually not a smudge but my poor attempt at putting a purple smiley face on the scarf with a bit of needlework.  Christine is such a dear and exclaimed that it looked perfect, but I'm sure I could've thought of a better way to do the job.  It just escapes me...

Slanted Shell, or Crosshatch Stitch

Have I mentioned yet how very many people I know are expecting, or someone in their family is expecting?  For starters, my sister-in-law is expecting, my niece's friend is expecting, an old co-worker of mine is expecting, and my previous boss is expecting grand baby number 2.  That a lot of expectancy!  Since I've just completed one of these blankies, let me share my pictures and the pattern in case any one wants to try it themselves.

 

I wanted a thick and fluffy blanket that would work up quickly, so I used two skeins of variegated yarn simultaneously.  The pattern I chose is a crosshatch stitch.  The pattern reads as follows:


Start:  chain a multiple of 7 sts

Row 1:  2dc into 3rd st from hook, *sk 3ch, 1sc into next ch, 3ch, 1dc into each of next 3ch.** Rep from * to ** across to end.  Last 4ch, sk 3ch, 1sc into last ch.  3ch, turn.

Row 2:  2dc into first sc.  *Sk 3dc, 1sc into first of 3ch, 1dc into each of next 2ch, 1dc into next sc**.  Rep from * to ** across to end.  Sk last 2dc, 1sc into top of last st.  3ch, turn.

Row 3:  repeat row 2 till desired size is reached.

Cheers!

Front Post Double Crochet Afghan

So there's a young man at work who is expecting his second baby boy this fall.  When I crocheted a baby blanket for him the first time, I crocheted with 2 skeins at once for double thickness in yellow and white.  It turned out lovely, but it was gender neutral.  This time I waited till he found out that he was expecting a boy and I set out to create a very manly blanket for this new little man.

I didn't want to make an uber-thick blanket this time around, and I wanted something that I could make up quickly without having to constantly consult the pattern.  I settled on this easy repetitive pattern that gave a nice bumpy texture on one side with front post double crochets, and a smooth flat surface on the other side.  However, the blanket ended up being uber-thick.  Again. 

Above you can see the overall pattern, and in the picture below you can see how the side facing up is textured with bumps while the bottom facing side is smoother.  Either side makes a wonderfully soft play mat for baby to lounge on while relaxing under the shade of a tree with mom.  And of course that's what all babies do is relax and lounge, right?

For this project I used Loops and Threads brand Charisma in a taupe, chocolate brown, royal blue, navy blue, and variegated blue and brown. Here are the pattern instructions if you want to create your own super-thick and nubbly-soft blankie:

How to work a FPdc stitch, per CrochetMe:  " The front post double crochet (FPdc) is worked like a regular double crochet, with the exception of where you place the hook. Yarn over, then instead of inserting the hook under the top two loops, slide the hook from front to back to front behind the post of the stitch. This pushes the post of the stitch you are working around to the front. Yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and draw through two loops on your hook two times just as you would for a regular double crochet. "

Ch an even number of stitches to desired width, turn.
Row 1:  In 2nd ch from hook *dc,  then sc in next ch,**  rep from * to ** across to end.  Ch 1, turn.
Row 2:  *Work FPdc over next dc, sc over next sc,* rep from *  to ** across to end. Change yarn color, ch 1, turn.
Row 3:  *Dc over previous sc, sc over previous dc,** rep from * to ** across to end. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4:  Repeat rows 2 and 3 till desired size is reached.

By working the FPdc only on the even numbered rows, you create one smooth side on the back and a textured side on the front.  By alternating the dc stitches on top of the sc stitches, the afghan is kept in relative balance and the rows are straight and even.

Enjoy!

Fingerless Gloves

Yay!  Another custom order!  My friend Susan asked if I could whip up some fingerless gloves for her.  Nothing too special, just something girly that will hug her little wrists and hold a chemical heat pad in the palm of her hand while she types.  I know these gloves can be such a comfort when working in frigid conditions, like a library....

In any case, I wanted to make a small assortment of fingerless gloves from which to choose from, and I also wanted to start writing up instructions for original designs that I work out on my own, so I thought this project would be wonderful for accomplishing both tasks at once.

I started with a brown pair of gloves that imitated ribbed knits (1st row of pictures).  Since I only crochet, it took a little creativity to figure out how to do this.  The result was a wonderfully thick and warm pair of gloves guaranteed to keep you toasty.  I wanted the second pair (2nd row of pictures) to be completely different in look: delicate, lacy, with a much more open weave.  I had created a pair about two years ago that had that feel to them, and I was trying to duplicate that same pattern here.  For a third option (3rd row of pictures), I went completely plain Jane and whipped up a glove all in single crochet for a uniform look and feel.

All of my creations are listed for sale in my Etsy shop once I am ready to list them for the general public.   I hope to have more gloves posted here soon as well as listed in my shop, along with the PDF instructions on how to crochet them yourself.

Susan, I don't know exactly how long you wanted your gloves, what color you had in mind, or even the thickness you wanted, so I simply made some gloves that I like.  As I worked, I fitted the gloves on my own arm.  As a result, these gloves may be a tad too big around for your slender little arms.  If you don't like any of these, don't worry about it, I'm about to try my hand at some more designs.  I'll see you Saturday and we can talk some more then.

Alternating Catherine Wheels? Maybe...

In my previous post I simply gushed about a cute little slouchy hat pattern that I recently bought.  The main body of the hat, which covers the back of the head when worn, is a familiar pattern which made it easy to whip up.  My only problem is knowing what the name of that stitch is so I can speak about it half way intelligently.

The stitch is made up of two rows.  The bottom row is made up of a series of double crochet stitches which are all stitched together to create the bottom half of a circle.  The upper row is made up of double crochet stitches radiating out from the center of the half circle below, which creates the top half of the circle.

I've seen directions for this stitch in one of the many Leisure Arts stitch books and they call it Alternating Wheels.  I've also seen some pictures online of other stitches which are sometimes similar in appearance, and those are usually called Catherine Wheels.  Hmmm.....

In any case, I wanted to use this opportunity to show off pictures of the sweet little girly blanket that I made for myself last year.  I used this same stitch and alternated between white, light pink, and dark pink rows.  Wouldn't you just know it, but I can't seem to find the directions anywhere for this blanket to verify the name.  But it is a lovely stitch with nice texture.

Slouch Hats

Recently I was asked to create a poufy kind of hat, similar to the cute artsy kind of slouchy beret that girls wear pushed to the back of their heads.  These hats can look very cute when they are thick and substantial, in my opinion; but all too often they just look thin and skimpy like a loose-fitting beanie or skull cap. 

I ended up buying this pattern from Donna Rutledge-Okoro on ravelry.com that turned out to be AWESOME!  Not only did the pattern produce a thick and chunky slouch hat exactly as I wanted, but I also learned how to produce a knit-like ribbed stitch using only a double crochet stitch and crochet hook.  Fabulous!  Best $6 I ever spent!

Baby Boots

A friend of mine asked if I could crochet some baby boy booties for her to give as a gift.  As I had never tried booties, I was a little hesitant.  I agreed and began my search for the perfect baby bootie pattern.  The first surprising thing I discovered is that apparently both "bootee" and "bootie" are correct spellings for the singular form.  Huh, who knew?

Secondly, there are lots and lots of free patterns out there for booties, but many are just so frilly and fou-fou that they just are not appropriate at all for a little boy.  But if you're persistent and not afraid of digging, you will find some little gems out there.  My fav so far is a pattern for a little wrap around boot for boys and girls posted by Topsy Turvy on her blog.  Such a cute pattern!  Good work Topsy Turvy!

She gives a pattern for girls, and a simpler version for boys.  I tried out the boys' version and below are my results.

Adorable!  I still need to add a little button to the outside of each to hold the ankle flap closed, but I just couldn't wait to blog about them.  They were so easy and quick to make, my only difficulty was realizing after I had finished the white pair that I had two left boots and no right boot.  Oooppsie!  That's what I get for not paying attention!

I think my favorite thing about these little boots is the shaped sole that actually looks (vaguely in my case) like a tiny foot.  How can you resist?

Triple Play Infinity Scarf

 The Caron.com website has a free project called the "Triple Play Infinity Scarf."  I loved the airy geometric pattern so much I've been making plenty of jewel-toned scarves in it.  The pattern itself is quite easy, it's made up of rows of chain stitches that are gathered into a single crochet with every 4th row.

Sedge Stitch Cowl

Many years ago I remember completing a blanket in this easy repeating pattern that produced chunky blocks of yarn in a grid-like pattern.  It was so easy I immediately fell in love.  In fact, the pattern was so easy that I thought I'd never forget it, so I didn't bother to note where I found the pattern.  Of course, I soon forgot the details of it, including the name of the pattern, and I thought it was lost to me forever.  Or at least until I got lucky and stumbled on it again.

Well last week I must have had a very lucky day because I re-discovered my love affair with the sedge stitch!  Yay!!!  Oh happy day!  I found the following pattern for the sedge stitch listed on Crochetology.net:

1st row: Skip 2ch (count as 1sc), 2 dc into next ch, *skip 2ch, [1sc, 2dc] into next ch; rep from * to last 3ch, skip 2ch, 1sc into last ch, turn.
2nd row: 1ch (count as 1sc), 2dc into first st, *skip 2dc, [1sc, 2dc] into next sc; rep from * to last 3 sts, skip 2dc, 1sc into top tch, turn.
rep 2nd row.

Here is the result of my efforts thus far:

 

What I especially love about this stitch is the bumpy texture.  It's great in thick yarns like the Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, which is what I used above, in both Charcoal and Oatmeal colors.

Upside Down Shells

I've been perfecting a new pattern from my newest favorite book of 280 Crochet Shell Patterns.  It's called upside down shells and I love it because it reminds me of hanging bluebells.  I think it looks very Spring-like, but from a distance the bumpy textured surface also makes it look soft & snugly.  The pattern is basically 4 double crochets that are only halfway completed so you end up with 5 loops on your hook, then you yarn over and pull through all to cluster them together at the top.  Then chain 2 and single crochet at the outer edge of the shell in the row below.  Easy peasy mac & cheesy!

This pattern is so easy and looks so great that I wanted to make bright happy scarves out of this pattern.  I chose Caron Simply Soft in Sunshine (below) and Bernat Satin in Goldenrod (above).

The Caron Simply Soft took one skein to complete this scarf, I did the pattern 3x across the width, and the Bernat Satin took two skeins for the same approximate length because I did the pattern 4x across the width.  I love this pattern so much I think I'll have to make some baby blankets in light pastel colors for Spring.

Thanks for reading & have a look at my shop to see what else I've been doing.

Complex Shells

I've been using Bernat Satin yarn to make infinity scarves with the Complex Shells pattern from the pattern book listed in the previous post.  I love this pattern because it's made up of two repeating rows.  So easy.  Do each row a couple of times and you've got the pattern down.  Have yarn, will travel, so to speak.

I made 3 variations of the scarf:  the first picture in camel is done with a multiple of 2 going across.  The second picture in fern is a multiple of 4 across.  The third picture in lavender is a multiple of 5 across.

If you like any of these scarves, please look at my Etsy shop where I have them listed:  www.etsy.com/shop/YarnSkeink.  Otherwise feel free to create your own!  It's such an easy stitch the scarf just flies right off of your fingertips!

Thanks for reading!

Cowl in cluster stitch

I have finished multiple cowl-style scarves in a crocheted cluster stitch in various colors and have listed them all!  I meant to write and post this picture last week, but I was laid low by a sinus infection.  They were very simple and quick to make, and it was an absolute joy to hold that soft Cozy Wool yarn as I crocheted.  I hope I inspire someone else to also try this simple yet chic cowl.  It goes great over a wool coat or over thinner layers for extra warmth.  I'm just so pleased with the way this pattern turned out!

For directions, see the "Chunky Cluster Cowl" by Erin on Crochet Spot.

Thanks for reading and happy crocheting!

I am a newbie, so please be patient with me.

This year I thought I'd be daring and try new things as well as expand on some old skills.  This year I opened an online shop through Etsy.  This is the first such endeavor I've attempted.  We'll see how long I can keep it going.  I'm hopeful that if I just keep chugging away at things I love doing anyway, i.e. crocheting and sewing, the shop will always be open.  It may not be large, but at least it'll be open.

In support of my shop, I decided now is an excellent time to start blogging as well.  I plan to blog about ongoing projects, adorable patterns I find, delightful work done by others, and anything else I find that is crafty as well as blog-worthy.

This is the first piece I listed on Etsy.  It is a cowl I crocheted in a cluster stitch with Loops & Threads Cozy Wool yarn.  So soft, thick & luxurious; I love it!  I made some of these earlier to give out as Christmas gifts and I received so many compliments on my work I decided this is something that might actually sell.  Hope so, any ways.