Poncho for Spring

I made this poncho last year...or was it the year before last? I can't remember.

I posted it on Ravelry a few months ago and somehow forgot to blog about it.
I love the light airy feel when wearing it. I think I'll dig it out and wear it to work this week.

This is a quick and easy project. It is extremely stretchy and the one in the photo has not been blocked.

You can download the pattern here or just use the instructions below

Skill Level
Beginner

Materials
Size K crochet hook
Lace or fingering weight yarn (cotton for the warm season)
Yarn needle

Sizes
S/M (large)

Important
Crochet very loosely.
It is a little uncomfortable using a larger hook with smaller weight yarn, but it is necessary to create the openwork design. Scroll up to see close-up showing the stitch.

Crochet in the either the front loops only or back loops only

I did both...the one pictured was worked in the front loops only


Pattern

Ch 25 (29)

Working in the back loop

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

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

Repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired width to fit around your body. I stopped after 50 rows.

Finish off leaving about 12 inches of tail for sewing.

Fold the piece in half. Using the tail, begin to whipstitch the top of the piece (not the side edges).
Sew for approximately 4 or 5 inches. Finish off.

Weave all ends. The piece may appear small, but the texture is extremely stretchy (the poncho in the photo has not been blocked)

Don't worry about messing up. This pattern can be altered in so many ways. I used size 3 fashion thread for the one in the photo, but you can use any yarn you choose. I like the light weight for the warm weather.

Enjoy!

Just Trying to Catch Up

It seems that all I do lately...is try to get caught up. I have put my Etsy shop on vacation for a little while. Currently, I am crocheting a little at night and on the weekends. I'm trying to work out a schedule since I started my new job. Crocheting has been a lesser priority. My WIP is a bikini top. I get lots of orders for these in the spring and summer.

Sorry about the photos...black is not the best to photograph.

This is an order I have been struggling to finish. Hopefully, it will be finished tomorrow. I have 3 more orders to finish after this one. In the recent past, before starting my new job, I could whip out an order in a couple of days. But not now. I get frustrated with myself, because I feel like my customers are waiting, waiting, and waiting. I hope they understand. When I finish this top it should look like this...

I wish I could share some new projects, but maybe in a couple of weeks I'll be able to. Since my shop is closed for a couple of weeks, you can find this pattern here on Ravelry.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Where oh Where...?

Where oh where is my little Principeta? She is the winner of this basket and...no where to be found:(

Can you believe it?

I have tried emailing her twice, with no luck. Has anyone seen her? I really want her to have it...if she still wants it.

I'm sure she forgot all about this giveaway. The basket with the pins, retractable tape measure, and buttons are sitting on a table beside my chair waiting to be shipped out.

So if anyone here in blog land runs across Principeta, please tell her that she won the basket.

I'll try to email her again. Stay tuned to see how this unfolds...this lovely basket and notions may be the object of an upcoming giveaway if not claimed.

Have a great day!

Color Inspiration

This is where I found the inspiration for the Ombre Basket

I found the photo on Pinterest, but cannot find the original source. I repinned it here on my Crochet board. When I click on the photo this is where I am led. It's a site called PapernStitch...which I love. If you've never been there...go and check it out. I decided to share this photo so you would see more color options in case you want a different color combo for your basket.

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the comments and emails about the basket pattern. It seems to be a big hit. Spontaneous projects always turn out the best for me.

Currently, I have 4 Etsy orders to fill, so I won't have time to do much else. (My Etsy shop is on vacation for a couple of weeks...considering the new job:) By the way, it is going well. I love the work and the people I work with. Getting up at 5:45 am is the only negative. I am not a morning person, but I'll get used to it.

I won't be able to start anything new, but I do have an older project to share with you, later in the week.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend:D

Oh, and if anyone can find the original source for the photo please let me know, and I'll share it.

Ombre Basket Pattern

I am so amazed at the interest with this basket

I used 9 colors and tried to achieve an ombre effect.

The size is about three times larger than the chunky basket. I'm putting this one beside my chair for WIPs.

Measurements
9.5 inches in height
12 inches in diameter

Materials
9 different colors of worsted weight yarn
Size L crochet hook
Yarn needle

Pattern notes

The first ch 2 of each round counts as the first st
Hold 4 strands together
If you are using one color to make this basket, you will not need to join each rnd of the body of the basket. Continue working sc in a continuous spiral eliminating the seam.
You will work two rows of each of the colors except for the bottom and the last three rounds.

Pattern

With Black (4 strands together)

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with sl st (8 hdc)

Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st. Join with sl st. (16 hdc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) around. Join with sl st. (24 hdc)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) around. Join with sl st. (32 hdc)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts) around. Join with sl st. (40 hdc)

Rnd 6: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts) around. Join with sl st. (48 hdc)

Rnd 7: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 5 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts) around. Join. (56 hdc)

Rnd 8: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 6 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts) around. Join. (64 hdc)

Rnd 9: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 7 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 7 sts) around. Join. (72 hdc)

The next round will be the first row of the body of the basket. You will be working into the back of each hdc.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc under the line or ridge on the back of the first st of previous round. (Hdc have a line or ridge on the back of the stitch). You will be working under this line or ridge, not into the regular loops.

This will leave the two loops of the stitch

creating a seam separating the bottom and the sides of the basket. Continue working sc around. Join with sl st.

Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st and each st around. Join and finish off.

Rnd 12: With dark grey, sc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 13: Sc in each st around. Join and finish off.

Rnd 14-25: Repeat rounds 12-13.

Rnd 26: With mustard yellow (or the last color of choice), sc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 27: Sc in next 13 sts, ch 10, skip next 10 sts, sc in next 26 sts, ch 10, skip next 10 sts, sc in next 13 sts. Join.

Rnd 28: Sc in next 13 sts, 12 sc under the ch 10 sp. Sc in next 26 sts, 12 sc under the ch 10 sp, sc in next 13 sts. Join and finish off.

Weave ends.

I'm sorry I did not post this pattern earlier....I got the job and today was my first day:D I really hope working will not affect my blogging:D But I am really happy to be working again.

Ombre Love

It feels like I haven't posted in forever. I just had to give you a sneak peek of my latest project. I worked on it all day yesterday.

I love ombre. Something on Pinterest inspired these colors.

Here's a look at the entire basket. Yes, it's another basket...and it's a large one.

I'll have to write the pattern up in a later post. Right now I have an interview to get ready for. Can you believe it? It's been a long time since I've had a serious job prospect. It's for a social worker position. If you don't hear another word about it...then you know that I didn't get it and I'm feeling crushed. But if I do get it...I'll let you know.

See you soon!

Stripey Spring Rug Instructions

I've been trying to sit down and write out the instructions for the rugs...which are really easy. I still haven't finished the solid color one, but I have finished the stripey one.

It turned out smaller than I had initially envisioned, but it's so easy to make another in a larger size.

It's made using all slip stitches. I love the look of slip stitches. It gives you a knitted look. The great thing about slip stitches with crochet is the thickness that is created.

Materials

Super Bulky (6 weight) yarn (I used Lion Brand Hometown USA)
Size P crochet hook
Yarn needle

Measurements
Length
Width

Pattern

Note: Make sure you work in the back loop only for every stitch

Ch 33

Row 1: Sl st in each ch, turn. (32 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sl st in the back loop only of each st across, turn (32 sts)

Row 3- 87: Repeat row 2, following the color sequence.

Color sequence

Light pink 4 rows
Bright pink 4 rows
Yellow 2 rows
Blue 4 rows
White 2 rows
Bright pink 2 rows
Green 4 rows

Light Pink 2 rows
Yellow 4 rows
Bright Pink 4 rows
Blue 2 rows
White 4 rows
Green 2 rows

Light Pink 4 rows
Bright Pink 2 rows
Yellow 2 rows
Blue 4 rows
White 2 rows
Bright Pink 4 rows
Green 4 rows

Light Pink 2 rows
Yellow 4 rows
Bright Pink 2 rows
Blue 2 rows
White 4 rows
Green 2 rows
Light Pink 4 rows
Bright Pink 5 rows

Take a yarn needle and carefully weave all of those ends. With sl stitches...it is a little harder to hide those ends.

If you would like a wider rug, just start with more chains...like 40 or 45 instead of 33. If you would like your rug to be longer just add more rows.

I love the back...it has an interesting look

Enjoy, and have a great week!

Hello Kitty Hat Pattern

I realized this weekend that I had not posted the Hello Kitty Hat pattern. So I apologize for not doing so. I completely forgot about it. Please forgive me:D

I haven't posted the new rug patterns as promised. Please forgive me for that as well. I have been struggling with a horribly nasty cold for two weeks now. It seems to get worse every day. I thought colds were supposed to improve every day:(

I've been so, so lazy this weekend...watching tv, basketball (my Tarheels). I haven't even cooked a meal. Michael went out and brought home our meals for three days now. Being sick is not all bad...hehe:D

Anyway here is the pattern and please overlook any craziness with the instructions...I wrote this up pretty quickly. I will go back over it tomorrow and correct needed mistakes. I will also take more detailed photos and post those as well.

Materials

Worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice Baby in White and Cherry)
Small amount of black and yellow
Size G and H crochet hooks
Yarn needle

Size
Fits a small child to teen/ small adult
It is very easy to alter the size. Just take out an increase row and an even row for a toddler or add an increase row and an even row for an adult size

Edit: I have received lots of questions about sizing so I would recommend using this chart. I posted this in June.

Pattern

Note: I hate the seam. You can see it in one of the photos below. To make a seamless one, just keep going around without joining. Just keep up with your first st (marking it if you have to). When you get to the earflap just start with the singles (eliminating the join).

With H hook (G if you crochet loosely)

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with sl st. (8 hdc the first 2 chains count as the first hdc of the rnd)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st. 2 hdc in each st around, join. (16 hdc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next st. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st) around, join. (24 hdc)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) around, join. (32 hdc)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts) around, join. (40 hdc)

Rnd 6: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 4 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts) around, join. (48 hdc)

Rnd 7: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 5 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts) around, join. (56 hdc)

Rnd 8: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 6 sts. (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts) around, join. (64 hdc)

Rnd 9- 17: Ch 2, hdc in next st. Hdc in each st around, join. (64 hdc)


First earflap:

Row 1: Sc in same st as join. Sc in next 12 sts. Ch 1, turn. (13 sc)

Row 2: Sc2tog over the first 2 sts, sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (12 sc)

Row 3: Repeat row 2, until 1 st remains. Finish off.

Second earflap

Row 1: Skip next 21 sts and attach with sl st in the next st. Ch 1 and sc in the same st and in next 12 sts, Ch 1, turn (13 sc)

Row 2: Sc2tog over the first 2 sts. Sc across. (12 sc)

Row 3: Repeat row 2 until 1 st remains. Ch 1 and do not finish off.

Work a round of sc around the hat, placing 3 sc in the point of each earflap. Finish off
Leaving approximately 12 inches of tail, attach Red to one of the earflaps. Work a round of sc around the edge, leaving a finishing tail long enough to use in the braid. I start and finish with long tails so I can use them to braid with and won’t have to weave them into the hat.

You'll notice that the earflaps are not totally centered. The front of the hat is the side where there is more space between earflaps. Make sure you take note of this when you begin sewing your eyes, nose, ears, and bow onto the hat.

Eyes (G hook)

With Black, Ch 5
2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in the next 2 chs. 3 sc in last ch. Do not turn. You will work in the opposite side of the ch. Sc in next 2 chs. Sc in last ch which is the first ch. (10 sc)
Don’t fret too much over the eyes and nose…They do not have to be exact, just small ovals.

Nose (G hook)

With Yellow Ch 4

2 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next st, 3 sc in last ch. Do not turn. Work in the opposite side of the ch. Sc in next ch, sc in next st. Sc in same chain as the first sc worked. You’ll end with a small oval shape. (8 sc)


Ears (G hook) and holding 2 strands of yarn together
With White Ch 3
Row 1: 7 Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Ch 1, turn (7 hdc)

Row 2: 2 sc in first st. sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, 2 dc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st. (12 sts) Finish off.


Bow

With Red Ch 11

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (10 hdc)

Rows 2- 10: Hdc in each st. Finish off

Take a long strand of Red and wrap around the middle of the bow to draw it in. Wrap several times. Tie the ends in the back of the bow. Using the yarn needle weave the ends into the bow to hide then use these same ends to sew onto the hat. Sew the middle of the bow and bottom of the bow onto the hat. I found that if you do not sew the bottom of the bow to the hat, it will curl up.


Whiskers

Use a yarn needle to embroider the whiskers. They will be straight if you work into the stitches and not in-between them.


Braids
I used only the red, but you can make them however you wish. I used 15 strips for each earflap.

Sew the eyes and nose onto the hat. Do not sew the eyes too close together. Mine may be a little too far apart. I used a picture to go by.

There you go...enjoy!

Please do not hesitate to inform me if you find mistakes, or have any difficulty with these instructions.