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!

Color Inspiration

This is where I found the inspiration for the Ombre Basket

I found the photo on Pinterest, but cannot find the original source. I repinned it here on my Crochet board. When I click on the photo this is where I am led. It's a site called PapernStitch...which I love. If you've never been there...go and check it out. I decided to share this photo so you would see more color options in case you want a different color combo for your basket.

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the comments and emails about the basket pattern. It seems to be a big hit. Spontaneous projects always turn out the best for me.

Currently, I have 4 Etsy orders to fill, so I won't have time to do much else. (My Etsy shop is on vacation for a couple of weeks...considering the new job:) By the way, it is going well. I love the work and the people I work with. Getting up at 5:45 am is the only negative. I am not a morning person, but I'll get used to it.

I won't be able to start anything new, but I do have an older project to share with you, later in the week.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend:D

Oh, and if anyone can find the original source for the photo please let me know, and I'll share it.

Ombre Basket Pattern

I am so amazed at the interest with this basket

I used 9 colors and tried to achieve an ombre effect.

The size is about three times larger than the chunky basket. I'm putting this one beside my chair for WIPs.

Measurements
9.5 inches in height
12 inches in diameter

Materials
9 different colors of worsted weight yarn
Size L crochet hook
Yarn needle

Pattern notes

The first ch 2 of each round counts as the first st
Hold 4 strands together
If you are using one color to make this basket, you will not need to join each rnd of the body of the basket. Continue working sc in a continuous spiral eliminating the seam.
You will work two rows of each of the colors except for the bottom and the last three rounds.

Pattern

With Black (4 strands together)

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with sl st (8 hdc)

Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st. Join with sl st. (16 hdc)

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

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

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

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

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

Rnd 8: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 6 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts) around. Join. (64 hdc)

Rnd 9: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 7 sts, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 7 sts) around. Join. (72 hdc)

The next round will be the first row of the body of the basket. You will be working into the back of each hdc.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc under the line or ridge on the back of the first st of previous round. (Hdc have a line or ridge on the back of the stitch). You will be working under this line or ridge, not into the regular loops.

This will leave the two loops of the stitch

creating a seam separating the bottom and the sides of the basket. Continue working sc around. Join with sl st.

Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st and each st around. Join and finish off.

Rnd 12: With dark grey, sc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 13: Sc in each st around. Join and finish off.

Rnd 14-25: Repeat rounds 12-13.

Rnd 26: With mustard yellow (or the last color of choice), sc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 27: Sc in next 13 sts, ch 10, skip next 10 sts, sc in next 26 sts, ch 10, skip next 10 sts, sc in next 13 sts. Join.

Rnd 28: Sc in next 13 sts, 12 sc under the ch 10 sp. Sc in next 26 sts, 12 sc under the ch 10 sp, sc in next 13 sts. Join and finish off.

Weave ends.

I'm sorry I did not post this pattern earlier....I got the job and today was my first day:D I really hope working will not affect my blogging:D But I am really happy to be working again.

Ombre Love

It feels like I haven't posted in forever. I just had to give you a sneak peek of my latest project. I worked on it all day yesterday.

I love ombre. Something on Pinterest inspired these colors.

Here's a look at the entire basket. Yes, it's another basket...and it's a large one.

I'll have to write the pattern up in a later post. Right now I have an interview to get ready for. Can you believe it? It's been a long time since I've had a serious job prospect. It's for a social worker position. If you don't hear another word about it...then you know that I didn't get it and I'm feeling crushed. But if I do get it...I'll let you know.

See you soon!