comedy/tragedy masks graph

I used to have quite an extensive collection of Chinese opera masks.  I love everything about them; the material, the colors, the embellishments.  There is something timeless about the poignant simplicity of the comedy/tragedy masks, though.  The symbolism, the recognition, even the cliche of the masks is comforting to me. 

Smurfette graph

I have been crocheting like crazy lately (big surprise there, eh?) and seem to have pulled a muscle in my back.  It is now impossible for me to sit cross legged on the floor and hunch over to complete my Marines afghan (which can be found on my Facebook page if you care to look) so I am designing a bit instead.  So, I present to you...SMURFETTE!  The most beautiful gnome in the world.  I've always loved her confidence and femininity.  Yes, I know she's  a cartoon.  I'm a 37 year old who still watches cartoons whether anyone else is home or not.  It's a moot point.  Anyway, since I'm about as feminine as a plow horse, I respect that Smurfette can run from an evil wizard, alley cat, and angry bats or whatever, all while wearing a shorty short dress and high heels.  She also never has a hair out of place. I dare you to try it.

Quick question, though. Do you prefer graphs, or written patterns?  I prefer to work with graphs, myself.  But I'm willing to put in the work for someone who wants a written pattern, provided I have an audience for it.

Bruges lace book giveaway

http://www.allfreecrochet.com/sweeps/Learn-Bruges-Lace#contestTop

I've never learned Bruges lace but am always up for learning new techniques. This giveaway is for a how to book on Bruges lace. I'm excited at the prospect. Won't you join me?

Turtle afghan pattern graph

What a cute little guy!  I haven't made him yet, but my goal was for a baby blanket.  Using a sc for each square with a G hook, I believe this should turn out crib blanket size.  I'll find out soon enough I hope! Using 2 dc for each square would yield a full size blanket, though I'd trim about 5 rows off top and bottom each.

September, 2015: I finally got to use this pattern! I changed the background to white, and used 2 shades of blue for the turtle. I used a G hook and 1Sc per square, but I added 6 columns to the front and back of the turtle and I added 2 rows to the top and bottom. Before border this gave me a 19" x 25 3/4". For the border i went around the outside with 1row each of white, light blue, dark blue. Finished dimensions were about 21" x 27".

What are you working on?

I have to finish my son's Bumblebee blanket before his birthday in September, then I can work in earnest on the Christmas orders.  1 twin size afghan, personalized; 1 Dr. Who Tardis afghan, full size; 2 more green bay afghans (sizes pending).  After the Christmas orders, I have 2 more afghans to complete!  Here I thought my market was for hats!  I love it though.  I've never had a queue this large for projects this size.  What are you working on?  If you need ideas, browse through my free pattern posts and see if there's anything you like.  If you have a special request, let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.

Thank you, followers!

It's amazing how much I have to do.  I've been crocheting for myself and my family just for fun for about 13 years now.  I decided to post some of my work on Facebook a few years ago and started getting requests.  I started a Facebook business page and this blog.  My Facebook page has over 300 "likes" and my blog has over 90 followers!  When I mentioned needing help testing a pattern I had volunteers coming out of the woodwork.  When I started playing around with afghan graphs, I started getting special requests again.  At this time, I have 2 twin size afghans, and 3 full size afghans ordered, as well as one in the works.  Most are due by Christmas.  I am submitting one of my patterns for a hat to a magazine soon, as soon as I can get everything together. I feel really good about things lately and I want to thank anyone who has helped me along the way to gain this confidence. :-)

Green bay packers afghan pattern

Since this is a licensed product I can't sell the pattern but I'm too proud of it to keep it to myself!

I used 2 DC for each graph square, a size H hook, and red heart yarn in hunter green (7 skeins), gold (2 skeins), brown (2 skeins),and white (2 skeins). I also used 1 skein black for seams on the football in another version. I used a new length of yarn for each color block instead of carrying them across the work. (see  this post) I measured the length of yarn it took to make 2 DC, and multiplied it by the number of squares in the section in question. Then I cut the yarn and balled it up to keep it neat. While working, I laid my work on the floor and moved myself from one side to the other when I changed direction. This throw measured 4-1/2 x 6-1/2 ft without the border (as graphed) and about 5 x 7 with the border (as in picture).

 

the graph will not print out properly so if you want a printable copy, go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com I now have a paid word chart available. Email me for details.   See here for version 2.  I don't always get notifications if you post your email address in the comments so to ensure you receive the graph (as well as to keep your privacy), please email me your request. If you need a visual about how I made this afghan, check out my graduation afghan progress photos starting here . it is made the same way and had pictures of each day's progress.

Lion Brand yarn give away

I've never seen Lion Brand's Zpagetti yarn advertised before today so I got excited when I saw this giveaway. Zpagetti is made from recycled fabrics so is available in solids and prints!  Each skein is a limited edition though, which makes this giveaway more exciting! If you share via social media, you get more entries. I did everything I could.  *fingers crossed* :-)

Grad afghan

Just wanted to post a photo of what I've been working on for the past 2 weeks. I'm pretty pleased with it.

Stuffed pineapple amigurumi

 I'm sorry, but the yarn I used was donated and unlabeled.   I hate when that happens, but this little girl was so cute I had to share her anyway!

Penelope Pineapple, ©2013, Kendra's Crocheted Creations

 

Materials: 

F hook

yarn needle

worsted weight yarn in 2 shades yellow, dark green, (if desired, black, white, red for facial features)

polyfill

 

With F hook and Yellow yarn, 6 sc into magic circle/adjustable ring.  (this is made by making a large loop by putting the yarn tail behind the working yarn. It sort of looks like a cursive "e")With your hook, draw the working yarn through the loop.

 

1. Ch 1 over loop. Sc into the loop, (crocheting over the tail) 6 times, then pull the tail to draw the loop closed very tightly. 

*If this is difficult to understand, there is a photo tutorial here, but it uses DC instead of sc). If following this tutorial, remember we need sc for this project.

Unless otherwise specified, crochet through both loops throughout this project

2. Ignore the ch1 sp at beginning and sc 2 in each sc around (12 sc)

3. (sc, 2 sc in next) 6 times (18 sc)

4. (sc in next 2, 2 sc) 6 times (24 sc)

5. (sc in next 3, 2 sc) 6 times (30 sc)

6. (sc in next 4, 2 sc) 6 times (36 sc)

7. (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 6 times, (42 sc)

8. (front loop only this round) (sk 2, 5 dc in next sc, sk 2, sc in next),6 more times

9. ch3, turn. (through both loops for the rest of the project) 2 dc in same sc (sk 2 dc, sc in next. sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc) 6 times. sk 2 dc, sc in next.  sk 2 dc, 2 dc in next sc, join to top of beginning ch 3.

10. ch 1, turn. (sk 2, 5 dc in sc, sk 2, sc in next dc) 6 times, sk 2, 5 dc in next sc, join to ch 1

11-16. repeat row 9-10 3 more times

17. sl st in each stitch around. fasten off.

with dark yellow, at center dc of any shell and below sl st, pull up a loop from inside the pineapple. insert hook through next dc and pull up a loop, pulling through yarn on hook (essentially making a slip stitch through the fabric). sl st through next dc as well, then through center dc of shell in the row below.  Working in opposite direction, to make zig zag pattern, repeat this procedure till you get to the bottom of the pineapple.  Sl st one more time through stitch at row 8 (the front loop only row). Turn your work and work back up toward the top of the pineapple, using the same method.  Make sure to sl st THROUGH the sl st at each point in the "zig" ...or maybe the "zag"...? in order to close the lines and leave no gaps. At top of pineapple, sl st one more time through sl st made with last row of yellow. Repeat method around pineapple, fasten off through first sl st.

With dark green, attach with sl st through any sl st at top of pineapple.  

1. Ch 15.  sl st in 2nd ch from hook, and next ch.  sc in next 3 ch. hdc through next 3 ch. dc through next 3 ch. tr through next 3 ch. sk 3 yellow stitches and sl st through next. repeat around.

2.  repeat row 1, staggering leaves so they are not using the same loops to attach to work as the first row of leaves.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail.  

You may leave pineapple as is, or embellish with a face.  I was asked to make a face, so with black, I used the adjustable ring as described above, and sc 6 in ring. join, fasten off.  Join white with sc in any st. sc in same stitch. 2 sc in each sc around, then once through center of magic ring. join, fasten off, leaving enough yarn to sew to pineapple. (make 2 eyes)

After sewing eyes to pineapple, thread black yarn on needle to sew eyelashes above, if desired.

With red, using same method as dark yellow sl st on surface of fabric, make mouth (any shape mouth you like! full lipped, like mine, a single-lined smile, frown, straight face, whatever!)

Stuff lightly with polyfill to hold shape.

with yarn needle, thread tail through green sl stitches around.  Pull tightly closed, tie off tightly.

Rosebud: (optional)
with red, ch 23. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch.
ch 4, turn. (dc, ch1) 4 times in same sp. *sk 2, sc in next. sk 2, (dc, ch1) 4 times in next st, dc in same sp. repeat from * to end. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.  Roll scallops up, making sure to keep beginning chain level. sew together tightly, and attach to pineapple.

Pattern tester for this hat please?

 I need a pattern tester for this hat.  It was made with an unlabeled yarn (I was trying something and it didn't work out but I like the results anyway so am trying to finalize a pattern for it), but it was 2-ply.  Very light.  I used a D hook to create this cute little hat.  The crown is done in v-stitches, and the brim uses front and back post stitches to make the cables.  Any takers?   Send an email to kendrascrochet@gmail.com and I'll send you the pattern to try out for me!

Pattern testers needed!

I sure wish I could get someone to preview and work up a pattern for me!  I've asked at least 3 people that said they'd do it and I haven't gotten any of them to follow through yet! It's been weeks.  Any ideas to get people to volunteer to work up a pattern for me to see if it's sale-worthy?

Bird cage/Japanese lantern pattern

I wanted to make a Japanese Lantern to hang from the hook in the ceiling. Of course there are no patterns available so here is my first attempt. It turned out longer than I had anticipated so I should have made another pattern repeat and made the "roof" larger or made the sides shorter, but now I know! ;-)  My son asked why I crocheted a cage, hence the title!  Anyway, to get what I have in the pic, this is what I did.

Using size D crochet hook and size 10 cotton thread in color of choice (I chose a color that matched the overall theme of our living room).

sides:  chain 37. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (36 sc)
2-6.  ch 1(counts as first sc), turn. sc through both loops in each sc across. (26 sc)
7-9.  ch 2 turn. (dc in next st, ch 2) repeat11 x. dc in last 2 st.
repeat rows 2- 9 6 times. sew or sl st edges together to form a tube (I ironed the piece flat before I did this)

top ("roof") ch 2. 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. do not join
in back loop only, 
2. 2 sc in each sc (10 sc)
3. (sc, 2 sc in next ) 5 x (15 sc)
4. (sc in next 2, 2 sc) 5 x (20 sc)
5. (sc in next 3, 2 sc) 5 x (25 sc)
6. (sc in next 4, 2 sc) 5 x (30 sc)
7. (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 5 x (35 sc)
8. (sc in next 6, 2 sc) 5 x (40 sc)
9. (sc in next 7, 2 sc ) 5 x (45 sc)
10. (sc in next 8, 2 sc) 5 x (50 sc)
11. (sc in next 9, 2 sc) 5 x (55 sc)
12. (sc in next 10, 2 sc) 5 x (60 sc)
13 (sc in next 11, 2 sc) 5 x (65 sc)
14. (sc in next 12, 2 sc) 5 x (70 sc)
15. (sc in next 13, 2 sc) 5 x (75 sc)
16 (sc in next 14, 2 sc) 5 x (80 sc)
17. (sc in next 15, 2 sc) 5 x (85 sc)
18. (sc in next 16, 2 sc) 5 x (90 sc)
19. (sc in next 17, 2 sc) 5 x (95 sc)
20. (sc in next 18, 2 sc) 5 x (100 sc)
21. (sc in next 19, 2 sc) 5 x (105 sc)
sl st in next 2, fasten off.  Sew sides to underside (where the "ridges" are made by the rows) of row 18 of top.

bottom/floor
ch 2. 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. do not join
in back loop only, 
2. 2 sc in each sc (12 sc)
3. (sc, 2 sc in next ) 6 x (18 sc)
4. (sc in next 2, 2 sc) 6 x (24 sc)
5. (sc in next 3, 2 sc) 6 x (30 sc)
6. (sc in next 4, 2 sc) 6 x (36 sc)
7. (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 6 x (42 sc)
8. (sc in next 6, 2 sc) 6 x (48 sc)
9. (sc in next 7, 2 sc ) 6 x (54 sc)
10. (sc in next 8, 2 sc) 6 x (60 sc)
11. (sc in next 9, 2 sc) 6 x (66 sc)
12. (sc in next 10, 2 sc) 6 x (72 sc)
13 (sc in next 11, 2 sc) 6 x (78 sc)
14. (sc in next 12, 2 sc) 6 x (84 sc)
15. (sc in next 13, 2 sc) 6 x (90 sc)
16 (sc in next 14, 2 sc) 6 x (96 sc)
17. (sc in next 15, 2 sc) 6 x (102 sc)
18. (sc in next 16, 2 sc) 6 x (108 sc)
sl st in next 2, fasten off. Sew to bottom of sides.

Hanging loop:
attach thread in point of roof, chain 12, attach thread to point of roof. fasten off.

Baby booties necklace pattern

Materials: small amount of baby yarn ( i used Caron simply soft in pink), F crochet hook, 1/4 inch ribbon 

Bootie (make 2)

6 ch turn
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3. 5 sc in last ch, sc in next 3. Join.
Ch 1 sc in same sp, 2 sc in next. Sc in next 4. 2 sc in next 2. sc in next 6. Skip beginning chain. Join in 1st sc of row. This puts the join in the center of the heel.
Ch1 sc in each sc around. Join.
Ch 1 Sc in next 7.  Sc2tog next 3. 3 sc, join.
Ch 1 turn. Sc in next 2. sc2tog next 3. Sc next 5. Join.
Ch 4. Join to base of heel. 4 sc in loop just made. Join to top of ch 4 and hide ends.

Ribbon bow is optional.
To make ribbon bow, cut about 2 inches ribbon, overlap edges and sew together through all 3 layers. Pull tight and tie off, but do not cut! Cut about a half inch of ribbon and wrap it around center of loop just made, overlapping edges and hiding threads and knots. Sew together without showing thread on front of bow. Sew finished ribbon bow to toe of bootie before tying off. Pull needle through bootie and tie off inside to hide knot. Cut thread.

New York Giants afghan

I was recently asked to do a New York Giants afghan as a birthday present for a friend's child.  This little gem is laying over a full sized bed, with several inches hanging on each side, enough to cover the mattress.  I'm kinda proud of myself.  Since I showed this off on my facebook page I have been asked to do several more NFL teams.  What do you think of it?

Lemon twist hat pattern

Materials: appx 100 yards worsted weight yarn (I used Red Heart With Love in Daffodil)
G hook

Gauge: 16 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches


Form magic circle/adjustable ring
6 sc in ring, pull tight, do not join.
1. sc in 1st sc, ch3 (sc in next sc, ch 3) 5 times (6 sc and 6 ch 3)
2. (sc in next sc, 2 sc in ch 3, ch 3) 6 times (18 sc and 6 ch 3)
3. (sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in ch 3, ch3) 6 times (30 sc and 6 ch 3
4. (sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in ch 3, ch3) 6 times (42 sc and 6 ch 3)
5. (sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in ch 3, ch3) 6 times (54 sc and 6 ch 3)
6. (sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in ch 3, ch3) 6 times (66 sc and 6 ch 3)
7. (sk 2 sc, sc in next 9, 2 sc in ch 3, ch 3) 6 times(66 sc and 6 ch 3)
repeat row 7 to desired length.
finishing: reverse single crochet in each sc and ch around (84 rsc). Sl st in first rsc, fasten off. To do a rsc, insert hook in the first stitch to the RIGHT of your working yarn. Yarn over and pull up a loop. The yarn will be twisted, but this is what we want. Complete as a regular single crochet. If you're a visual person, there are several videos available to show you how to do this. Just Google "reverse single crochet."

Eye care for Crocheters

As I was struggling to read the show description on my tv while deciding whether to watch  a certain episode on Netflix, I wondered why.   My eyesight is decent, but suddenly I can't read from across the room!  As I crocheted away at the afghan I've been working on, it came to me.  I've been focusing on the yarn and hook in my hand for weeks now, with the doors and windows closed (it's winter here in Michigan) and my eyes are forgetting how to see further in the distance.  Please remember to take a few minutes every day from your projects and exercise your eyes!  Try this: Focus on something in the distance - as far away as you can see - and count to 30.  Focus on something up close, something across the room is fine, and count to 30 again.  Repeat about 10 times each.  Do this 2 or 3 times a day if you can, but try to do it at least once.  If you're blinking several times and maybe feel your eyes tingling as you look in the distance, know that this is needed!  As you continue doing this over several days, the tingling will subside and the blinking will lessen.  If it doesn't, think about getting an appointment with your eye doctor.

Vintage white hat with ruffled brim

With white yarn (I used Caron Simply soft) and G hook,
*changes for child size hat are in brackets [ ]

1. 6 sc in  magic circle

2. in back loop only, 2 sc in each sc (12 sc)

3. (sc, 2 sc in next) 6 times (18sc)

4. (sc in next 2, 2 sc) 6 times (24 sc)

5. (sc in next 3, 2 sc) 6 times, (30 sc)

6. (sc in next 4, 2 sc) 6 times (36 sc)

7. (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 6 times (42 sc)

8. (sc in next 6, 2 sc) 6 times (48 sc)

9. (sc in next 7, 2 sc) 6 times (54 sc)

10. (sc in next 8, 2 sc) 6 times (60 sc)*if making a child size hat, proceed to step 14

11. (sc in next 9, 2 sc) 6 times (66 sc)

12. (sc in next 10, 2 sc) 6 times (72 sc)

13. (sc in next 11, 2 sc) 6 times (78 sc)

14. *skip next 2 sc (dc, ch1, dc) (v stitch made) in next sc* repeat around (26 v stitches made)[20 v stitches]

15. sk next sc, sc in each dc and each ch1 around (78 sc) [60 sc]

16-18. sc in each sc around (78 sc)[60 sc-for child size had, skip row 18 and proceed to 19]

19.-28 repeat rows 14-18 twice

29. Repeat row 14 30. (sc in dc, 2 sc in ch 1, sc in dc, 2 sc in next dc, sc in ch1, 2 sc in dc) repeat around (117 sc) [90 sc]

31. (sc in next 2, 2 sc) around (156 sc)[120-child size hat, sl st next 2, fasten off]

32.(sc in next 3, 2 sc) around (195 sc)

 sl st in next 2 sc, fasten off.

basic double crochet hat with optional ribbing

With WW yarn and G hook:
1. ch 3. 12 DC in last ch from hook, join to first dc. (12 dc)
2. Ch 3, dc in same sp, 2 dc in each dc around, join (24 dc)
3. Ch 3, (2 dc, dc in next) 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (36 dc)
4. Ch 3, dc in next st, (2 dc, dc in next 2) 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (48 dc)
5. Ch 3, dc in next 2 st, (2 dc, dc in next 3)( 11 times, 2 dc in last st, join (60)
6-13 ch 3, dc in each dc around (60 dc) join (if doing ribbing, do not fasten off, but proceed. If not doing ribbing, fasten off.)

ribbing (optional)
1. Ch 6. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch (5 sc)
2. sl st in next 2 dc of hat.
3. turn. sc in next 5 sc (skipping the 2 sl st just made)
4. ch 1 turn. sc in next 4.
(repeat rows 2-4 around hat
sl st last row of ribbing to first row (the first 5 chains made to start ribbing)
fasten off
Congratulations, you're done!

lacy flower applique

Level: Experienced.
G hook and worsted weight yarn, ch 4. (dc, ch 1 in 4th ch from hook) 5 times. Join in 2nd ch of beginning ch 4 (6 dc, 6 ch 1)
2. ch 4. (yo, pull up loop in 4th ch from hook, ch 1 leaving 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo pull through 2 loops-Foundation double crochet (fdc) made.) Ch 1 (fdc ch 1) 3 more times. ch 3 more, sl st 3rd ch from hook (picot made)ch 1, (dc in base of fdc, ch 1)4 times.
3. sk dc ch 1 from previous row, sl st, repeat row 2until 4 petal are made.
4. *sk (dc, ch 1), sl st.sc in 3rd ch from previous row's ch 4. sc front loop only (flo) in each dc and ch 1 of petal, up one side, around picot(at point of picot, sc, picot (ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook), sc), down the other side. sc in sl st at base of petal, repeat from * around all 4 petals. If changing colors, end with sl st after last sc in sl st and fasten off. attach new color in sc. If not changing colors, proceed without sl st . 
5. ch 5, (tr, ch1 in same sp) 8 times. working behind petal, sc in ch 1 sp of first row.working behind petal, *(tr, ch 1 in same sp) 9 times in sc between petals. working behind petal, sc in dc of first row repeat from * 2 more times. Join to 4th ch of beginning ch 5. If changing colors, fasten off and attach new color. If not changing colors, proceed. 
6.ch 30. sl st in 2nd ch froom hook and next 10 ch. ch 18. (dc, ch 1)4th ch from hook, 3 times, dc. sk 2 ch, sc in next, sk 2 ch *(dc, ch 1) 4 times, dc* in next, sk 2 ch, sc in next,*(dc, ch 1) 4 times, dc*, sk last 2 ch of this offshoot, sl st in next ch of stem.sl in next 10, ch 20. (dc, ch 1) in 4th ch from hook. (dc, ch 1, dc ch 1 dc) in same sp. sk 2, sc, sk 3, *(tr, ch 1) 4 times, tr* sk 3, sc. sk 2, *(dc ch 1) 4 times, dc* in next sp sk last 2 ch, sl st in next ch of stem.sl st in last 7 ch, fasten off.

Christmas hat

This can be made without the pom pom on top. If making the pom pom, follow these instructions. I like to make the pom pom first so I know I have enough yarn for it. The remaining yarn determines how long the hat is. With Worsted weight Christmas yarn or color of choice and G hook, 6 sc in magic circle, pull tight. Do not join or turn throughout. If you prefer not to use the magic circle, ch 4, join with sl st. ch 1 (counts as 1st stitch) 5 sc in ring. 2. *sc in back loop, sc in front loop around (12 sc) 3.*sc in back loop, (sc in front loop, sc in back loop of same stitch) sc in front loop, (sc in back loop, sc in front loop of same stitch) 3 times (18 sc) 4. *sc in back loop, sc in front loop (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch)6 times (24 sc 5. *sc back loop, sc front loop, sc back loop (sc front loop, sc back loop same stitch) sc front loop, sc back loop, sc front loop (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 3 times (30 sc) 6. *sc back loop, sc front loop (2 times), (sc back loop, sc front loop in same stitch) 6 times (36 sc) 7. * (sc back loop, sc front loop) 2 times, sc back loop ( sc front loop, sc back loop in same stitch), (sc front loop, sc back loop) 2 times, sc front loop (sc back loop, sc front loop in same stitch) 3 times ( 42 sc 8. *(sc back loop, sc front loop)3 times (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 6 times (48 sc 9. * (sc back loop, sc front loop) 3 times sc back loop, (sc front loop, sc back loop same stitch) (sc front loop, sc back loop)( 3 times, sc front loop, (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 3 tiems (54 sc) 10. * (sc back loop, sc front loop) 4 times (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 6 times ( 60 sc) 11. *(sc back loop, sc front loop) 4 times, sc back loop (sc front loop, sc back loop same stitch), (sc front loop, sc back loop) 4 times, sc front loop, (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 3 times (66 sc) 12. *(sc back loop, sc front loop) 5 times (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 6 times (72 sc) 13. *(sc back loop, sc front loop) 5 times, sc back loop (sc front loop, sc back loop same stitch), (sc front loop, sc back loop) 5 times, sc front loop, (sc back loop, sc front loop same stitch) 3 times (78 sc) repeat back loop, front loop alternations till hat is desired length. sl st next 2 stitches, fasten off. I used a 3 oz skein and used the whole thing. I thought about making it a slouchy hat instead of a regular fitting one, but put the fuzzy ball on top.

Sock monkey ski mask

What a fun project to design. Sorry, no pattern and I have no immediate plans to write one up, but these ski masks are very popular! I made this as a gag gift for my brother (pictured below with my son)

and when I posted a picture to my Facebook page I had requests to make them from about 5 different people! This can be made in any color, as sock monkeys are becoming very versatile colorwise. They always make a statement.

x-stitch scarf

skip one before dc in next

It's autumn time in Michigan and it puts me in mind of hats, scarves, and warm, cozy afghans. I decided to make another scarf. This is a simple repeat and a simple stitch using only dc and chains(at the beginning of the row) Using Teal WW yarn and an I hook, 21 FDC(If you prefer a thinner scarf, use less fdc, but make sure there is an odd number of stitches. The "x"s will be staggered, not stacked on top of each other. If you use an even number of base stitches, they will be stacked and have a different look) To do this, watch the youTube video or see text with pictures. *Alternatively, you could Ch 23, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each across (21 dc)
Row 2: Ch3, sk 1st dc, dc in next dc, dc in 1st dc skipped (working over top of dc just made) 10 times, turn.  Repeat Row 2 till scarf is desired length.

*One issue I have with this stitch is the tendency of the yarn to misbehave during the second part of the dc. As I complete a row I notice extra stitches in the previous row due to the tendency of the yarn to pull off. Instead of having a dc, I end up with a "hdc, ch1" in places. Please watch your yarn carefully. Of course, If I watched my yarn at all instead of watching tv, this wouldn't be a problem! It's only an issue when I do this x stitch so I believe it's the pull of the yarn during the crossing stage.

Now what I'm going to do is give it a twist and sew the ends together to make an infinity scarf! I hate to say it, but I'm not going to post a pic of the final product here because I've had so many issues posting pics from my phone and rearranging them on the computer to make sense. If you have any questions about the pattern, please contact me and I'll try my best to clarify.

Seamless Crochet book review

Kristin Omdahl is one of my very favorite crochet designers. When I heard that she had a new technique being published in "Seamless Crochet" I was excited, to say the least. The concept is simple: projects made using motifs, but not cutting the yarn in between. Joining as you go without creating ends to weave in! Amazing idea, isn't it? The very first pattern in the book was made with one of her trademark swirls. I love swirls too, and I love shawls, and I figured since it was the first pattern so I'd try it first. The beginning motif turned out perfect and I was pleased. The next motif (made by making a chain, putting a loop on the end, and working from the loop as the center) was fine also until I came to the part where I was supposed to join them. Work in the motif, slip stitch into the corresponding stitches of the first motif, stitch in the motif you're currently working on...It didn't take me long to get lost. After a few tries I decided that I didn't have enough yarn to work this shawl anyway and I'd try a different pattern. Next pattern was just simply a disaster for me. Trying to figure out the "corresponding stitches" in the previous motifs was a nightmare. I had to lay my work flat and try to decipher the graph while reading the written pattern. Couple this with the myriad of typos in the print (why in the world would I chain 65 there?) and I gave this pattern up as a bad job also after several tries, piles of unraveled yarn and a heap of frustration. Then I decided to watch the video that comes with it. Great idea, Kristin, giving us a video and audio explanation of what in the world you're doing! This helped me understand the construction of the projects much better. Definitely watch the video first. It would have been nice to know beforehand that the first project printed was the most advanced technique in the book. It was nice to have the graph explained, since I've never followed a crochet chart before. But now I know that we're working partial motifs across the length, finishing them up on the way back, leaving the first motif of the row incomplete until the end of the entire project. Got it. I can do this now. Enter pattern attempt number three. I decide to make the skinny scarf into a fatter scarf. The video walks us through how to make the skinny scarf, the book instructs us how to make a 3 x 3 repeat. I figure I'd just keep going after the third repeat. I was wrong again. I tried several times to figure out how the next row (row 4) would be constructed, but was unsuccessful each time. It doesn't sound like it should be hard, but since the rows are offset (not squared at the edges) each of the first 3 rows is begun differently. The starting motif is worked it's own way, unlike any other in the project. The first motif in the 2nd row joins to the first and 2nd motifs worked. the third row joins only to the first motif in the 2nd row. The 4th row would join to the first and 2nd in the previous row, but since the first motif of the previous row isn't worked the same as the first motif in the first row, it doesn't work out that way. Are you tired of the word "motif" yet? I sure am. I clenched my teeth every time I heard it in the video, too. My conclusion? It would be easier and less time consuming to cut the yarn and weave in the loose ends. I love the concept and Kristin does a great job on her own projects, but I'm disappointed with the end result of my own. I'm returning this book back to the library without any future expectations of borrowing it again. One thumb up. Or 2 stars out of 5. Whichever you prefer.

Rambles from a tired artist

It's raining in my town and I'm still in my pajamas, though its after noon. I've been away from blogging, crocheting, and designing for a while and I've missed all 3! We moved into a new home recently and are finally settled in with a place for everything and everything in its place.

I've crocheted a few hats since we moved, but they were from someone else's pattern. I love headhuggers.org! Designed a gift for a friend that can't be posted till after Christmas. Made a rug for my niece. Working on a rug for my son, but need more yarn to finish it. Imagine that, needing more yarn! I'm thinking about designing some framable pieces, but I've never framed crochet before. Do you have any framed pieces?

Christmas is only 4 months away, so pick up those hooks and get working! Quality takes time and effort.