New Post On The New Blog

Christmas in August

I've been crocheting a lot lately. Every year we hold an annual craft sale at work. This year I'm making items to sell.

To read more about what I've been crocheting and knitting lately, head over to the new blog

crochetincolors.com

See you there!

I'm Moving

I'm Moving!

I've decided to move the blog to Word Press. I started this blog back in 2011, so I'm sad to leave it behind. I hope all of my followers will come with me.

The name, Crochet In Color, and content will remain the same, but the URL is now Crochetincolors.com

I've transferred all content including pattern instructions and pages over, and plan to leave this blog here untouched.

All new content will be posted on the new blog Crochet In Color... you'll see everything will remain the same except for the general look.

Mobile View

Over the past couple of years with Blogger, I've had to upload photos to make them show up in the posts and fix links that have decided to stop working.

I will miss Blogger, but already love the versatility that Word Press offers with design.

Please come with me as I plan to post new patterns and content!

Click here to go to my new blog!

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!

Our Trip to the Dominican Republic

In June we went to the Dominican Republic. We had a great time and returned home alive and well. Warning... this is a photo heavy post

We didn't let the media stories and worried texts from from family and friends prevent us from enjoying our trip

We stayed at the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe. The resort was beautiful and the people were so friendly. We've been to several different Caribbean islands and the Dominicans were by far the friendliest. The beaches and water were more beautiful than any other island we've seen. I see why so many people go to the Dominican.

We enjoyed the Star Prestige Beach Club

The grounds and decor are stunning. We were in awe of the beauty of the resort

There are different types of birds to see at the resort

Ireland enjoyed the fish therapy and hair braiding

She made a friend named Chocolate

Dressel Divers Dive shop was located at our resort and we went on the Saona Island excursion

Our boat for the trip to Saona

We snorkeled on the way to the island and spent time on the boat drinking, listening to music and dancing. I really hope Ireland doesn't read this post... she would be mad about the photos

Ireland made a few friends on the boat ride

The beaches of Saona were so beautiful

We had a wonderful time and never felt unsafe. I really hope the DR is not affected negatively by the recent events. Many of the hardworking people depend on tourism to survive and would never hurt any tourist.

On a different note... I bought a new Mac computer! After being without a computer for over a year (or two), I can look forward to blogging again... Using a phone to blog is no fun.

My New Brightech Magnifier Light

I have a new lamp that I’ve been using for a few days. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a craft lamp. I see residents at the facility using them and I keep telling myself they would really help me with my crocheting at night while I’m sitting on the couch watching tv. If you’re like me you can’t use black or dark shades of different colors at night. Normal lighting just doesn’t cut it.

This lamp is from Brightech... and I chose to try the Lightview XL 2 in 1.

It's great for helping me thread needles. When I'm wearing my contacts, my close up vision is terrible. I love the magnifier because it makes threading a needle and painting details on ceramics super easy. I don't have to wear readers at all while using the lamp.

Another great feature is the light adjustment. The arrows can be touched to either brighten or dim the intensity of the light.

My favorite feature is the light. My craft room is really dark. Our house is a little weird. Our downstairs rooms are partially underground, so lighting in the craft room is from five different light bulbs. The lamp produces really nice white light. I don't like to craft in yellow or soft light. I love white light... I'm a light bulb fanatic. When I shop for light bulbs, I will only buy the clear or daylight bulbs, but it's almost impossible to find those. I can't stand the new light bulbs that the world has switched to in the last few years. Everything looks yellow. I don't take photos using light bulbs unless they are clear or daylight. Horrible lighting will ruin a photo. This light is awesome for photos because it doesn't yellow the shots or the objects in the shots. I may even use the lamp to take better photos.

The photos show the craft room with the lights turned off. The lamp produces plenty of bright light even in a dark room.

I have figured out that I like using it as a floor lamp, even though all of my photos show it as a table lamp. It easily converts back and forth. Since I crochet on the couch at night, I'll probably convert it back from the table lamp and sit it on the floor beside my spot on the couch. Now I can work with black or dark shades of yarn with no problem.

If you're in the market for a craft lamp or any other type of lamp, check out Brightech. I'm really happy that I had this opportunity to try one out.

Wow... It’s Been Over A Year

It’s hard to believe I haven’t posted anything in over a year and a half. Last year was a truly miserable one. This one has been some better. It’s been busy as usual and I just wasn’t feeling blogging. It has been at the bottom of my list for a long time now. For a long time I didn’t crochet or knit...it didn’t interest me at all. I still lead a Girl Scout troop and work full time of course...so that’s taken every ounce of energy I have. Also, my beloved geriatric Sony Vaio laptop crashed. It was my fault because I loaded so much onto that thing. So blogging on my phone (which I’m doing now) didn’t appeal to me at all. Now I feel the need to share again. Recently I started knitting hats after a request from a coworker. That reminded me of how much I needed it. I’m also crocheting Christmas baubles. At work every year our facility holds an awesome two day Christmas craft fair. At first we thought we were going to cancel because we weren’t ready. But instead of canceling, lots of staff and residents are pitching in to create items to sell. So I’m painting a couple ceramic pieces and crocheting the baubles.

I’ve made seven so far with a goal of about twenty. I think I can get them done in time. I used Pinterest to lead me to the patterns. The red, white and green one can be found here. The red, yellow, pink and purple one can be found here. The tiny stocking pattern can be found here. 

I’ve starting painting these ceramics which were donated to the facility by a resident’s family member. It’s a slow process considering I’m somewhat of a perfectionist. I’m turning the owl into a planter for a succulent or other plant of some kind.

I have to say this post has frustrated me since it’s taken over an hour to do on my phone. Maybe before long I can get a new laptop or iPad to use. 

I hope you all have a happy Sunday. I’ll be back in a few days...since I have plans for another post next Sunday. 

It’s good to be back,

Liz