Old Pattern...New Price

Like the title says... Old Pattern, new price. I've decided to make some changes with the blog. So I'm starting here. The Beaded Bikini pattern will now be offered FREE

This bikini top is crocheted using cotton yarn which provides a great fit and coverage. The sturdy design allows for wear in and out of the water. The pattern includes instructions for two styles which are pictured. 

Materials

 Tahki Cotton Classic yarn or any light weight cotton Approximately 2 oz. or 175 yds.

Size D crochet hook

Beads of your choice 

12 beads for peach style A or B cup, 13 beads for C cup

13 beads for brown style A or B cup, 14 beads for C cup 

Yarn needle

Gauge

11 dc and 6 rows = 2”

Stitches 

Sc: single crochet

Dc: double crochet

Sl St: slip stitch

Ch: chain

Notes

Do not crochet loosely. The firmness of the stitches creates the sturdy texture of the top. 

Pattern

Size A and B Cups (Make 2)

Work in rows. The first Ch 3 counts as a dc. 

Ch 14.

Row 1: Dc in the 4^th ch from hook. Dc in next 9 ch sts. (2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) in remaining ch st. Working in other side of beginning chain, dc in each ch st to the end (26 dc and 1 ch-1 space). Turn

Row 2: Ch 3. Dc in each st to the ch-1 sp. (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch 1 sp. Dc in each st to the end of the row (30 dc and 1 ch-1 sp). Turn

Size A Cup

Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2 (50 dc and 1 ch-1 space). Turn

Row 8: Ch 3, Dc into first st (the st which is usually replaced by the ch 3). (Ch 1, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st) 7 times. Ch 1, skip next 3 dc, (3dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp. (Ch 1, skip next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st) 7 times. Ch 1, skip next 2 sts, 2dc in last st. Turn.

Row 9: Ch 3. Dc in first st. 3 dc in each ch 1 sp to the top of the cup.

(Note: You will not ch 1 between each 3 dc for this row).

3 dc, ch 85, sl st in 2^nd ch from hook. Sl st into each ch, working your way back to the top of the cup (this forms the strap). 3 dc in top of cup. (3 dc in next ch-1 sp) across. 2 dc in last st.

Size B Cup                                                        

Rows 3-8: Repeat Row 2 (54 dc and 1 ch-1 space). Turn

Row 9: Ch 3, Dc in next 2 sts. (Ch 1, Skip next 2 st, 3 dc in next st) to the last 3 dc before the ch 1 sp. (3dc, ch1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp. Ch 1, skip next 3 sts, 3 dc in next st. (Ch 1, skip next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st) 6 times. Ch 1, skip next 2 sts. Dc in last 3 sts. Turn.

Row 10: Ch 3. Dc in first st. Skip next 2 dc. (3 dc in each ch-1 sp) across to the top of the cup. (Note: You will not ch 1 between each 3 dc for this row). 3 dc, ch 88, sl st in 2^nd st from hook. Sl st into each chain, working your way back to the top of the cup (this forms the strap). 3 dc in same sp as last 3 dc. (3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 8 times. Skip next 2 sts and place 2 dc in last st. 

Note: This is the last row of the cup and is considered the right side.

Size C Cup

Ch 16

Row 1: Dc in 4^th chain from hook. Dc in next 11 ch. (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in last ch. Working in opposite side of beginning ch, dc in each ch (30 dc and 1 ch-1 sp). Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3. Dc in each st to the ch-1 sp. (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp. Dc in each st to the end of the row (34 dc and 1 ch-1 sp). Turn.

Rows 3- 9: Repeat row 2 (62 dc and 1 ch-1 sp). Turn.

Row 10: Ch 3, dc in next st, skip next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st. Ch 1, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st) 8 times. Ch 1, skip 2 sts, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp. (Ch 1, skip next 2 st, 3 dc in next st) 9 times. Skip next 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 11: Ch 3. 3 dc in first ch-1 sp. (3 dc in next ch-1 sp) across to ch-1 sp at the top of cup. (Note: You will not ch 1 between each 3 dc in this row) Ch 95, sl st in 2^nd st from hook. Sl st across to last ch (this forms the strap). 3 dc in top of cup in same st as previous 3 dc made. (3 dc in next ch-1 sp) across to end of row. Dc in last st.

Note: This is the last row of the cup and is considered the right side.

  

All sizes

After completing the 2^nd cup do not finish off. Turn both cups with the top of the cups pointing down and right side facing.  Now you will begin to work the rows on the bottom.

Sizes A and B

Row 1: Ch 3.

Work 40 dc evenly across the bottom of the cup. Ch 3, attaching the other cup, work 40 dc evenly across the bottom of the other cup. (80 dc and 3 ch) Turn.

Rows 2-3: Ch 3, dc in each st across (83 dc). Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in first st. Ch 1, skip next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st. (Ch 1, skip next 3 sts. 3 dc in next st.) across to last  2 sts. Ch 1, skip next st, 2 dc in last st. Turn.

Row 5: Ch 3, 2 dc in first ch 1 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in each ch 1 sp) across to the last ch 1 sp. Ch 1, 2 dc in last ch 1 space, dc in last st. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in first st (same st with ch 3). (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) across to last ch-1 sp. Ch 1, 2 dc in last st. Finish off.

If making the style of the peach top

String 6 beads onto yarn.

Row 7: With wrong side facing attach with sl st to the 2^nd dc. Sc in same st. (Ch 15, skip 11 sts, sc in next st) across. (8 sc and 7 ch-15 sp). Turn,

Row 8: Sl st over to the middle of the first ch-15 sp which is the 8^th ch. (Ch 7, slide up bead and ch 1 to secure, ch 7. Sc into 8^th chain of next ch-15 sp) across. Finish off. 

If making the style of the tan/ brown top

String 7 beads onto yarn.

Row 7: With wrong side facing attach with sl st to the 2^nd dc. Sc in the same st. (Ch 7, slide bead up, ch 1 to secure, ch 7, skip next 11 sts, sc in next st) across (8 sc and 7 ch-15 sp). Finish off.

Size C cup

Row 1: Ch 3. Work 45 dc evenly across the bottom of the cup. Ch 5, attaching the other cup, work 45 dc evenly across the bottom of the other cup. Turn.

Row 2-4: Ch 3. Work dc in each st across (95 dc). Turn.

Row 5: Ch 3. Dc in first dc (same st with ch 3). Ch 1, Skip next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st. (Ch 1, skip next 3 sts, 3 dc in next st) across to last 3 sts. Ch 1, Skip next 2 sts, 2 dc in last st. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 3. 2 dc in first ch-1 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) across to last ch-1 sp. Ch 1, 2 dc in last ch-1 sp, dc in last st. Turn.

Row 7: Ch 3. Dc in first st. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) across to last ch-1 sp. Ch 1, 2 dc in last st. Finish off.

If making the style of the peach top

String 7 beads onto yarn.

Row 8: With wrong side facing attach with sl st to the first st. Sc in same st. (Ch 15, skip 11 sts, sc in next st) across. (9sc and 8 ch-15 sp). Turn. 

Row 9: Sl st over to the middle of the first ch-15 sp, which is the 8^th ch. (Ch 7, slide up bead and ch 1 over the bead to secure, ch 7. Sc into the 8^th ch of next ch-15 sp) across. Finish off

If making the style of the tan/brown bikini 

Slide 8 beads for C cup onto yarn.

Row 8: With wrong side facing attach with sl st to the first st. Sc in the same st. (Ch 7, slide up bead and ch 1 over the to secure, ch 7. skip 11 sts, sc in next st) across (9 sc and 8 ch-15 sp). Finish off.

Strap/ tie for the back

Ch 298

Sl st in 2^nd ch from hook, and in each ch across to end. Finish off. Weave through row 5 for sizes A and B and row 6 for size C cup (or row of your choice).

Weave all ends and slide beads onto ends each strap and tie knot to secure. (refer to the photos)

Please notify me if any corrections need to be made. Feel free to contact me with any suggestions. If you need any help with the instructions I will be happy to help. You can sell items made from this pattern in your shop as long as you provide a link back to me or this design. 

I'm working on linking this pattern to a document you can download. In the meantime just copy and paste into a document if you need to print.

Over the next few weeks I'll be working on the blog. I'm in the process of switching over to Word Press. I may regret it, but I hope not. I find that a lot of my photos and content are slow to load and response time is a killer. A wise internet/ computer person informed me that blogger can be limited with lots of content. Or it could be user error. Any ideas are welcome.

I've also joined Bloglovin... Follow my blog with Bloglovin

 I'm behind in the blogging world. But I'll try to do better in the future.

Have a great weekend!

Life outside of crocheting

It's obvious I've not blogged very much lately. I haven't crocheted or knitted very much either. I've certainly wanted to but I chose not to. Other things became more important over the past 6 months or so.

I've been reading the blog lately and I've noticed a habit that I do all the time. I apologize quite a bit. I apologize for not posting, or reading my blogging friends blogs enough, or for not creating new patterns to share. I've decided I'm not going to apologize so much from now on. There are things in my life that are taking up a lot of my time, and I can't seem to find the time, or balance my time to be able to include blogging with all the other things. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that I was present in her life and all the activities that she chooses to do. I don't want her to look back and think, "All Mom did was sit on the couch and knit or crochet." Don't get me wrong I love crafting more than any thing. But I haven't been able to find the balance yet. Honestly, the priorities for me at this time are being present and active in family life. So now I'll share a little bit about what I have been doing over the past few months. I have to say even though I haven't been able to knit or crochet as much as I want, I am happy and proud about the things I've been able to accomplish.

Last year when the school year started, Ireland decided she would join Girl Scouts... But there was one big problem. There was no Brownie troop in our area. There was a troop of Cadettes, and their troop leader told me that unless a mom stepped up and formed a new troop, there would be no troop for Ireland to join. So guess what... I became the troop leader of a brand new troop of Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. The Junior dropped out so it became a Daisy/ Brownie troop. From September until the end of the school year we held meetings, events, and cookie booths. Ireland and the other girls had lots of fun.

Here are my girls... aren't they cute... I just love 'em.

We held cookie booths this winter

Earned several badges and fun patches

We also went to a movie, trampoline park, out for pizza, and a couple other outings. In a couple of weeks we'll go see The Secret Life of Pets. We'll have a break from scouting until September.

Ireland also joined the county swim team. She's always been a pool baby so I thought she would love being on the team.

I think she enjoys herself, but she seems to get frustrated if she doesn't finish first or second. I keep reminding her it's more about improving as a swimmer, learning more, and improving her own times. But I guess there's nothing more motivating than winning. It's very hectic working full time, going to the pool 4 days a week, and trying to get to the out of town meets, but the season ends in two weeks. 

So that's what I've been up to. I regret that I can't crochet or knit more, but I am happy about everything else I have chosen to do. 

I'm still knitting the same pair of socks I posted about two months ago. I'm also working on the post about the hanging basket. That will be coming soon. I will not make any more promises, but I am motivated to finish that post because of a collaboration with Lion Brand. I'm super excited about that since I love and use LBY so much.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Sea Shell Project

My current project is going to be a fun one. I am making a wedding bouquet for myself. 

Michael and I have decided to finally get married. Most people assume that we are already married, but we are not. We have been together for 6 years, and just now have decided to start making plans. I have been married once before, and I knew this time I wanted to do things differently...so my bouquet is not going to be a traditional one.

We are going to the Outer Banks (Hatteras Island) in September to do the deed...hahaha. The ceremony will be right on the beach of course. Only a couple of family members will be present... so I'm thinking almost an elopement.

The shells up top are mostly the ones we found from previous vacations in the Outer Banks...Ocracoke and Hatteras...so I really wanted to use those in the bouquet.

My favorite color is turquoise, so of course I'm using it in the wedding. (Speaking of turquoise, I am searching for a white to turquoise ombre dress, but have had no luck.) The bouquet will include turquoise sea stars and beads. 

I'm really looking forward to this project. 

Speaking of turquoise, I think I'll crochet a small bridal wrap or shawl. I don't want to wear all white.

 Inspiration for the bouquet...

and this one...but I will add the color of course

and this one...they are all so beautiful and different

All of these images were found through Pinterest, pinned to my beach wedding board. I think I linked back to original source. 

I really hope I can figure this project out, because I have my heart set on mine looking similar to any of the ones in the inspiration photos. 

I'll keep you updated.

Sorry no crochet, but I will post soon about something hook related.

Have a great week!

A Weekend of Relaxation

Last weekend Ireland spent two nights with her aunt and uncle, meaning Michael and I had a whole weekend to ourselves. This was a first...Ireland has never stayed away from home for more than one night. So Michael and I decided to take off to the mountains to escape the heat. We ended up in Blowing Rock. We found a nice little resort...the Crestwood Resort and Spa

The cottage we stayed in

I even had time to play around with my new phone and downloaded Instagram. These photos are more from Crestwood using Instagram...a new obsession. like I need another:D 

Crestwood is a unique and quaint place to stay...with a restaurant, art gallery, and spa.

Checking out the art at the resort

There were so many beautiful flowers at the resort and in the town. Blowing Rock is so beautiful in the summer.

Before leaving for home, we enjoyed a couples massage:)  By then I was sooo ready to come home. I missed Ireland like crazy:D