Stripey Hanging Basket

Can you believe I'm finally posting the pattern for this basket?

I just love this basket... it makes me smile every time I walk by it in the craft room. The colors are so bright and cheerful. I chose Lion Brand Vanna's Choice because of the variety of colors. The acrylic holds up well for repeated use and gives it the right amount of form and shape.  

I use it to hold all of those hexagons that I've been crocheting for awhile now. 

Ok... on to the good part.

Materials

Worsted weight yarn

I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice. Obviously, I used several different colors. For certain colors I used the Vanna's Choice Baby

Crochet Hook size G 

Yarn needle

Stitches Used

Ch   chain

Sc    single crochet

Dc   double crochet

Sl st   slip stitch

Standing double crochet

Standing single crochet

Invisible join

Standing dc: Begin this stitch with a slip knot. YO, then insert the hook into the stitch. YO and pull through st. YO and work like a regular dc. Pull the starting tail tightly. You'll weave it in later.

Standing sc: Begin with a slip knot, then insert hook into st. YO and pull through st. YO pull through both loops,making a sc. Pull the starting tail tightly. You'll weave it in later.

These two stitches may seem confusing at first. Basically you'll be eliminating chains. 

Gauge is not too important

If you crochet loosely then it will turn out larger than mine. I tend to crochet a little bit tightly

Pattern

Ch 4

Rnd 1: Work 9 dc in the 4th chain from hook. The 3 chains skipped, count as the first dc of the rnd. Join with sl st. (10dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first st). Dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join with invisible join method. (20 dc)

Rnd 3: Changing colors, use the standing dc method for first st. Dc in same st. Dc in next st. (2 dc, dc) around. Join using invisible join method. (30 dc)

By using the standing dc method and the invisible joins you can start each new round at any point of the work. I started each rnd, in different areas of my basket... just to make sure it looked seamless

For the next few rounds, remember the standing dc and invisible join.

Rnd 4: (2 dc, dc in next 2 sts) around. (40 dc)

Rnd 5: (2 dc, dc in next 3 sts) around. (50 dc)

Rnd 6: (2 dc, dc in next 4 sts) around. (60 dc)

Rnd 7: (2 dc, dc in next 5 sts) around. (70 dc)

Rnd 8: (2 dc, dc in next 6 sts) around. (80 dc)

Rnd 9: (2 dc, dc in next 7 sts) around. (90 dc)

The bottom is now complete. You will have 90 dc.

Rnd 10: Changing colors and working in the back loop, dc in each stitch around. Remember to continue using the standing dc and invisible join method for each round.

Rnd 11: Changing colors, work under both loops (like normal), begin with the standing dc method. Dc in each st around. Join with invisible join.

Rnd 12- 28: Repeat rnd 11.

Rnd 29: Change colors and use the standing sc method to begin. Sc in next 44 sts. Ch 22, sc in next st and remaining sts of rnd. Do not join or finish off.

Rnd 30: Sl st in each st and chain. I crocheted this rnd rather tightly to draw the top in just a smidge.
Finish off with an invisible join.

Weave all ends with the yarn needle.

You can now hang it or sit in on its bottom. I had so much yarn left over after completing this project. I'm using my left overs to make squares and hexagons.

Leave me a comment if you have a question. I'll do my best to answer. I'm working hard to improve on that.

If you decide to make one, please share. I'll be sharing the pattern on Ravelry soon.

And The Winner Is...

I almost forgot that I needed to randomly select the winner of this book

So without making you wait any longer, the winner is...

Emma Haughton

Congrats Emma! I really hope you like the book and find something you would like to crochet.

Just send me your contact information and address and I'll put it in the mail this week.

My preferred email address is sunshine75t@gmail.com

For the next post, I have another pattern book to share, but I haven't taken any photos yet. 

For now, I will share my most recent finished project. It's a Christmas tree skirt. 

I actually made two. Of course Ireland wanted one for her tree. I didn't mind since I messed up the first one and made it small with a tiny opening. That worked well for her artificial 4 ft tree. We have a live 9 ft tree in the living room, so the opening for the stand had to be a lot larger. I was inspired by Cherry Heart blog.

This is Ireland's

Anyway, I'll be back in a few days to tell you about another book. I'm not sure if I'll do a giveaway for that one yet. I only have one copy of it for now. I just might decide to do one though. Kind of like a celebration for each published project.

Have a great week and holiday!

Big Hook Rag Crochet

I'm excited to share some news about what I've been working on lately. It's a new pattern included in a new crochet book called Big Hook Rag Crochet.

The book was released this week and I was so happy to receive a copy in the mail today.

Here's a photo I took of the actual basket before it was sent for the photo shoot

I know it looks similar to the original Ombre Basket, but it's actually a totally different pattern. The whole concept is different. I used t-shirts to make this. The whole idea for the book is described in the title.

I love the book, which includes designs by various crocheters. It's so nice to see this in print. I've been working on more projects this year that will be included in a couple other books.

But to celebrate this one I'll be having a giveaway. So stay in touch to find out more. I know I've been slack lately, but these types of projects and deadlines have kept me busy. This weekend I'll be attending the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF) in Fletcher, NC (near Asheville). It will be my first time at SAFF and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm even taking a spin class.

Come back in a few days to see pictures of SAFF and to find out more about the upcoming giveaway.
If you would like to purchase your own copy of the new book, just click on this link.

Have a great weekend!

Colorful Stripey Projects

I'm working on a few colorful projects. One is finished. I'm calling it the Colorful Stripey Hanging Basket

When I started it, my intentions were for it to be a bag with handles for carrying small WIPs. But the plan changed. I decided I wanted a hanging basket to go in the craft room. 

The instructions are super basic and simple, so posting it shouldn't take me too long. 

I know this post is short and sweet but I wanted to share a little bit of my WIPs.

Have a great weekend✌️

Sock Knitting

I've become obsessed with socks. I've always been intimidated by the thought of knitting them. But Instagram has motivated me to try

I have lots of sock yarn scraps left over from crocheting shawls. So for these I'm using Noro, Spud and Chloe, Universal, Wisdom, and a couple unknowns.

My apologies for the photos, these are not set up well. I'm being lazy.

They're not perfect. This first one is a little big. My stitches are sloppy. My feet and ankles are slim, so the fit is a little loose. Hopefully they'll be pretty and colorful even if they may not be a perfect fit. I've learned that socks are way easier than I thought they would be.

dpns are a breeze for me...why are circulars so hard? Anyway, I hope I won't lose steam after the first. I'm reading that socks are addictive so I'll try to make my second pair look and fit better. I'm looking for some colorful sock yarn for the next pair. Any recommendations would be nice.

Ireland's blanket is coming along, but of course I've lost interest. I'll force myself to keep crocheting a couple squares every other day or two.

The pattern for these are from Purl Bee, the Sporty Striped Peds.

I don't know why I'm so obsessed with knitting lately, but I'll post a pic of Ireland's blanket in a day or two.

Have a great weekend!

Grannies

This weekend has been all about grannies...

Making progress on Ireland's blanket

I've also been working on a scarf

It's a multicolor puff scarf

All of those little balls of scrap yarn have come in handy.

Happy Sunday!

A New Blanket WIP

Yes, I've lost it. I started a new blanket...only because Ireland asked

It seems everyone is participating in the Crochet Mood Blanket project. I thought about it and then reminded myself how terrible I am with blankets... I'm still working on the patchwork. But when your child asks you for something, you do it. So here I am crocheting 2 or 3 squares each night.

I decided to make each one different, trying to mix it up.

If it gets boring I lose my motivation. So maybe this idea will keep this long project interesting. I can choose a different pattern and color for each one.

Here is a beautiful sight...

I'm so proud and excited to see her crocheting. She is just chaining for now. I hope she will like it as much as I do. Of course I won't force her, but I will definitely try to inspire her. I hope she continues to have the desire to learn.

Now, I guess I'll work on her blanket. The color for tonight is purple.

I hope you all have a great week.

What I've Been Working On

I just realized that it's been almost two months since I've posted anything crochet related. I've started about five new projects and finished about three...not so bad.

Julia Vaconsin's Basic Mitts

I also completed a South Bay Shawl in the Red Heart Unforgettable. I think this is the Winery colorway.?

It needs blocking and better photos

This is my latest...

the dreaded Noro

I am proud of myself because I have waited two years to use this yarn again. This time I am using the Taiyo sock in the S9 colorway from Knotanotherhat. I just couldn't resist. This will be another Elise. One of these days I will come up with a shawl pattern. It's just hard to beat the Elise pattern, but I am getting pretty burned out on it.

To find these patterns just click on the links in blue.

The Finished Ripple

I forgot to post about my ripple afghan when I finished it.

I am a terrible blanket/ afghan maker. I lose focus and start about 50 other projects before I ever finish these larger ones. It only took me about 2 and half years to finish... That's really sad. I keep telling myself that the Patchwork will get done way before, yeah right, I'm thinking...and I'm sure you are too.

These are not the best photos, so I'll try to take better ones tomorrow. (the dark colors are actually a darker blue and purple). Yes, I broke my own picture taking rules...no natural light with these to show the true colors.

I'll also try to come up with a name for the new hat, so I can get that pattern posted.

Happy weekend.

Pillow Or Afghan?

Pillow or afghan is the question. What should I do with the hexagons? 

I'm thinking pillow for now. I am impatient and love those instant gratification projects. Or maybe I could make lots of hexis and make both. That'll take me 2 years...seriously.

I just finished my ripple afghan, finally, after almost exactly 2 years. I just get so bored with the same project.

I thought I would share a pillow that a fellow Raveler, Luisa, made from this pattern. Isn't it pretty?

Raveled here

and here is an afghan made by another Raveler, Andrea.

 

Raveled here

It's beautiful. I love seeing projects inspired by patterns found here.

I'll try to post some pics of the ripple sometime soon.

Here's one, but it isn't good. I'll try to take better ones.

Have a great weekend!

Purple Haze Bag and a Colorful Basket

Here's another bag for the craft fair

This one is made with a round bottom

Homespun yarn doubled...unfortunately with 2 different dye lots as you can tell. Oh well;)

A really fast project

Here is the colorful basket

I'm still working on the stripey bag...maybe I'll finish it this 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!

Back to the 'Ol Patchwork

I've finally picked up the hook and dug out the patchwork...

I'm almost halfway there

Scratchy kitty would not go away...she just had to have her picture taken. 

After visiting Janette over at The Green Dragonfly and seeing her kitty cat, Billy, I thought I would post a pic of Scratchy. They look so much alike.

Then I had to take a few of the flowers. Something new opens everyday...thanks to the previous owners

I have started my sea shell bouquet...I'll share photos in a few days

I think I'll go and crochet a couple squares before bedtime.

Three Scarves

Back to crochet again.

It seems like every time I start a scarf, I feel the urge to start another and another.

I started this one because I like the first chevron scarf...but I wanted a more narrow scarf with just one v. I think I'll stick to blues, greens, pinks, and purples for the color scheme of this one.

The first one is the original chevron of course...and the pink scarf is Ireland's alpaca scarf. It's my fifth Isar scarf. The pattern can be found here. It's so soft.

Still no progress on the patchwork. Maybe I'll find my crochet mojo after we move.

I've been getting several messages on Ravelry and emails daily about patterns found here. I just wanted to say that I read all of them and am trying to answer as many as I can. If I don't answer, please feel free to email or message me again. It worries me when I feel like I don't answer someone.

With that being said, so far I'm having a peaceful weekend...I hope you are too:)