Crochet Bolero in Mandala Cake Yarn

Mandala Cake Yarn

This is the first time I've used Lion Brand - Mandala cake yarn, though I have one in every color. It's kind of strange, a size 3 thickness but its fuzzy like wool, though it is all acrylic.

The free pattern is "Cir-Collar Vest" by MazKwok 2014.

FREE PATTERN

http://allstuffcrochet/blogspot.com

Date: August 25, 2017

Designed By: Suzanne Cowles (Sassy Catt) ©

Skill Level: easy

Technique: Crochet, worked in rows and rounds

Terms: US

Category: vest

Hook Size: Clover G (4.0 mm)

Yarn: Lion Brand - Mandala, 100% acrylic, Size 3, 150 grams, 590 yards

Color: Chimera (1 cake)

Finished Size: small

Stitches: CH (Chain), SC (Single Crochet), DC (Double Crochet), FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet), SL (slip Stitch), T (Turn), SK (Skip), INC (Increase)

Gauge: 9 DC = 2”

Notes: The first CH3 doesn’t count as 1st DC.

Back V stitch = DC, CH, DC

Colar V stitch = 2DC, CH, 2DC

Shell = 6DC

Mrs. Pretty Bunny Amigurumi Doll

Mrs. Pretty Bunny Amigurumi Doll

The original free pattern is available at Amigurumi Today. I followed the pattern except for the body. The clothes are my own design, and come off so I can make other clothes.

 Minnie Mouse Shoes

FREE PATTERN

http://allstuffcrochet/blogspot.com

Date: March 25, 2017

Designed By: Suzanne Cowles (Sassy Catt) ©

Skill Level: intermediate

Technique: Crochet, worked in rounds and rows

Terms: US

Category: Amigurumi

 Picnic Basket

Hook Size: Clover G (4.0 mm)

Yarn: Caron - Simply Soft, 100% acrylic. White, Black, Red.

Yarn Weight: Size 4, 142 grams, 251 yards

Yarn Needed: parts of 1 skein of each

Finished Size: 19" tall



Stitches: CH (Chain), DC (Double Crochet), SC (Single Crochet), SK (Skip), INC (Increase), SL (Slip Stitch)

Gauge: Will be determined by the hook chosen.

 Necklace

Notes: This project was much larger than I am used to. Other people have used a smaller yarn and hook to get a smaller size.

I didn't use the solid black eyes. These are brown 12 mm safety eyes. 

I redid the head/neck, because ot was too floppy. I put 2 pieces of wire inside the head sticking out for the ears. Then I made the neck thicker. The wire from the head and body were attached with electrical tape. I stuck a wooden skewer inside, the length of the body.

There is a doll stand around the neck, sitting under the head. 

I used Caron mauve size 4 yarn to embroider the nose.

The tail is a ready made white pom pom from Walmart. The Disney button and Waverly Red polka dot quilt fabric also came from Walmart.

   

Crochet Scheepjes Hygge CAL 2017

 

Sheepjes CAL 2017 - Hygge

After crocheting for a little over 2 years, I decided to join my first CAL (Crochet Along). This page is meant to be a journal of the adventure and lessons learned for others.

What interested me first about this particular CAL was the use of Cross Stitch embroidery to create a Fair Isles look. I used to do cross stitch before learning crochet, so that part should be easy.

The 4" x 4" Gauge Square was 4" tall x 4.75" wide using a Clover F (3.75 mm) hook. I couldn't get the fabric to match exactly, But that's okay. This is the first gauge square I've ever made, as I never worry about that. 

The obvious thing is that the heart is not in the center of the fabric. There are 2 SC on the right and 3 SC on the left. If I were to do this again, I'd make 20 SC in each row, not 19.



The backside has knots, but the stitches make a straight line because I worked across each row.

To see how much yarn to cut to use as the embroidery thread, a 24" strand makes 15 Xs.

I found the CAL on Ravelry, which started on February 15, 2017.  Each part is published on Wednesdays in different languages at Sheepjes. I'm using English US terms. 

This beautiful heirloom quality shawl was designed by Kirsten Ballering of Haak Maar Raak and uses Sheepjes Yarn. Ester at It's All In a Nutshell has a YouTube channel with how to videos.

Sheepjes is not readily available in the US, but I bought my kit from Wool Warehouse UK ($47.29 US). The Royal Mail came in 14 days from ordering. I found out about this wonderful store on the Sheepjes CAL Facebook page.

   Sheepjes Rainbow Kit

The rectangular shawl is 15" tall by 75" long. It consists of 10 skeins of Sheepjes Stone Washed Black Onyx in sport weight (78% cotton/22% acrylic), and 11 skeins of Sheepjes Catona in 25 grams 100% cotton. There is an organza drawstring bag, needle and button. 



It is easy to see that the Stone Washed is thicker and fuzzy, equal to a size 3 DK yarn. The splotchy dye reminded me of denim yarns. 142 yards each.

The 25 gram Catona looks like shinny cotton string and is thinner to carry along (size 2). Both are very soft and obviously high quality cotton. 68 yards each equal to a "Bon Bon".

Colorway Key Card

As always I approached this project with an analytical mind and focused on getting organized while waiting for the kit. I made a colorway card using Microsoft Word & Adobe Photoshop software printed on white card stock. All of my projects go into a large 3 ring binder. The colorway consists of 11 colors, one of which is the field color. 

One thing I noticed right away is that Kirsten clearly loves crocheting with many yarn colors and lots of bobble stitches. The bobble stitch is similar to a popcorn stitch in that it creates a puffy ball of yarn that protrudes from the base fabric by grouping 5 double crochet stitches joined at bottom and top in one space. The secret to making them pop, is to pull the closing draw through YO tight.

I had to practice doing bobbles with Red Heart size 4 acrylic yarn and a Clover J (6.0 mm) hook. I chained 31, did 3 rows of SC, then started bobbles on row 4 just as pattern. The benefit of practicing with acrylic is it stretches. The goal is to space the bobbles correctly as diamonds, have consistent popping bobbles, and have consistent background fabric in the right gauge. This wasn't hard to do in one color. Note the fabric starts to curl.

Lessons learned (in one color): 

• While making bobble, use middle finger holding hook to push yarn back on hook shaft.
• After pulling up each loop, bring hook to horizontal position so loops are consistent in height.
• With all loops on shaft, keep tight tension as you draw through. With that one loop on shaft, place hook in next space for SC, yarn over. Use middle finger to pop bobble forward. Press two loops together and pull tight. Finish single crochet.
• Don't twist or cross over loops on shaft. Keep them straight in a row.
• The finished top of each bobble should be one stitch only. You are "securing" the bobble in the next stitch.
• While working the next SC row on the wrong side, it was easy to accidentally grab the wrong loops on the top of the bobble. To avoid this, I placed the hook down to the far side by the "V".
• Uncurl the fabric with your crochet hand as you go across, so the gauge will get off.

There are four available: Pastel, Rainbow, Jewel and Mermaid. Some people are using stash yarn and making their own colorways. Apparently the Catona comes in a zillion colors and different gram weights.

   4 Sheepjes kits

Some people are doing two or three different kits at the same time. Rock on you overachievers! I'll be playing catch up.

Week 1 goal: Make heart cross stitch gauge swatch. (Someone turned theirs into a small pillow.) Make rainbow bobble shawl end as below with 29 rows.

  Front side

  Back side

Week 2 goal: Make diamond separator and 3 flower cross stitch pattern. I used a Clover 7 (4.5 mm) hook for the separator. I also changed the left side leaf pattern to be symmetrical to the right side.

Week 3 goal: Make diamond separator and 5 hearts cross stitch pattern.

 
Week 4 goal: Make diamond separator and 3 flower cross stitch pattern. This goes to row 95.

Week 5 goal: Make diamond separator and crochet 57 rows of background. This goes to row 152.

Week 6 goal: Make 57 rows of background crochet and diamond separator. This goes to row 209.

Week 7 goal: Embroider center flower and one half of back panel.



Week 8 goal: Embroider 2nd half of back piece.



Week 9 goal: Make diamond separator and 3 flower cross stitch pattern.



Week 10 goal: Make diamond separator and 5 yellow diamonds cross stitch pattern.

Crochet Bumpy Bobble Cuff Hat

Crochet Bumpy Bobble Cuff Hat

This is a crochet hat with bobble stitch decoration using one skein of yarn. I used a bobble instead of a popcorn so I could practice for the Sheepjes CAL 2017 Hygge, and a starting chain of 35.

This is also my first hat worked flat, and not a beanie.

The original free pattern came from Allen Williams and can be found at Eating Out Loud, March 2012 also on Ravelry. His pattern uses popcorn stitch and is sized for a man with a starting chain of 45. (I love when guys crochet!)





FREE PATTERN

http://allstuffcrochet/blogspot.com

Date: February 25, 2017

Designed By: Suzanne Cowles (Sassy Catt) ©

Skill Level: Easy, beginner

Technique: Crochet, worked in rows flat

Terms: US

Category: Hat

Hook Size: Clover H (5.0 mm)

Yarn: Lion Brand - Vanna’s Choice – Radiant Lime, 100% acrylic

Yarn Weight: Size 4, 100 grams, 170 yards

Yarn Needed: 1 skein

Finished Size: 11” long uncuffed x 18” around at bottom

Stitches: CH (Chain), DC (Double Crochet), BLDC (Back Loop Double Crochet), SC (Single Crochet), BLSC (Back Loop Single Crochet), (BO) Bobble, T (Turn), SK (Skip), SL (Slip Stitch)

Gauge: Will be determined by the hook chosen.

Notes: The bobble rows have 3, each row is offset.

Depending on how wide you need, you may end up with the beginning and last row bobbles in the same place instead of offset. No problem, as that is the back.

There is a tight SC used to close the bobble, so there are 3 in each row.

I saved a little yarn and made a small pom pom to cover the top seam.

If you want the bobbles to really pop out, pull the "draw through all loops" very tight.

Crochet Starburst Mandala Circular Vest CAL 2017

 Dorianna's finished product

Crochet Starburst Mandala Circular Vest CAL 2017

This original free pattern is a crochet along is by Dorianna Rivelli at The Lavender Chair called “STARBURST MANDALA CIRCULAR VEST CAL” published February-March 2017, every Friday in 5 parts. Also posted on “The Pattern Connection” FaceBook group page.

   My Colorway

FREE PATTERN

http://allstuffcrochet/blogspot.com

Start Date: February 27, 2017

Finish Date: TBD

This Version Designed By: Suzanne Cowles (Sassy Catt) ©

Skill Level: beginner intermediate

Technique: Crochet, worked in rounds

Terms: US

Category: Vest

Hook Size: Clover 7 (4.5 mm)

Yarn: Lion Brand - Heartland, 100% acrylic. See colorway key.

A: 169 Shenandoah

B: 130 Bryce Canyon

C: 135 Yosemite

D: 151 Katmai

E: 122 Grand Canyon

F: 125 Mammoth Cave

G: 126 Sequoia

Yarn Weight: Size 4, 142 grams, 251 yards

Yarn Needed: Parts of 1 skein of each

Finished Size: Women's extra small

Stitches: CH (Chain), DC (Double Crochet), SC (Single Crochet), SK (Skip), TR (Treble Crochet), SL (Slip Stitch)

Gauge: Will be determined by the hook chosen.

Notes: Pattern is written and with photos. 

   Part 1 Completed


   Part 2 completed

The Lavender Chair Instructions: 

Intro Week

Part 1 (2/27/17)

Part 2 (3/3/17)

Part 3 (3/10/17)

Part 4 (3/17/17)

Optional Sleeves Part 5 (3/24/17)

Please follow along and post your project version on Ravelry.

Crochet Bricks & Lattice Scarf

Crochet Bricks & Lattice Scarf

This is a one skein crochet scarf. I purchased the yarn for a few bucks on clearance. It's really bizarre and makes stripes that are thin to thick and fuzzy. Who doesn't love fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi?

The original FREE pattern "Bricks & Lattice" was from Elizabeth Ham, July 2012 also available on Ravelry.

http://allstuffcrochet/blogspot.com

Date: February 23, 2017

Designed By: Suzanne Cowles (Sassy Catt) ©

Skill Level: Easy, beginner

Technique: Crochet, worked in rows

Terms: US

Category: Scarf

Hook Size: Clover I (5.5 mm)

Yarn: Premier – Isaac Mizrahi – Craft - Flatiron, 64% acrylic, 12% bamboo, 12% alpaca, 12% wool

Yarn Weight: Size 5, 100 grams, 166 yards

Yarn Needed: 1 skein

Finished Size: 7” wide X 50” long

Stitches: CH (Chain), DC (Double Crochet), SC (Single Crochet), SK (Skip), SP (Space)

Gauge: Will be determined by the hook chosen.

Notes: Just keep going until the skein is all used.

Crochet Pillbox Bowtop Beanie Hat

 Crochet Pillbox Bowtop Beanie Hat

This is a crochet beanie hat that fits snuggly around the head, but has a flat top accented by a large bow. The Sprig stitch on the sides makes its own self edge.

FREE PATTERN

http://allstuffcrochet/blogspot.com

Date: February 15, 2017

Designed By: Suzanne Cowles (Sassy Catt) ©

Skill Level: Easy, beginner

Technique: Crochet, worked in rounds top down

Terms: US

Category: Hat



Hook Size: Clover I (5.5 mm) for hat. Clover J (6.0 mm) for bow.

Yarn: Lion Brand – Vanna’s Choice – 133 Brick, 100% acrylic

Yarn Weight: Size 4, 100 grams, 170 yards

Yarn Needed: Almost full skein

Finished Size: 6” flat, 5” tall, 16” diameter, fits small adult

Stitches: CH (Chain), SL (Slip Stitch), SC (Single Crochet), HDC (Half Double Crochet), SK (Skip), INC (Increase = 2 HDC), SP (Space), T (Turn), BLSC (Back Loop Single Crochet)

 

  

Sprig Stitch = 2SC/CH2/2SC in SP

Gauge: Will be determined by the hook chosen.

Notes: The top (HDC) and the sides (Sprig stitch) will seem like they make a 90 degree angle where they meet.

    

INSTRUCTIONS:

F: Make ring

Rnd 1: CH 1, 10 HDC, SL (10)

Rnd 2: CH 1, INC around, SL (20)

Rnd 3: CH 1, *HDC, INC around*, SL (30)

Rnd 4: CH1, *HDC, HDC, INC around*, SL (40)

Rnd 5: CH 1, HDC, INC, *HDC, HDC, HDC, INC around*, SL (50)

Rnd 6: *INC, HDC, HDC, HDC, HDC around*, SL (60)

Rnd 7-8: HDC around (60) This is the top which will turn upwards like a bowl. It is meant to go 2” past the typical top of your head. Flattened out the diameter is 8”.

Rnd 9: Start Sprig Stitch. *2 SC/CH 2/2 SC around*, SL to next SP (15 Sprigs)

Rnd 10 – 18: Continue Sprig Stitch in spaces. Don’t Slip stitch at row’s end. Pull them down from the points as made to see true length. Try hat on to add/delete rows as you desire. Sides are 4” long as designed.

Make Bow:

F: CH 51, T

Rows 1-12: SC in first, BLSC across, SC in last, T (50)

Finished size 2 ¾” tall x 16 ¾” long. Don’t cut yarn. Using starting chain tail whip short ends together, so wrong side is out. Don’t overlap fabric. Fold in half so seam is on bottom. Using yarn ball, wind yarn around both pieces tight, scrunching fabric. Do this evenly and as many times as necessary to make it look like a bow. Knot on underside. Cut an 18” tail, use to sew to hat. I put hat on wig stand, then pinned bow 1” above starting ring.

Free pattern available as PDF download at my Ravelry Store. Please favorite and post your own version as a project.

If you have a question about this pattern or see an error, please leave a comment at the bottom of my blog post. Feel free to repost my pattern on social media or link my blog to your own webpage.