Captain American themed free graph

Captain America is an enhanced Steve Rogers who was injected with a serum by the government to help with the war effort (WWII).  He was frozen in ice and suspended until the present day when he was thawed out and served the government again.  He stands for morals, patriotism, and truth, justice, and the American Way.

This graph was made to use 2 dc with an H hook to get a twin sized afghan.  If you'd like it to be smaller, 1 sc per graph square with a J hook will yield a 4 x 5 ft throw  if you increase the number of rows by 5 on each side and 15 on top and bottom.  I'd recommend working this one from the long side due to the lettering.  If you work it from the short side, a lot of the color changes will happen at the top and bottom and really slow things down.  See my post on intarsia crochet to get an idea how to do your color changes.

If you'd like the pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Captain America" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, please include them in the body of your email.

*tip: a border in red, white, and blue would really tie it together!

For Sale

 I have a collection of items in my possession that I've crocheted in order to write a pattern, give as gifts, or just to see if I could do it.  This is a small sample of items I have at home that I've decided to sell.  If you're interested in any of them please email me for pricing.  The items shown are a stuffed green frog, stuffed neon orange elephant, stuffed green hippo, stuffed raccoon with ice cream cone, fox-themed hood with ears, and blue shawlette.  The stuffed animals are approximately ten inches high, but I can measure if you'd like a precise measurement.  These are all one of a kind items, but I can make similar ones if you'd refer a different color or size.

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by the Japanese Company Sanrio, and brought to the U.S. in 1976. She was purposely created without a mouth so that consumers could project their own feelings onto her and be happy, sad, angry, or whatever together with her. Also, she speaks from her heart, not with her mouth.

To get the pdf of this graph to create your own afghan, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Hello Kitty" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of the email.  At this time I have not completed the afghan myself so have no yarn amounts to share with you, but if you complete it and would like to send the information to me along with a photo to be shared here and/or on my Facebook page, I'd appreciate it! 

The graph is 120 x 100 squares.  I'd use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get a twin sized afghan.

If you like this, please let me know in the comments and share using the Facebook, Twitter, and Google plus buttons below.

Fight Like a Girl

After I made yesterday's pink ribbon post, I made up this boxing gloves graph to encourage our breast cancer fighting sisters.  Thanks for the inspiration, Gale, who asked for boxing gloves with the pink ribbon graph.

To get a twin mattress sized afghan (without putting on a border) use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook. Adding several rows of border will give you overhang for the twin bed.  To make this a 4 x 5 ft throw, add 5 rows to each side and 15 to top and bottom, but use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square. 

To request this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "pink gloves" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, please put them in the body of your email.  If you'd like me to make one for you, I can do that too.  Email me for pricing. 

If you like this pattern, please share it using the buttons below, and I always love comments!

Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon

I know this one is very plain, but it is halfway through October (breast cancer awareness month) and I haven't posted one yet! 

The pink ribbon is one of the most recognized symbols of silent support. We all know someone who has been touched by cancer (of some kind or another), either someone who has been diagnosed, or someone who is a mutual friend of someone who has been. 

Breast cancer awareness ribbons outwardly show our moral support for those who have been diagnosed with, are receiving treatment for, and are survivors of breast cancer. We wear these ribbons for our mothers, friends and lovers, and sisters.

Ladies, remember to do your self-exams and get your medical checkups!  There are people who love you and YOU should be one of them!!!

If you would like this free graph (graph only, no written instructions), please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Pink Ribbon" in the subject line.  If you use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square this should come out about twin mattress sized.  Adding a few rows of border will make it cover a twin bed nicely with a bit of overhang. If you'd like a smaller throw, use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square, but add 15 rows to the top and bottom, and add 5 rows to each side.

If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too!  Email me for pricing.

If you have any questions or comments, you can either email me or leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

Vegas Knights

The [Las] Vegas Golden Knights were formed in 2017 and is the first major professional sports franchise to be based in Las Vegas.  The Golden Knights are the first team in NHL history to have started their inaugural season winning 8 of their first 9 games!  I think we can expect great things from this team!

If you would like the pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Vegas Golden Knights" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, please include them in the body of the email.

From this graph, if you use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook, your blanket should come out about twin mattress sized (around 3.5 x 6.5 ft) before including a border.  If you'd like a smaller throw, add 15 rows to each side of the graph and you'll get around a 5 ft square-ish afghan, using a J hook and 1 sc per graph square.  If you've never made a graphghan before, please read my post on intarsia crochet for tips and a little background.

If you'd like me to make it for you, I can do that too!  Please email me for pricing.

Super Mario Brothers graph

Mario is one of the most recognizable video game characters. This plump plumber in the Nintendo world has been smashing blocks, riding turtle shells, and stomping gumbas for decades!  He's one of my son's favorite characters of all time, and I decided to create a graph of him when I had an email asking if there was one available.  I don't know why I didn't think of it before, but here he is!  The graph is 90 squares wide by 120 tall.  If you want a twin sized afghan, use 2 dc per graph square (so it's 180 stitches wide) but do not double the rows!  There will still be 120 rows.  Use an H hook to get this size.  If you want a smaller throw, use 1 sc per graph square with a J hook and increase the rows by 5 on each side, and 15 on top and bottom.

If you'd like a Mario blanket of your own, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with pricing info for a completed afghan, or request the free pdf of this graph to make one yourself.

Mickey Mouse free graph

I was about 3 years old when my grandpa and I were walking through a department store together and I saw a single Mickey Mouse stuffed plush toy on the floor near a whole basket full of them.  I picked it up and my grandpa told me to put it back but I wouldn't (what did I know, I was 3!) and I apparently threw quite a fit when he tried to take it from me to put back himself.  Well, grandpas being what they are, he decided it would be easier to buy it for me. Guess what, though? It didn't have a price tag.  He dragged me all over that store, holding on to that stuffed mouse, to find an employee that he could ask about the price.  Not one could tell him. They tried to find another one like it but there wasn't one in the whole bin!  They were all different.  I'm not sure how they came about a price for it, but eventually I took that little guy home and I've had him ever since.  That was 39 years ago! His eyes have had the paint scraped off them, the tip of his nose fell off, his plush is matted down and one arm has had to be sewn back on, but I still have him.  I slept with him every night until I left for college. I was afraid if I took him with me he'd get lost somehow and if I left him home at least he'd be safe.  He's been chewed on, cried on, drooled on, and listened to all my adolescent woes.  I've collected loads of Mickey Mouse over the years from people but I never cared as much for them.  I think it was because they weren't from my grandpa.

My cousin recently asked me to make a baby blanket with Mickey Mouse.  I graphed this one up and thought of Grandpa the whole time.  To make the blanket I think I will use a G hook and 1 sc per graph square with Caron simply soft.   I'll post a finished photo when I'm done.  If you'd like to make your own, you can download this graph at kendrascrochetedcreations.com

In the comments below, let me know your thoughts and if you have a similar experience with a stuffed animal, or other toy you'd like to share.

I forgot to post a finished photo, but Jeannie sent me hers!

Thank you, Jeannie!

And Dorothy made one with a white background and no border.
Looks great, Dorothy!

Free Minion graph

What is a minion?  By definition, "a follower or underling of a powerful person, especially a servile or unimportant one," but that doesn't all apply to the minions of Gru (Despicable Me franchise). They are most certainly not unimportant!  They do most of Gru's hands-on work for him, whether in the lab or cleaning his house.  He is lost with out them!

They have masculine names like Kevin and Stuart, but no distinguishing gender characteristics.  They can be tall (for a minion-almost 4 feet), short, skinny, heavy, one-eyed, or two-eyed. Or, like Bob (not pictured) extra short, extra heavy, and with 2 eyes of different colors (did you even notice that?)! Also, they have no ears so their glasses (and they all wear glasses!) are strapped on.

Most importantly, they are happiest when serving. I love that!  I like to be helpful myself so appreciate that trait in others.  Besides, it makes them even more adorable than their cuddly looking bodies themselves.

To make your own minion afghan, use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square. Your finished product should turn out around twin-sized.  If you want smaller, use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square, but increase the number of rows on top and bottom by 15 and on each side by 5.  If you want the full sized pdf, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Minion Graph" in the subject line.  Any questions can be put in the body of the email.  If you make it, please tag #kendrascrochetedcreations on social media with the finished photo and email me a copy to be featured here or on my Facebook page!

Dance graph (paid pattern)

There is something about dancing that makes people happy.  Moving our bodies to a rhythm is therapeutic, and repetitive motions are soothing.  Whether we are slowly and gracefully dancing, or jumping around to a heavy beat, our brains seem to respond with endorphins and the exercise makes us feel better.

Make this personalized afghan (or I can!) for your favorite ballet dancer to cuddle up under after a rehearsal or performance. Show your appreciation for their hard work.

This graph can be made with any name or without personalization.  I can make you one, or you can send $5 via PayPal to kendrascrochet@gmail.com with the message "Dance Graph" and the personalization info.  I will then email you hook size and general instructions (no written pattern) for you to make one yourself.  I will send a preview of what the graph will look like for your approval before sending the pdf. 

Leave your comments and thoughts below!

Tote bag lining tutorial

Since my first purse lining, I've done a few more and gotten better. I've lined cylindrical drawstring bags, rectangle totes, small circular purses, and who knows what else.  I'm still no expert, but I think I have the hang of it!

If you don't have basic sewing skills I suggest you learn.  Just enough to make a seam is fine.  You do not need a sewing machine, but it makes it much quicker.

eh, about 10 1/2 inches, I guess

To line my CHD tote bag from the previous post's tutorial, I first measure the bag. It doesn't have to be exact, a rough idea is fine.  I get 12 inches wide by 10 1/2 inches tall. Actually if you can't find a tape measure, just trace around the outside of the bag.  Like I said, it can be rough. We'll fix it when we seam them together.

 Cut out your pieces (for this bag, I just want 2 rectangles to sew together because it's a rather shallow bag). I cut out two 10 1/2 x 12 inch rectangles out of some jersey (tee-shirt material) I had from a previous project.  Sew around the sides and bottom of the pieces, right sides together.

Sew around sides and bottoms
of cut out pieces

I ironed down the top edge toward the outside, but I forgot to take a picture (what is wrong with me!).  *You need to turn down the top edge toward the outside and iron it down!

I will be hand sewing the top edge onto the bag. I don't want the stitches shown on the outside of the bag.

Now insert the lining into the bag.  Line up the side seams with the sides of the bag.  The seams should be on the outside of the lining, touching the inside of the bag.  The neat seam should be on the inside. Pin sides in place, just below the top line of crochet stitches. Then pin the heck out of the middles! Pin every inch of it! Leave no inch unpinned! The more the better! Pin, pin, pin!

insert needle through,
hiding knot between bag
and fabric

go under the yarn,
but not through bag

Start with your needle on the wrong side of the lining and insert it to the inside of the lining, to hide the knot between the bag and fabric (see photo). You can start anywhere, but I always start by a side seam.  Then, insert your needle through the lining, back toward the bag, going under one leg of one sc stitch, but not through to the outside of the bag.  Try not to split the yarn.  Bring your needle back through the lining to make your next stitch start where your last stitch ended.  Keep repeating this method all around bag. Do not pull the thread too tight or the lining will pucker. Keep a steady tension and try to keep your stitches even. I'm using white thread on a white lining in a white bag so if my stitches are a bit uneven I don't think anyone will notice.

Finished photos at the bottom of this post.

I hope this tutorial helps you with your purse/tote linings!  If you have any questions or comments, let me know!  You can leave comments here (please do!) or email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com and let me know if anything needs clarification or if you have any problems following my instructions.

go back through same place

close up photo of finished lining

Finished lining!

free Zoidberg graph

Need to crochet an afghan?  Why not Zoidberg?

Dr. John Zoidberg, a crustacean doctor specializing in alien physiology (but not human! Oh boy, not human!) is the company doctor for the Planet Express crew of Futurama.  He is exceedingly poor, homeless, friendless, smelly, and eats out of trash cans ("a feast is a feast!"). He is oblivious to social propriety, but extremely loyal to the crew.  He is one of my favorite characters on the show so I made a graph of him (no, I haven't made this one yet either...I'm beginning to see a pattern with my procrastination, do you?). 

If you'd like the pdf of this graph, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Zoidberg" in the subject line.   To make the blanket, use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get a twin-sized afghan (or close to it).  To get a 5 x 6 ft afghan, use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square, increasing the rows by 5 on top and bottom and by 15 on each side.  If you make this, please tag #kendrascrochetedcreations on social media and send me a copy of your finished product so I can feature it here or on my Facebook page! Leave me your thoughts below and share with the social media buttons!

Tote bag tutorial

I love bags. Purses, wallets, tote bags, drawstring bags, backpacks, hobo bags, I love them all!  I have a weakness for them.  I enjoy filling them with my treasured items and carrying them from place to place. I love the designs, the different sizes, the pockets - oh the pockets!

Let's put 2 of my favorite things together.  Crochet and Bags.  Actually, let's add fundraising in there too (but you don't have to work the pattern; you can still go through the tutorial in one color). I have a pattern made for a Congenital Heart Defect fundraiser that I'm dying to try out. If you'd like to work the CHD pattern on your tote bag, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com if you'd like the pdf for an easier read.  Before we start:

1. First, use a durable yarn.  I stay away from animal fibers like wool when making bags because I've had a problem with yarn breakage.  Of course you can join the broken yarn and keep going, but I prefer to use a single long strand of yarn for as long as I can before attaching another one.  It looks better without a join and I think it stays stronger.  Every join is an opportunity for a weakness in the structure.  For this project I'm using Bernat Super Value.
2. Use tight, close stitches, and/or a lining.  This will keep the bag from stretching and give it a sturdy structure that will hold up to use. For this bag we'll be using single crochet throughout, but that isn't necessary for every bag, especially if you line it.  Feel free to mix up your stitches to give a different texture.
3. Go through both loops of each stitch.  This will reinforce the stitches and keep it from stretching also.

This will be a simple pattern. You'll need to know chain stitches and single crochet.  If you need to learn these first, go to https://www.craftsy.com/crocheting/article/crochet-for-beginners/ before you begin.

The pattern:

where you go around the other side

1. With an F (or G-I worked mine with an F and my wrists are screaming at me!) hook and WW yarn, ch 52. Sc in 2nd chain from hook and next 49. 3 sc in last ch.  Keep working around opposite side of starting chain (see photos). Sc in next 50. 3 sc in end st. Do not join, do not turn.
2. sc in next 51.  By this time, you may be noticing that your work is starting to curl or corkscrew.  That's fine.  Keep going, it will work itself out. 3 sc in next, sc in 51.
3. 2 sc, sc, 2 sc, sc in 51, 2 sc sc, 2 sc, sc in 51.
4. You can keep increasing the base of the bag if you like, but I'm going to stop my increases here and just work on the sides.  To work on the sides without color changes, just keep sc through both loops around without any increases on the ends. Go as high as you want!  Make that bag as tall or short as you like it. When you have it as high as you want, skip to the section  marked "strap." If you're working the CHD graph, this is where things change a bit:
5. To work the graph, first work 2 rows even. That will take care of the 2 white rows of graph squares at the bottom of the graph (we do have to work the graph from the bottom up!).
6. Now that we're at a color changing row, we'll have to start working back and forth and joining. This is because the color changes are only on one side of the bag. I'm doing this for a couple reasons.
   A. I'm thinking about "surface crocheting" a different design on the other side. We'll see.

   

   The inside-see what I mean? Yuck!

   
   B. More importantly, carrying the yarn all the way around the end to the other side will affect the bag by changing the tension.  I plan on lining this bag so I'm not going to crochet over the red strand (tapestry crochet) because it will be visible under the white but since I'm lining it anyway, I'll just leave it hang on the inside and pick it up where it's needed. The strands will be covered by the lining. If you aren't lining your bag and want to add the design on both sides, I recommend starting a different skein for the opposite side of the bag so you won't have to crochet over the red strand and have it show through all around the edge.
   So, to join and start a new row, when you're done with the 2nd row of working even, sc 3 more to put you at the end of the bag, then sl st in the next.
7. ch 1, turn. Start working design on graph from the bottom of the lettering of the word "Warrior." Sc around opposite side of bag till you come to the join. sc in the ch 1 sp, then join with a sl st to the first sc of the round.
8. Ch 1, turn.  Work around bag, following the graph when you get back around to the lettering. Continue until graph is finished.

Strap:

sl st to opp end of bag on opp side

Make sure your hook is at the very edge when bag is laid flat. If working in the round (not joining) you may have to add or subtract a few stitches to get your hook in position.

1. Ch 1, turn.  sc in next 6.
2. repeat step 1 until strap is desired length (mine was 130 rows)
3. sl st to opposite end of bag, on opposite side. Fasten off, weave in ends.
   
   

   

   The finished front

If you have any questions or if something is unclear, please leave a comment or email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com.  I want to make sure this tutorial is usable for you, and I plan on making more! Next up-lining the bag to cover the ugly inside (or just because you want a lining!

 

free Snoopy graph

Snoopy, Charlie Brown's pet beagle, is considered wildly imaginative and confident.   He's hip, aloof, and a canine Master of Disguise (remember Joe Cool?).  He's the pet we all wished we had. Now we can!  In yarn form, of course.  Use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get a twin sized blanket, add 5 rows to each side and 10 to top and bottom and work with a J hook and 1 sc per graph square to get a 5 x 6 ft throw.  Work the back ground color in your favorite shades, or leave white.  Email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for the pdf of this graph. Put "Dancing Snoopy graph" in the subject line of your email.  Any questions should be in the body of the email.  There are no written instructions for this graph.  If you make it, please credit me with the design of the graph and tag #kendrascrochetedcreations on social media.  Leave your thoughts in the comments below and please share using the buttons below this post.

Jughead Jones free graph

When I was a little girl, there was a bookstore about a half mile from my home where I would go and read the comic books.  I'd walk there with my older brother who would pick up the newest action/adventure/sci-fi type book and he'd find me with my nose in the Archie Andrews section of the magazine rack when he was ready to leave.  My favorite character was Jughead Jones.  Whenever there was a "Jughead double digest" I'd buy it and bring it home. I thought he was smart, funny, and amusing to read about.  I loved how much he could eat and still stay skinny (a talent I wish I had myself!). I admired his loyalty to his friends. 

I never was sure about that hat, though...

If you'd like to make your own Forsythe P. (Jughead) Jones afghan, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for the pdf of this graph.  Put "Jughead graph" in the subject line and any questions in the body of your email.  Work it with an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get an approximately 5 x 6 ft afghan. 

I haven't made this one myself yet, it's on the ever growing list of things I want to make myself but probably won't.  I'd love to see your finished product.  Tag #kendrascrochetedcreations on social media and send  me a copy to be featured here or on my Facebook page.

Minnie Mouse free graph

Thanks for the photo, Nancy!

Minnie Mouse was created (or "born" as her many fans say) in 1928. She is the pretty, peppy, perky girlfriend of Mickey Mouse, best friend of Daisy Duck, and Hollywood walk of fame star owner as of January this year! Congratulations Minnie!

Minnie Mouse has been immortalized in many forms over the years. This is the first time I've ever made her into a graph, though!  Will it be your first time crocheting her into one?  If you do, use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get about a 4.5 x 5 ft throw from this graph. For twin size, add 5 rows to all 4 sides.  Choose background color of your choice and send me a finished photo when you're done.  I'd love to see it!

To get the pdf of this graph, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Minnie Mouse Face" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, put them in the body of the email.  Please share this post with the buttons below, or share the link from the address bar.  If you post this photo, please credit me with the design of the graph and tag #kendrascrochetedcreations on social media.  Leave your comments and thoughts below!

Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month is April.  According to the Autism Speaks website:

I'll be working this up again
and taking a better picture!

"Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences."

I made this tote several years ago for my cousin who has a daughter diagnosed with Autism. I liked it so much I decided to write up the pattern and share it on Ravelry!  It was the first pattern I ever wrote to sell and it had mistakes in it. It was too wordy. It didn't have pictures (it still doesn't, to tell the truth, but I added a graph!). I rewrote it to abbreviate the instructions and now I am sharing the link to buy the pattern here. For the month of April, if you buy the tote pattern, I'll include an Autism Awareness Scarf pattern for free! You have to put both items in your cart to get them both.  As always, I am here to answer any questions about the pattern. Leave your thoughts below in the comments, and feel free to share using the buttons below, or share the link to this post.

I also make the finished items if you'd like to purchase one.  Email me for pricing at kendrascrochet@gmail.com

Michigan State University Spartans (free graph)

There is an intense rivalry between the teams of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan (and their fans as well!). When the 2 teams face off, all sports fans in Michigan are in an uproar! Good-natured banter gets a bit out of hand in some sects (as with any rivalry) and best friends, siblings, and even spouses who root for opposing teams refuse to acknowledge each other during the game. Some will go so far as to refuse to watch it in the same room or even house as the rival team's fan! My cousin got a lot of ribbing when he announced his second daughter was planning on going to State when her older sister was at U of M.

Once the game is over, the winner gloats for a while, then friendships and family relationships return to normal.

When working this graph as is, use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to get a twin sized afghan. If you'd like a smaller (about 5 x 6) throw, use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square, increasing the number of rows by 5 on top and bottom and 15 on each side.

If you'd like the pdf of the graph shown here please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "MSU Spartans" in the subject line (but be careful if you'd like to request the Michigan Wolverines graph as well, who knows how they  might behave in your email app!😉).

I'd love to hear your thoughts!  Comment or share below.  If you make this afghan, please credit me with the design of the graph and link to this page. Tag me in Instagram using #kendrascrochetedcreations and send me a finished photo to be featured here or on my Facebook page.

Crochet: Health Benefits to Relaxation

I am a clumsy person.  I fall up stairs.  I trip over nothing at all. I stub my toes on everything.  I once sprained my ankle kissing my husband (yes, I really did). I hurt myself constantly (not usually badly, though!) in new and unusual ways.  It's amazing that such a clutz could make something beautiful with just a hook and some yarn.  But I do. This is the first several rows of my Detroit Lions afghan.  It will be gorgeous!  Some may stress over the amount of work that goes into it (there is a lot!).  But for me, crochet is very relaxing.  When I'm stressed I can pick up a project and after a few stitches I can feel  my lower back muscles relaxing. A few more and between my shoulder blades start to unclench.  A few more after that and I can feel my face relaxing into a far more pleasant expression. After several minutes of crocheting, my mood improves considerably. Even after racking my shins on a shopping cart because my arms are too short  (like the rest of me) to hold it far enough away from me that that won't happen.

The Mayo clinic says there are several health benefits to simple relaxation.  These include:

• Slowing heart rate
• Lowering blood pressure
• Slowing your breathing rate
• Improving digestion
• Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
• Reducing activity of stress hormones
• Increasing blood flow to major muscles
• Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
• Improving concentration and mood
• Improving sleep quality
• Lowering fatigue
• Reducing anger and frustration
• Boosting confidence to handle problems

There are even claims by crafters that crochet can help with insomnia and depression!

I find crochet to be relaxing because of 1. the simple repetitive motions.  Once I get into a steady groove, it's almost meditative (perhaps this is a reason why it may help some with insomnia?) and 2. the feeling of accomplishment I get when I watch a project grow into something usable. Small projects that are finished quickly, like wash cloths, make me feel satisfied to complete and larger projects, like this Lions throw, give a sense of pride and achievement to watch it get bigger day by day. So we can make something useful for ourselves or others to enjoy while crocheting ourselves to a healthier stress level.

Besides the benefits you read above, there is another one for me:  I've never hurt myself crocheting. 😉

Spring Crochet roundup

Happy first day of spring!

It's still very cold here in the mid west.  I had to defrost my car this morning before I could drive anywhere!  But spring is officially here by the calendar and Easter is right around the corner. 

Spring, to me, means longer hours of daylight, flowers, baby animals and spring cleaning.  But we'll put the cleaning off for another day.

I'm "celebrating" the first day of spring by making up a list of things to do until I run out of time to do them (does anyone else have this problem?). I went shopping this morning, then sat down to have breakfast. I picked up my computer and read a bit of computer coding lessons online then picked up my paper to make some notes, coming up with an idea for this blog post in the midst of it.  I put down the notes, and opened my blog only to start writing and realize I never put my groceries away. I was putting my groceries away when I remembered I hadn't done laundry yet...  One of those days, you know what I mean? So I am going to finish something (this post) first before going on to the next thing (laundry) today. Just forget the list, Kendra, it does you no good!

This post is about spring. Spring crochet, to be exact.  There are a couple ways to celebrate spring with yarn.  Spring animal amigurumi and spring apparel are my favorites.  Here are a few links I enjoy:

• These free hatching chicks from Toma Creations
• This bunny bottom garland from Love the Blue Bird
• This amazing crocheted flowers wreath for £3.50 (Great Britain Pound) from Mandy O'Sullivan (that would be about $4.91 USD)
• This lacy poncho on yourcrochet.com
• This lacy lightweight scarf found on Yarn Obsession-this one has a video tutorial too!

There are hundreds of other patterns to be found, do you have a favorite?  Share your links in the comments below and let the rest of us see them.  Have fun with your spring crochet!

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team in Denver.   Their newest logo, the overlapping "CR" will be pretty simple to translate into yarn.

This graph was created to make a 5 x 6 throw when using 1 sc per graph square with a J hook.  If you like my method of 2 dc per graph square to make a twin sized afghan, then cut 5 rows off each side and 15 off top and bottom to work 2 dc per graph square with an H hook. 

What method do you prefer when crocheting an afghan?  Or do you like to play around with different stitches to make different textures?  Let us know in the comments below!

If you'd like the pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Colorado Rockies" in the subject line. 

Please share this post using the buttons below to Pinterest, Facebook, Google+, Twitter. 

Have a wonderful week!

T.A.R.D.I.S graph-free pattern

We've recently become fans of Doctor Who. Well, a couple seasons or so into its reboot. It is so popular that our son started asking us about it, after seeing tee shirts and hearing things at school and we had no information to give him.  So we started watching and we love it!

Before that happened, I was asked to make a T.A.R.D.I.S. afghan.  I had no clue what that meant so I did some research and found out that it's a time machine-how cool is that!? "Time And Relative Dimensions In Space"=T.A.R.D.I.S. And... it is bigger on the inside!

Finished afghan by me

We have since gone back to the original series from the 50s and watched every episode from the very first.  We are extremely excited to find out if we like the new doctor (13th) and disappointed that we have to wait to find out! We did see the Christmas episode that introduced her, but she was on for about 10 seconds and said maybe 2 words.

For your Doctor Who fan, you can crochet this full-sized bedspread with overhang with 2 dc per graph square and an H hook, or if you would like a twin size, leave 15 rows off each side.  To get a throw size, use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square while decreasing the rows by 15 on each side and increasing by 15 on top and bottom.  Leave me your comments below or email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for the pdf of this graph with "Tardis" in the subject line.

How to crochet a graphghan-with FAQs

I post a lot of graphs on this blog, some free, some paid, and the questions I get asked most is how to actually create the afghan from the graph.  I try to post general instructions on each graph because there are several ways to crochet from a graph.  There's the newer C2C (corner to corner) method (no, I do not have any c2c patterns, sorry, but if you try to use this black bear for a c2c let me know how it works out and I'll try to make some! It may make a decent lapghan), you could sc each graph square, or my favorite, 2 dc per graph square.  That seems to be the confusing one.  Most graphs aren't worked that way.


Take this black bear graph above as an example. I made this graph to make my brother a pillow for Christmas a couple years ago (see photo below), so the graph is small and perfect for a practice project. (larger graph below) By the way, he loved it.  He even asked for a second one to match so he could have one on each end of his couch!

tunisian crochet pillow

Even though this pillow is in the tunisian simple stitch and that post about tunisian crochet was a couple days ago, I'm showing you this picture because it's what I made from this graph (thanks for the photo, big brother! I should have taken one before I gave it to you!).

*(the pillow seen here was made with 1 tss (tunisian simple stitch) per graph square with a size J afghan hook-the kind with the stopper at the end (see "that post" linked above).

The first thing you do is to count the number of squares along the side where you'll begin.  Some people like to work from top down, some from bottom up, and sometimes I tell you to work it from the side to avoid color changes all happening in the same rows.  On this graph, no matter which way you do it, there are 50 squares.  Double that 50 to make 100 and add one more for turning.  If you don't add that one to your total starting chain, when you dc in the third chain from the hook to start the row, you'll end up a stitch short. So we chain 101 with our tan and then dc in the third chain from the hook. Dc in each chain to the end.

FAQ: Do I put 2 dc in each chain?
Only 1 dc in each chain, a lot of people email me saying they put 2 dc in each chain stitch and it doesn't look right.  You don't need to do that.  That's why you double the chain count.  If you put 2 dc in each chain, it will ruffle and try to corkscrew. 

Now you've done the first row of dc.  That means you've also done the first row of graph squares.

FAQ: Do I double the rows as well?
 No.  This will make the afghan twice as long as you want it to be and skew the design to be tall and skinny.

From the bottom (where I like to start) there are 3 rows of tan before any color changes.  Go ahead and work three rows, 1 dc in each dc, counting the beginning chain 3 as a stitch (off topic a bit, but I prefer to chain 2 at the beginning of a row.  3 chain stitches makes my ends loose and baggy-yuck).  Now you come to a color change row.  When I get to a color change row, I start from the right and count to the left.  This makes sense to me because as I look at the work I've crocheted so far, my hook is on the right and I'll be crocheting to the left.  Left handers will probably read the graph the other way unless otherwise told.  That's fine. So there are 20 graph squares of tan before changing to black.   That means 40 dc stitches. So I will chain 2 (or 3 if you prefer)and dc 39 more because the chain stitch counts as one. The next one counts as the rest of the first graph square on that row. Then there are 11 black squares.  So you'll crochet 22 black stitches. And 19 more tan squares makes 38 tan dc to finish off the row.

*updated to add: the next row will be read right to left. this is a symmetric design, but in order to get an even 50 graph squares, I had to have one more tan on one side than on the other. The second row I would make 34 dc in tan, then 30 black, and end with 36 tan. Then back to reading from right to left on the next row.

Tip: Leave the tan behind instead of crocheting over it (tapestry crochet) with the black.  Start a second strand on the other side of the bear. This means you won't see the tan through the black and you will keep a crisp picture.

Recap: 1. Count the number of graph squares and double it.
2. put only 1 dc in each chain, starting in the third chain from the hook.
3. Count out 2 dc stitches (counting the beginning chain three as a stitch) for each graph square, changing colors as the graph changes.

That's it!  Can you crochet this black bear graph from these instructions?  It's just a sample so it's no matter if it doesn't work out for you, it will give you a place to start.  Let me know if you have any questions, either in the comments below, or contact me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com  Post a picture and let us see how you did!

Colorado Avalanche

I was asked to make a rug for my cousin a few years ago with the Avalanche logo on it.  I didn't have my software accessible at that time so i had y husband draw it on a piece of graph paper and blocked it out from there.  It was a small rug, about 2 or 3 feet wide.  I don't have any idea where that graph went, but when I got my PCStitch software accessible again I made a graph for a throw.  It's larger than my usual, taking a J hook and 1 sc per graph square to make a large throw (appx 5.5 ft x 6 ft).  If you want smaller, try using a smaller hook.  If you want it to fit a full sized (double) bed, use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square.  If you make this I'd love to see how it came out!  For the pdf of this graph, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com wih "Colorado Avalanche" in the subject line. If you have any questions, please put them in the body of your email or in the comments below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Pi Day-a nerdy crochet round-up

I know not everyone is a math  nerd like me, and not everyone loves crochet, and even fewer still who fit both categories.  But for us (and those math nerds we crocheters love) there is a surprising amount of Pi (3.14 in the math world-the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter) projects.

Before I get to those, may I just say RIP Stephen Hawking. For a world-renowned physicist to die on Pi day has a kind of poetic irony to me.  Oh, and in case you didn't know, it is also Albert Einstein's birthday.  (Where's the crochet, Kendra? Here it comes:)

• I think my favorite by far is this pi digits blanket found here, but unfortunately I could not find a pattern for it.  Look closely at the stitch she used-how cool is that!?

• A free pattern for the pi symbol is found at Alicia Kachmar's blog, Create! Look at the little guys face!  He looks so happy just to be Pi!

• I was excited to see this crochet c2c pi pillow at akimakes.com! So many things to love about it. It's C2C, it's the 𝜋 symbol on one side, and the numeric abbreviation on the other side. The pattern isn't written on the website, though, it's a downloadable pdf.

• I am glad that someone out there has a sense of humor like mine.  Rebecca Breed Pepper's blog has a whimsical little pun of a "pie" crochet pattern here.

What are your favorite pi crochet patterns?  Leave a link in the comments below!

Tunisian crochet-an overview

One stitch that I feel doesn't get enough attention is the tunisian stitch (also called the afghan stitch).  If you're unfamiliar with tunisian crochet, there is a great site for beginners here that covers the basics really well.

tunisian crochet hook with cable and stopper

In tunisian crochet, you work with a long crochet hook (the one I use has a cable attached to the end, with a stopper at the end of that) and load all your stitches on (like with knitting) and then work them off.  Sometimes when we crochet it can be confusing about which side of our work is the front and which is the back (sometimes it doesn't matter!), but with tunisian crochet, the front is always facing you.  You don't turn your work to go back across.  You can always tell which was is the right way!

There are different ways to create designs using tunisian crochet.  One is with different stitches. There are really only a few different tunisian stitches to learn.  See the link above for the different stitches used in tunisian crochet.   I recommend once you learn the basics, to check out crochetkim.com and look through her tunisian crochet section.  She also has hundreds of free patterns to look through-not just tunisian (and they're all very good!).  She's one of my favorite designers.

afghan with cross stitched design

I made a graph for someone a short time ago and she sent me a photo of her finished afghan.  She used tunisian crochet to make the entire blanket in a solid color and then cross stitched the design on it in the yarn colors on the graph (thanks for the finished photo, Charlene, I love it!). This is a fun and simple way to incorporate color work into your projects without the hassle of changing colors during the crochet process.  Less chance of a tangled up mess occurring, too!   The graph for this Texas afghan, by the way, is available for sale from me.  Email me for details.  (It doesn't have to be made with this crochet stitch.😉)

Super Mario Brothers blanket

If you're comfortable with the tunisian simple stitch (usually the first stitch you learn) and ready to  move on to color changes, what fun you can have!  I graphed out a bunch of Super Mario Brothers characters for my son for an afghan for Christmas.   Unfortunately, he doesn't like "blankets with holes" as he calls afghans, so I used tunisian crochet to create this blanket for him.  Each character is in its own block, and then sewn to the block next to it. It forms a solid, squishy fabric without gaps between the stitches so I figured it would be perfect for him.  What I didn't think about was the back of the design.  With tunisian crochet, you don't cover the unused color with your working yarn like with tapestry crochet.  It hangs behind the work and gets picked up again later in the row when you need to switch back to that color.  This leaves a strand looped behind the work.   2 problems: 1. it looks ugly and 2. it catches your toes every time you move.  Solution?  I took an old sheet we didn't use anymore and sewed it to the back. Then I covered up the edges with quilt binding.

*designs do look a bit tall and thin when worked in tunisian simple stitch.  The stitch is taller than it is wide so it doesn't make a nice square like the graph square shows. I had to adjust some of my graphs to accommodate the nature of the stitch.

close up of design on block

A couple tips for the first time you use color work in your tunisian projects: 1. twist your yarns together once before changing colors. Otherwise, there WILL be a gap where the colors change. 2. give the unused yarn a little tug to firm up the stitches or it will be loose and baggy.  Not to tight though or it will warp the fabric a bit (look at the right side of the game controller in the close up picture.  See how it dips in? My fault.  Pulled too tight.  Don't do that.

 Have fun with your crochet!  Learning new stitches and trying new methods is a great way to improve yourself and your crochet as well as keeping it interesting.  I love learning new ways to crochet.  What is a stitch you've been wanting to try?