The Tornado Twister

I was so excited on Friday to check the mail and receive my copy of the pattern that I designed for Spud and Chloe. It is a multicolored, crocheted cowl.

This is the project that I blogged about a few months ago. I'm so happy that you now get to see what I was creating. Spud and Chloe have named it Tornado Twister. I love the name and how it turned out in print. 

I received a copy of the pattern and the catalogue it's featured in.Obviously, I'm really excited. I love seeing my cowl being worn by a beautiful model:)

The new Fall 2012 Blue Sky Alpaca catalogue can be found here. There are so many great projects to see, mostly knitted, but a couple of crocheted items...the Tornado Twister being one of them.

Designing this cowl has been a fun experience and I hope Spud and Chloe/ Blue Sky Alpaca will allow me to design for them in the future. The yarn is pretty divine to work with. Here is the link to the post where I blogged about my experience with the yarn.

To see more projects check out these links:

http://www.spudandchloe.com/

http://blueskyalpacas.com/

I hope you all had a great weekend...mine was relaxing...I'll blog about it in a few days. For now I'm going to enjoy my newly published pattern. Can you tell that I'm excited?:D

Accidental Cowl

This cowl was an accident...hence the name. I didn't intend to make another cowl this winter and somehow I did. 

I was actually trying to make a poncho and I messed it up. So I threw it down and left it alone for a few days. A couple of weeks ago I picked it back up and sewed the ends together. When I put it around my neck I realized that I had made another cowl. I'm really glad that I screwed up that wrap. I wear this cowl a lot. It is smaller and lighter than the others I have made and it is definitely my most wearable cowl.

To anyone who is concerned with the name and/or description: This pattern is original. The idea was inspired by a mistake (the reason why it has it's name), not by anyone else. The word "accident" is common and is a common occurrence while crocheting.  Name, materials, design, and description are original and not an idea of anyone else. The name will remain the same. Since this is a free pattern, it in NO WAY relates to any other actual item or finished item with the same name.

This cowl is so easy to make and what makes it great is the texture. I used a chunky yarn with a big hook and the drape is so nice. The stitch is not as interesting as the Soft Stitch cowl, but it is easier to wear.

The stitches are loose and open

but when you put it on, you will realize how soft and drapey it feels.

I think you'll love it too. It only took One Skein of Patons Shetland Chunky. I would not substitute the yarn for this. The yarn absolutely makes the cowl. If you don't have access to this yarn at least use chunky weight. You can't get the same softness and drape with super bulky or worsted (for this project).

This is a great beginners pattern.

Here's how I accidentally made it:

Material
Bulky weight size 5 yarn (I used Patons Shetland Chunky in Oxford Grey)
Size M or N crochet hook
Yarn needle

Measurements
7.5 inches (18cm) in width
54 inches (137cm) in circumference

Do not crochet too tightly
Work in rounds
The first Ch 2 or Ch 3 of each round counts as the first stitch.

Ch 78 loosely

Join ch with sl st

Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc in next ch and each ch around. Join with sl st to first st of the rnd.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, Dc in next st and each st around. Join with sl st to first st of the rnd.

Rnds 3 - 8: Repeat rnd 2.

Rnd 9: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around.

Finish off and weave ends.

What I love so much is the sheen of the yarn...that's why I recommend using it. I don't know if you'll get the same effect unless you use something comparable.

See...it's so easy.

Effortless Cowl

No, this is not my PIP. I am posting this cowl pattern by request. This is a wonderful cowl for beginners...or anyone who loves plushy and soft crochet projects:)

I made this cowl a year ago and put it in my Etsy shop. Of course I kept the one in the photo and wore it a couple of times last winter. Sometimes I get comments on Etsy asking how to make it. I have never written a pattern down for this cowl because it is too simple to write down. It really can't be called a real pattern... i don't know...it just seen too basic to call a pattern.

I figured there were patterns out there already for something like this, so I never even considered writing it down. Well, someone messaged me again asking how to make it so I decided to go ahead and post it here.

This cowl is so simple. It is the most basic cowl you can make. These instructions are great for anyone...especially beginners. It is a mindless creation...meaning it takes literally no brainpower. I am a tv junkie. I love to sit and veg out in front of the tv at night, after the little one goes to bed. Of course, I am always crocheting (or trying to knit) while watching tv. So if you're like me...you will love this. You can mindlessly make this in a matter of minutes or an hour or so.

Like I said before...it is so basic and simple...so here you go

Note: I try to include the most accessible yarns in my patterns. I love being able to buy yarn at major stores that we all shop at. Of course, I love my local yarn shop and shop there more than anywhere else, but for many people, the major chain store is the most accessible.

Materials

3 skeins of super bulky yarn I used 6 weight like Lion Brand Hometown or the Thick and Quick.

Size M crochet hook

yarn needle

Gauge

Not that important with this type of project

Note: Crochet loosely. I'm getting messages and comments about the size. If you crochet tightly, force yourself to loosen up with the tension so the cowl will drape and fit nicely

Pattern

I like my method of working the starting chain better...Ch 87 and begin working into the ch before joining.

Rnd 1: Working into the back ridges of the chain, place hdc in 3rd chain from hook, hdc in each ch till the end. Join with a sl st to the top of first st.

You will take the starting tail and join to the other side. This method will prevent worrying about twisting the starting chain.


If you choose to go the traditional route...

Ch 87, join with sl st to first ch (careful not to twist the chain)

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as first st). Hdc in the back ridge of each ch, join with sl st to top of beginning st.

Rnd 2-14: Ch 2, Hdc in each st around. Join with sl st in the first st. Finish off.

I made mine as a continuous round. I did not join each round. This will give you a seamless cowl...but it will be off (not perfectly lined up) at the beginning and ending. (doesn't really show)

If you get bored you can work in the back loops for each st or you can totally change the look of the hdc by working in the ridge on the back of the hdc. This st looks really amazing. I just wish I had a photo of the result of this stitch.

The cowl in the photo below is the same cowl, but I used worsted weight yarn...Patons wool, I believe. The only difference is the number of chains and sts per row and I added a few more rows. I used an I (5.5mm) hook. I gave this cowl away as a gift, so I'm not sure about the number of chains.

So you can do a lot with this basic pattern. You can use bulky yarn for a ultra thick, warm cowl or worsted yarn for a lighter one.

See how easy this is. I can hardly call this a pattern.

Enjoy...my PIP is coming, it really is.

Soft Stitch Cowl Pattern

I am finally writing this pattern down and have decided to offer it for free. Last winter...I think it was January or February... I made this cowl and put it on Etsy. I sold four to one buyer. She was so nice and requested the pattern so she could learn to make a few for gifts. Well... I never wrote the pattern out...I know that's bad... I really intended to offer it for free but got really busy.

Well here it is now...better late than never i guess. The great thing about this cowl is the stitch. It is pretty and also allows for the perfect drape. Once you get used to the stitch pattern, it is quick to make. (I think I made about six last winter... all in a week or two)

If you are familiar with a double crochet decrease (dc2tog) you will be just fine with this pattern. If not... I would recommend practicing the stitch a little first.

Materials

3 skeins worsted weight yarn

I used Vanna's Choice in Taupe

Size J crochet hook

Yarn needle

Measurements

10in (25cm) wide

56 in (142cm) in circumference

Stitches Used (US terms)

Ch Chain

Dc Double Crochet

Dc2tog Double crochet 2 together or a double crochet decrease

Sl St Slip Stitch

Dc2tog: [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook

Note: Crochet the beginning chain really loosely. When working into the chain I always work into the back ridge loop (not the same as the back loop). It is a little more time consuming, but it is worth it, because this will give your bottom edge a finished look.

Pattern

Ch 120

Edit ch 119 or 121...you will need an odd number of stitches if not...you will end up with an extra chain

Note: I like working into the chain before joining. It prevents you from twisting the chain. Later you can take the starting tail and join with bottom edge.

Round 1: Dc2tog into the 4th and 5th ch from the hook, dc in last ch worked which is the 5th ch)... this is the pattern stitch. The first 3 chains count as a dc.

(Dc2tog into the next 2 chains, Dc in last ch worked) Repeat this across the beginning ch. Join the round with a sl st into the top of the first dc.

If you feel more comfortable with joining the chain from the get go then use this method.

Traditional Rnd 1: Join ch with sl st (careful not to twist ch). Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc2tog in next 2 chs, dc in last ch worked, repeat the pattern stitch around. Join with sl st to first st.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc2tog next 2 sts, dc in last st worked) repeat around. Join with sl st to first dc.

Rnd 3-14: Repeat Rnd 2. Finish off.

Don't worry... once you get used to the pattern stitch... you'll be fine.

If I have totally confused you, please leave a comment and I'll try to explain myself a little better.

Lime Green Cowl

I'm so excited for my first post.... and of course I am including a pattern to celebrate. It's a new season for cowls and gloves and all kinds of cool weather wear and this cowl is so simple and quick to make. I'm not one to say that fall and cold weather is the time for only muted and dark colors. Obviously I love brights and bold colors and I believe that any color can be worn at any time. Don't get me wrong...I do love and wear black, but bold colors just make me happier. So here is my first pattern post for the Lime Green Cowl.

Materials

2 skeins 6 weight super chunky yarn (I used Lion Brand Hometown)

Size N crochet hook

Stitches used

sl st slip stitch

hdc half double crochet

Gauge

4 rows 3.5 inches (9cm)

5 stitches

Measurements

13 inches (33.5cm ) in height from top to bottom

23 inches (58cm) around

(11.5 inches folded in half)

Pattern

Ch 32

You will be working in a continuous round.

Rnd 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to the end.

When you finish working into the beginning ch do not attach with sl st.

Rnd 2: Hdc in first hdc worked...this will form the circle. You are now basically working hdc in a continuous spiral.

If needed, mark the first stitch of each row as you work it.

Your cowl will be complete with approximately 15 rounds.

Finish off and weave ends.

(Note) I never use knots and always weave at least 4 inches of ends to make sure that they are very secure .

Upcoming posts will include fingerless mitts..... more free patterns!!!!!