Beach Bag

Hey guys, today I'm going to just show you something that I made.  I admit to being a little stupid when it comes to fashion, bags, and shoes, but I've seen a lot of really cute crochet bags lately, so I thought I'd try to make one myself.  I had some hexagon shaped granny squares all made up for an afghan, but I never got around to putting them together. I never made enough to finish it anyway, so I decided to use them to make a bag.  How hard could it be?

HA!  Silly question! Did you know that hexagons are tricky little buggers?  I do now!  First of all, I was only going to make a small bag, about three hexagons wide and 2 or 3 tall just to start.  I didn't plan out how to put this thing together because I thought I'd just make the bottom and form the rest as I went.  It would just kinda...come together.  (Doesn't everything?)  Well this sucker ended up beach bag sized!

Also, I found that one side of this bag ended up higher than the other side, even with the same number of hexagons on both sides.  Why did that happen when hexagons are such a nice geometric shape?  (For real, how did this happen?!  If anyone knows, feel free to drop me a line or leave a message in the comments.)  I was using the ends of yarn up from old projects, so not all of the yarn was exactly the same density.  As a result, some of the hexagons ended up larger or smaller than others, but even then, if they're distributed evenly they should all kinda even out, right?

Once I got both sides a size I was relatively happy with, there was still something off.  I realized that for some reason on one side only, I had two hexagons sewn in with 3 sides up on the top instead of just two.  It was kind of weird.  I couldn't figure out how to make them fit in right, and if I tried to do without them, the bag would have some pieces carved out of the top.  This just wasn't working out the way I wanted.  :(

I eventually made two pentagon shaped pieces to fix the geometry problem.  I don't think they're too obvious.  I think it would have looked cooler if I had used colored yarn to join all my pieces.  Ah well, I still think the bag is kind of neat.  I'll attempt to make a smaller bag with some more hexagons I have left over.

Sarah's Scoodie

Here is the scoodie I made for my sister for Christmas.  I just finished it.

O.o

I need to get a better model.

Regardless of how early or late it is, I am really happy with how it turned out, so I'm going to show you how I made it!

I made this like a really, really long scarf, then I folded and sewed it up into a scoodie with pockets.

I used 5 skeins of Caron Simply Soft yarn in Iris, two buttons, and a size I/9 5.50mm hook.

ch: chain
dc: double crochet
sk: skip
fpdc: front-post double crochet
bpdc: back-post double crochet
st: stitch

To begin, Ch 40.

Row 1: Dc in 4th chain from hook, and all the way across. Ch 2 and turn.

Row 2: Sk first dc, then *fpdc in the next 4 st. Bpdc in the following 4 st.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. Dc in final st, ch 2, and turn.

Row 3: Sk first dc, then *bpdc in the next 4 st. Fpdc in the following 4 st.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. DC in final st, ch 2, and turn.

Rows 4- 5: Repeat rows 2 and 3.

Row 6: Sk first dc, then *bpdc in the next 4 st. Fpdc in the following 4 st.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. DC in final st, ch 2, and turn.

Row 7: Sk first dc, then *fpdc in the next 4 st. Bpdc in the following 4 st.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row. Dc in final st, ch 2, and turn.

Rows 8-9: Repeat rows 6-7.

Rows 10 - ?: Repeat rows 2 - 9 until you reach your desired length. Your scoodie should reach from fingertip to fingertip while draped over the head. THEN add 12 rows of basket weave (48 single rows). I am 5'8", and my scarf reached 99" long. Fasten off once you reach your desired length.

Lay your scarf on a flat surface, then fold the ends of your scarf up to the desired depth of your pockets.  I liked 6 basket weave rows deep on each side. Then I took a contrasting yarn color and tied the sides together in 4 places on each side. Use bow or knot that comes out easily.

Border rows:

Row 1: Once the sides are tied, starting at the bottom of one side and with the pockets facing you, start crocheting up the side of the scarf to crochet the pockets together and start making a border. Start with a ch 2, and then dc all the way to the end.  I found that 2 dc in each dc, and one in between dcs filled in the sides nicely. Ch 2, turn. 

Row 2: Alternate fpdc and bpdc all the way to the end. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3: Alternate fpdc with bpdc all the way across, making sure you match fpdc with fpdc and bpdc with bpdc. Fasten off. 

Turn your scarf and make the border rows 1 - 3 on the other side. On the third row, on only one side I decided to prep the center part for a hood. Instead of alternating fpdc and bpdc in the middle 16", I made all fpdc in this area. This gave me a point of reference and it also made sure that all the stitches matched up properly.

To create your hood:

Fold your scoodie directly in half with the pockets facing out. Whip stitch the side you prepped for the hood.  You should have a hood that measures about 8 inches. Fasten off and sew all your ends into your scoodie.

Finishing:

I added a 7/8" button to the pockets so they could be closed if needed.  I placed a button in the top middle of each pocket, then I created a loop by attaching the yarn to one of the double crochets directly above the button. Ch 8, and attach the other end to the double crochet right next to it. I tied the ends together with a knot and sewed the ends in.

Your scoodie is now complete!  Enjoy!

Basic Cable Crochet Cuff Bracelet

Today I have a new pattern that I wrote for a cuff bracelet.  This bracelet had several incarnations before I settled on this style.  My 10-year-old daughter is a bit more flamboyant than I am, I had made one for her with double cables and a ruffled edge.  I liked the double cable well enough, but couldn't get into the ruffles (and, truth be told, it was VERY wide).  I made a single cable cuff bracelet all in one color with a contrasting edge, but decided to try to make a cabled cuff with a different colored cabling,  I decided I liked the look of that one, so here's how I did it:

You will want two different colored yarns. I used Caron Simply Soft in blue mint and Loops and Threads in citrus, and a size H/8 5.00mm hook.  I keep a very tight tension, so you may need to adjust your hook size to compensate.  Also, this pattern uses front post treble crochet (fptc), and front post double treble crochet (fpdt). For front post treble crochet, follow instructions for making a front post double crochet, but yarn over twice before inserting the hook behind the post instead of only once. For a front post double treble, yarn over three times.  Finally, when you switch between colors, you will end up with some strands of yarn going back and forth on the back of the cuff.  I haven't figured out a better way to work them into the weave.  Here's what the back of mine looks like:

The pattern:

Chain 12. Turn.

Row 1:  SC in third ch from hook and sc all the way across. (10) (Rows should shape up to measure 2.25")

Rows 2-3: SC all the way across. Ch 1 and turn. (On fourth row, ch 2 and turn.) (10)

Rows 4-5:  Hdc all the way across. Ch 2 and turn. (10)

Row 6:  HDC in next 2 hdc. Change color, skip down to the row below your current row and fptc in the next four spaces. move back up, change color back and complete 3 hdc. Ch 2 and turn. (10)

Row 7: Hdc all the way across, ch 2 and turn. (10)

Row 8:  Hdc in next two hdc. Change color. Sk next two hdc. Fpdt in next two fptc.  Go back four spaces to the two skipped spaces and fpdt in the two skipped fptc. Change colors back, and hdc in the last three hdc. Ch 2 and turn. (10)

Row 9:  HDC across. Ch 2, turn. (10)

Row 10 - 18:  Repeat rows 7 - 10, ending on row 7.

Row 19 - 23:  SC all the way across, ch 2, turn. On last row, do not ch 2, just fasten off.

Once I fastened off on my cuff, for some reason it was a little crooked, so I blocked mine so that it was even all the way around. Click here for more information on blocking.

To finish, hold your bracelet facing you, Using your accent color and starting at the top right-hand corner, Single crochet to the bottom right edge.  Once you get the the bottom, fold your bracelet in half, right-side out. Single crochet across, stitching through both layers so that the ends are crocheted together. once you reach the end, single crochet around the left-hand side of the bracelet, fastening off once you have reached the end.

This project is pretty versatile. You can make it in one or more colors, try a couple of different kinds of edging, or add buttons to make it more interesting,

How to Create A Blocking Board

Today, I'm going to teach you how I made my blocking board. Blocking is sometimes required to get the right shape on a project. Sometimes a project curls around the edges or for one reason or another doesn't turn out the exact shape you want. When this happens, blocking is the solution.  To block a project, take the finished product and get it really wet. Squeeze the excess moisture out of the project (not too hard, or you'll end up with a wrinkly mess), then lay it flat in the desired shape, and secure to your blocking board with rust proof sewing pins. 

I made a small board out of a science project board, wrapping paper, a shower curtain, and tape.  I wanted something sturdy, but easy to pin and store because I have very little storage space in my apartment. So I went to Wal-Mart and grabbed a nice 20" x 30" project board with Styrofoam in the middle, and the cheapest clear shower curtain I could get my hands on. If it's cheaper, you could also get some vinyl by the yard, but I'm pretty sure the shower curtain was a better buy. It also doesn't fight too hard when you're trying to stick pins in it.  When I got home, I looked through all of my wrapping paper to find one with the cutting guides on the back.  The wrapping paper with the lines on the back is a great way to make sure that you get your edges straight when you're blocking.

I cut my wrapping paper and shower curtain a few inches larger than my board all the way around, then wrapped the board with wrapping paper and taped it up like a gift, making sure that all of my lines matched up with the edges of my board. 

Next I wrapped the board in the shower curtain, again securing with tape. 

That's all! Now I have a nice little board that's great for neck wraps, head wraps, cuff bracelets, or anything else I can think of that's small and needs blocking. You can see I'm blocking something right now, and I will teach you how to make your own in my next post!  See you then!

Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet

Something that I'm finding I use on a regular basis, are front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc). It is used in my Dana hat, and it will be used in another pattern I plan to post very soon.

Front post double crochet, and back post double crochet are used for ribbing and cabling crochet. Front post double crochet makes your crochet stand out, while back post double crochet causes it to recess.

To begin either crochet style, you need to have a row already made up. At the end of your first row, chain 2, turn. For front post double crochet, instead of going in under the "v" as you normally would:

Yarn over, slide your hook in behind the post made by the previous row. 

Yarn over, and finish a double crochet. This puts the post in front, thus, a front post double crochet.

A back post double crochet is the same except that you will yarn over, slide your hook around the post starting from behind,

then yarn over, and finish a double crochet. This puts the post in back of your double crochet, thus back post double crochet.

Dana Slouchy Hat

Hey guys! This is my first ever original pattern.  It is for a hat that I recently made for my friend Dana.  I really like the way it turned out, and hope that you enjoy it as well.

Dana Slouchy Hat

Key:

Ch = chain

St = stitch

Sk = skip

Sl st = slip stitch

Dc = double crochet

Fpdc = front post double crochet

Bpdc = back post double crochet

Note: I usually just crochet the ends of yarn into my projects, but since this is such a lacy hat, I’ve found that when I change yarn, it doesn’t crochet in right.  With this project, I find it’s easier to knot the ends together and sew them in with a yarn needle.

For this project I used Yarn Bee Soft Secret in Hot Turquoise, Aqua, Mist, and Black.

Similar weight yarns include Caron Simply Soft and Loops & Threads Soft and Shiny.

I used a size I/9 5.5mm hook. (I keep a very tight tension on my yarn, so keep that in mind as you follow this pattern.)

 With first color (Hot Turquoise for me), ch 96 and join to first ch using a sl st, making sure that the chain doesn’t get twisted. You should have a circle that is tight enough to fit around your head.  Increase or decrease in increments of 4 if necessary.

 Row 1: ch 3 then dc all the way around and join with sl st in ch 3.  (96)

 Row 2-3: Ch 3 -  this will count as your first bpdc. *fpdc in next dc, bpdc in following dc.* Repeat from * to * all the way around and join to first ch3 with sl st.  (96)

Row 4: Change to next color (optional, but Aqua for me), ch 3, sk 3 dc and dc in 4^th dc from ch 3, ch 2, and dc in same st.  *Sk 3 dc, then (dc, ch2, dc) all in the same st.* Repeat from * to * all the way around until you get back to your starting point. In the same st as your ch 3: dc, ch 2, then join to ch 3 with a sl st.  (96)

 Row 5:  Ch 3, make 4 dc in first ch 2 space. Add 4 dc into each ch 2 space all the way around until you get to your last ch 2 space, where you will only make 3 dc, then sl st to join to ch3. (96)

 Row 6:  Ch 5, dc in same st as ch 5. In the spaces between 4dc, (dc, ch2, dc) all the way around, joining  with sl st to 3^rd chain in ch 5. (96)

 Row 7:  Ch 3. 3 dc in next ch 2 sp. 4 dc in each ch 2 sp all the way around, joining with sl st in first ch 3. (96)

 Rows 8 – 15: Repeat rows 4 – 7 changing colors at row 10 (again, this is optional, I used Mist).

 Row 16: Change color for final time (optional, black). This is our first decrease round. Ch 5. Dc in same stitch. *In next sp between 4dc, (dc, ch 1, dc). In the following space between 4dc, (dc, ch2, dc).* Repeat from * to * all the way around. (84)

 Row 17:  Ch 3. 3 dc in next ch 2 sp. *2dc in ch 1 sp, then 4 dc in ch 2 sp* repeat from * to *. I ended up with two blocks of 4 dc at the end. It’s ok, nobody will notice. ;) Join with sl st to ch 3. (72)

 Row 18: Ch 3, sk first 3 dc and (dc, ch 2, dc) in space between 4dc and 2 dc. *Sk 6 dc, then (dc, ch 2, dc) in next space between 4dc and 2 dc.* Repeat from * to * all the way around, joining with sl st to first ch 3. (52)

Row 19: Ch 3, 4 dc in each ch 2 sp all the way around. Join with sl st in first ch 3.  Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew in the crown.

Crown:

 Using the same color as row 19, make a flat circle. You may do this any way you like, but here’s how I did it:

Row 1:  Make a magic circle, Chain 3, add 11 dc in the circle, joining with sl st to ch3. Pull on starting end to tighten the magic circle. (12)

Row 2: Ch 3, make 2 dc in each dc space, finishing with one dc in ch 3 space. Join with sl st to ch 3. (24)

Row 3: Ch 3, *1dc in next dc, and 2 dc in following dc.* Repeat from * to * joining with sl st to ch 3. (36)

 Row 4: Ch 3. *1 dc in next 2 dc, then 2 dc in following dc.* Repeat from * to * all the way around, joining with sl st in ch 3. (48)

 Attach Crown to Hat:

 Turn hat inside out and place circle in center.  If you need to increase or decrease the size of your circle so that it fits in your hat, do so now.

 Use safety pins to hold your hat in place while you stitch the pieces together.  Fasten off and sew ends in.

*******

There you have it!  I had a couple of friends test out the pattern before I posted it, and they were able to make the hat without too much difficulty, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  I welcome your feedback!

The Magic Circle, and Why It's The Superior Way to Start a Circle

Today I'm going to show you a magic circle, or magic ring, and explain to you why this is my favorite way to start anything that will eventually be a circle.

Ok, the only real reason I need to give for why I like it, is just that it gives me a nice, tight grouping of stitches. I especially like this for winter hats because it will help keep the cold out at the crown.

To begin a magic circle, start out with the end of the yarn draped over your hand with the end-side in front, and the skein-side at the back of your hand.

Make a loop around your hand and cross over in front of the loose end.

Insert your crochet hook behind where the yarn crosses over itself, yarn over, and pull up a loop.

Hold the yarn tightly underneath the crochet hook. Chain 1. This creates a knot just below your hook, but it will need to be tightened, so work the knot until it tightens up.

Chain as many as needed to begin your round. I am making a round of 12 double crochets, so I chained 3 total, then just started double crocheting, making sure to keep both strands of yarn inside my crochet.

Once you reach your desired size, find the end of the yarn, and pull tightly. This will make your stitches form a circle.

Then finish your round with a slip stitch.  I usually sew the end in with a yarn needle and cut off the excess when I am finished.

That's all there is to it! It's really easy once you get the hang of it, so give it a shot! You'll find that your projects look much tighter and more professional using this technique.