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!

Big Hook Rag Crochet Give away

A few weeks ago I mentioned a give away. I am giving away a copy of this

Big Hook Rag Crochet includes one of my patterns... a basket. Inside you will also find other patterns for projects using different types of fabric. I made the basket using T shirts.

I took a few photos of the contents pages so you could see a little preview of the other patterns included

If you would like to receive this book for free, then just leave me a comment. You don't have to say a whole lot or share on Facebook, Instagram or any other site. Easy!

I'll randomly select the winner in one week (next Sunday). See you then!

Inside Out Jute Bowl

It's taken me awhile to post this pattern because I've been picky about the photos.

The pics below are taken with the right side facing...without turning it inside out

Here's a closeup of the sides

Either way is fine... I just prefer to turn mine inside out

Ok now to the good stuff. Here's how it's all done

Materials

3 ply jute (140 yards) I found mine at Dollar General (I know, huh) for a dollar each... I bought 2

Size K crochet hook

Yarn needle

Abbreviations

St                    Stitch

Hdc                 Half double crochet

Sc                   Single crochet

Reverse sc       Reverse single crochet

Sl st                 Slip stitch

Ch                   Chain

Gauge

5 sts or 4 rounds = 2 inches/ 5 cm

Note: Begin each rnd with ch 2 which counts as first hdc

Pattern

Holding 2 strands of jute twine, ch 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Begin working sides. The right side will always face you as you work. I've noticed this can be confusing for some who post photos with the right side turned inside. For this bowl that's exactly what we're doing, but don't turn inside out until you get to the last round.

For the sides I used the same technique as with the other baskets I've posted. For the next round, work under the loop on the back side of the stitch.

 This creates the seam separating the bottom and sides.

Rnd 8:  Working under the loop on the back of each stitch, work hdc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 9-10:  Repeat rnd 8.

Rnd 11:  Working in back side of stitch of previous rnd, sc in 12 sts, ch 6, skip next 5 sts, sc in next 23 sts, ch 6, skip next 5 sts, sc in next 11 sts. Join. 

Now turn bowl inside out. The last rnd will be worked using reverse sc. To do this you will be working to your right on the round... Basically backwards.

Rnd 12:  Ch 1, Reverse sc in 11 sts, 7 reverse sc under ch 6 space, reverse sc in next 23 sts, 7 reverse sc under ch 6 space, reverse sc in last 12 sts. 

Finish off and weave ends.

I'm reviewing the pattern for mistakes, so feel free to comment with any questions. If you're unsure about the reverse sc, you tube has lots of video tutorials. I'll look and post the best one I can find later today.

Enjoy!

My Favorite Basket... So Far

I made this basket last night sitting in front of the tv. I think it's my favorite one yet. It's another chunky crochet basket. The color is perfect. 

I used Lion Brand Thick and Quick in Oatmeal. It took every bit of 2 skeins with an N hook. The size is a larger (7 inches in height and 10 inches in diameter) since I used a larger hook. This particular color of yarn seems to be thicker than other colors of the same brand. 

I think I'll make 2 or 3 more just like this for the craft fair.

Chunky Crocheted Tote Pattern

I made this bag in one day. I love instant gratification projects. I'm going to make about 3 more. They're so easy and take very little brain power...my kind of project.

Materials

Super Bulky yarn (2-2.5 skeins) I used Lion Brand Thick and Quick in charcoal

Size K and L crochet hooks

Yarn needle

Measurements

14 inches (36mm) in height

20 inches (51mm) in height (including handles)

15 inches (38mm) in width (lying flat)

Note

The bottom of the bag is worked in rows, forming a square

Pattern

With K hook Ch 17

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to the end. (16 sc)

Rows 2-17: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (16 sc)

You will now begin working in the round. Do not turn your work

Round 1: Working down the side, place sc in the ends of each row. I put 2 sc in each corner. Work sc across the row, then back up the other side of the work. Place sc in each st across the top. You should end with 68 sc. 

Rnd 2: Working in the back loop, place sc in each st around. Do not join. Do not turn.

Now switch to the L hook

Rnd 3-31: Working in both loops, sc in each st around.

To determine where to end, I layed the work flat and lined up the corner of the bottom

The next round will form the handles

Rnd 32: Ch 35, skip the next 17 sts, sc in the next 17 sts, ch 35, skip 17 sts, sc in next 17 sts. Do not join.

Rnd 33: Sc in back ridge of each ch, sc in next 17 sts, sc in back ridge of each ch, sc in next 17 sts. Join using invisible join method.

Weave all of the ends...and you're done.

I like the shape of the bottom because the shape of the bag changes depending on how much stuff you put in the bag. It can be oval, round, or square.

It's so easy to make the size larger. All you do is add more rows. To add to the width just make the bottom larger by adding stitches and rows. Just make sure if you expand the pattern, increase the stitch count in between the handles. Just play around with it, and don't fret, crochet is so easy to rip out and redo. This bag is so quick, messing up won't slow you down much at all.

Remember to line up your handles so they are centered with the bottom. (look at the photo above)

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I need to correct any typos or mistakes.

(I wrote this up fast)

Have a great weekend!

Hexagon Pattern

I have at least a half a dozen projects going on. Since I have crochet ADD, I decided to start another one. I love hexagons and decided to come up with my own pattern.

Each one only takes a tiny amount of yarn, so I can use all of these little balls

Materials

Yarn of your choice (I used worsted weight)

Size G (4mm) hook

Yarn needle to weave ends

Measurements

about 3.25 to 3.5 inches (depending on your tension)

Pattern (US terminology)

Ch 4, Join with sl st, forming a ring

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 Dc into the ring. Make sure you crochet over the beginning tail. Join with sl st into top of first st. Pull tail tightly to close the hole. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 1, (2 dc in next st, ch 1) around. Join with sl st to top of first st. (24 dc and 12 ch-1 spaces)

Round 3: Sl st over to the first ch-1 sp. Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. 2 dc in next ch sp. (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in next ch sp) around. Join with sl st. Sl st over to ch-3 space. (this will set you up to sew hexagons together). Cut tail leaving several inches for sewing. 

When sewing together, whipstitch into the back loops of the hexagon. Sew from point to point. (This will be 10 stitches)

I like to use the tails of the work for sewing. Make sure after whipstitching together, you weave at least 3 inches into your work to secure the ends.

Just a note: This is a really simple pattern, not complex at all, so if there is another out there like this one or similar...it is purely coincidental. 

If you have questions feel free to ask. I'll try to answer them.

Have a great weekend!

Heather's Sock Monkey Hat

A few weeks ago, Heather from Pass the Cereal made this Sock Monkey Hat. Somehow I missed it. Isn't it the cutest thing? I just had to share it.

Heather did so great with this hat. I think it looks better than the original. I may have to copy hers...hahaha

I love it...these photos are just adorable. I want to make another one now:)

You can find the pattern for this hat here.

More of Your Chunky Baskets

I just had to share some more of the beautiful baskets that you all have created. Considering this time of year, these baskets are a good idea for holding candy or gifts, or to be created specifically as a gift. I love the colors. The first one is so pretty.

How gorgeous is this green? This was made by Romina from Madrid, Spain. I have to say...Romina totally inspires me. Check out her blog http://damelalata.blogspot.com/. She is amazing

I also love the neutral colors used in these...

These look so much like my own version, but made by Sophie, from France, http://figuierdesophie.canalblog.com/

and this one ...made by Stof, http://kneutsel.blogspot.nl/ Go on over and check this blog out...there you will find a tutorial on how to recycle t-shirts or sheets to create yarn

these colors look so autumny;D...you know what I mean. This one was made by Carol from Wakefield, MA.

and these were made by my dear Meredith, http://mereknits-mereknits.blogspot.com/. She added some pretty embellishments

this one by the creative Ali, http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ali-green

this altered version is so cool, made by Simona from the Czech Republic. She's giving me some ideas here

keep sending me your links...I love to share. I may add some more later. The pattern for this basket is here on my blog.

Today I'm finishing a pattern to post tomorrow so check back with me then.

Oh, and by the way, has anyone seen Sandra K, the winner of the slippers? She hasn't claimed her prize.

Sandra K if you find this post please send me your info so I can send your slippers to you;D

August Giveaway

Finally...this month's giveaway. Please forgive me. Things here are stressful right now. We've been house hunting and have just bought a house (scroll down for photos). Trying to round up all of the documentation required is so time consuming. Anyway, here's what's up for grabs this month...

I made these from a pattern that can be found on Etsy. It can be found here. I made a couple of pairs and these turned out too small for my feet. 

I changed the design by not adding the back part which would go around the back of the foot.
This pair would fit a size 5.5 - 7.5 US.
So if you are interested in winning this pair of slippers just leave me a comment. I'll randomly choose a winner in a week or so...probably next Sunday (in about 10 days)

Sorry about the blogging inactivity here lately. The house hunt and negotiating has put everything else on hold.

Here's a little preview of the house and land

9.2 acres

Sunroom...I've always wanted one. (These photos show the side of the house. The front is to the left side of the photo below.)

I love weird and different

Not so much for Ireland...this is how she feels about it all:D

She may not be happy about it, but I am. I sure do hope that all goes well (inspection and all) and we can close with no problems.

I'll keep you posted.

Come back in a few days for the Pink Panda hat pattern. I'll have it soon, I promise:)

Don't forget to leave a comment if you would like to win the slippers.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend:)

Another Version of the Chunky Basket

Lately, I have been obsessed with yarn bowls. They are so beautiful and I'm close to breaking down and buying one. This basket was made for a new friend who wants to use it as a yarn bowl.

As you can see, this is almost exactly like the Chunky Crocheted Basket. I changed the handles to make them more substantial. Linda, my new friend I mentioned, wants to be able to put her yarn inside and use it like a yarn bowl. I hope it works well for her.

I just love the color. Blue is and has always been my favorite.

I altered the original pattern. If you are interested in making this version...just follow the instructions below

You will hold two strands of yarn together 

Refer to the instructions for the original Chunky Crocheted Basket for rounds 1-11.

Rnd 12: Ch 2, Hdc in next 8 sts, ch 7, skip next 5 sts, hdc in next 19 sts, ch 7, skip next 5 sts, hdc in remaining 10 sts. Join with sl st.

Rnd 13:  Ch 1, sc in the back loop of each st around (including the back loop of each chain). Join with sl st.

Rnd 14: Ch 2, hdc in next 8 sts, sc in next 7 sts, hdc in next 19 sts, sc in next 7 sts, hdc in each remaining st. Join with sl st.

Rnd 15: Sl st in each st around. Finish off with no knot finishing method...just click on the link and scroll down to find the instructions.

As you can tell, I am addicted to making these baskets. This one can be used as a basket or a yarn bowl. This has inspired me to come up with a whole new yarn bowl pattern. Check back in a few days for that pattern. 

I'm still thinking about buying the real thing, though. They are just so beautiful...I can't decide which color I want. 

I can't decide...they are all just gorgeous. What do you think?...I'm thinking maybe the last one, if it is large enough.

If you would like to win a basket, I'm currently having a giveaway. Go to my previous post and just leave me a comment letting me know you want to be entered to win. I'll choose a winner next Saturday.

I hope you're having a great weekend:D

May Giveaway

It's really close to the end of the month, but still enough time for this month's giveaway.

Yes, I'm giving away another Chunky Crocheted Basket. I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in Portland Wine...this is the super bulky yarn. I used a little over 2 skeins and followed the pattern. Measurements are the same as the original basket. Click on the link above to see the details about the basket.

This purple was a mistake. I made this for someone who wanted blue or green. I don't know what I was thinking:D 

I'm half crazy as usual :) Life can be so overwhelming at times and my brain just doesn't function as it should all the time.

So I went out and bought more yarn in a turquoise shade of blue and decided to give this purple one away. 

For those of you who wanted the basket from the giveaway a few months ago, here you go. Just leave me a comment letting me know you want this one.

Next Saturday I'll randomly choose a winner.

Have a great weekend!