One for Me, and One for You, and One for You Too!

I think I've established that I’m a huge fan of scarves – especially lightweight cotton scarves that we can wear here in the South where it seldom is cold enough for heavy wool. When I saw this beautiful double faced gauze online at Fashion Fabrics Club, I couldn't resist buying a couple of yards in half a dozen (OK seven) different colorways. It is light and warm and breathable – perfect for a southern scarf to wear as an accessory from fall through spring. I made one in each fabric for myself.

OK. I know that’s All For Me, but then I decided to make one for two favorite girlfriends who both have birthdays this month. I think my Mom is responsible for my love of gift giving. She always made a point to try and find just the right gift for each person – especially for birthdays. She always said that it was OK to have some socks mixed in with the Christmas gifts, but birthdays were different.

I have to admit, there is nothing quite like hearing an ooh of delight when someone opens a gift. And when they promptly put that gift on and wear it throughout the party, you know it really is appreciated. Such was my experience last weekend as we celebrated with my friend Alice.

Why yes. That is a barrel full of monkeys she’s playing with. Growing up is overrated!

These scarves couldn't be easier to make. If you can, find double faced gauze. Many of the fabrics I chose are sold out now, but some are still available like the Grey/Black/Brown Plaid that I used for my friend Joan’s scarf. If you can’t find gauze that is already double faced, buy two contrasting or complimentary fabrics – preferably gauze, but a light cotton lawn or batiste would work well too.

You will need two yards of each fabric and this will make four scarves or two scarves and a wider shawl. Most gauze fabric doesn't have a right and wrong side because it is thread dyed. That means the color is applied to the thread and the pattern is woven in as opposed to fabric that is woven and then dyed or printed.

If you are not using fabric that is already double faced, match up the fabrics (with wrong sides together if there is a right and wrong side) and then cut the fabric lengthwise down the middle. Subcut each of these pieces lengthwise again leaving four strips that are 14 – 15 inches wide and three yards long. My fabric was 57 inches wide, but if you are using fabric that is closer to 45 inches wide, cut into thirds instead of fourths.

After the fabric is cut, sew the edges together all the way around leaving a ½ to ¾ inch seam allowance. Use a fairly short stitch so that the loose gauze layers will not slip the stitches once the edge of the scarf is raveled. To make the raveled edge, you want to pull out all of the threads that run parallel to the seam. This part of the project is a bit tedious, but if you pick at it while watching TV, or over a glass of wine with friends, it goes quickly.

When you think you have removed all of the threads, run the scarf through a regular wash (be careful of bright colors that might run) and dry on low. The scarf will be quite crinkly if you have used cotton gauze and maybe a bit less so if you are using a different fabric. If you like that look, you’re done. If you like a look that is a bit more polished, just iron the scarf on the cotton setting with steam. Give it a try and enjoy!

By the way, that one on the bottom is my favorite. It really perks up a simple burgundy outfit.

Guernsey Scarf Update

Remember this scarf? More than a year later I finally wrote up the pattern, so even though I said in my last post that it was the last blast for winter, here is just one more winter weight scarf pattern. Find it on Craftsy.com. If you are looking for an excuse to learn some fancy post stitches, this is a great project for that. Think of it as a sampler where you will learn to crochet three different post stitch patterns - parallel posts, tall cables, and steps.

Now I'm off to work on the pattern for something lightweight and lacy for spring. Stay tuned.

One Last Blast for Winter!

With the temperature predicted to clime to 80 today here in Atlanta, I must be mad to be writing up a pattern for a wool scarf. I guess sometimes I just like to be contrary. The truth is, I finished this scarf at Christmas time, but it was such a simple pattern, it hardly seemed worth writing up. Today though, as I was packing up some of my winter accessories it occurred to me that some of my readers up north are still hearing the wind howl around the corner of the house and watching snow fly by the window. So for all of you, I've written up the pattern and posted it for free on Craftsy.com, and here. If not this spring, perhaps in the fall you will decide to pull out the hook and have a go. Enjoy!

Chunky Ribbed Scarf Pattern

Project Specifications

Description:

Looking for an easy crocheted scarf for beginners? This one couldn’t be simpler.  The whole scarf is made with back loop single crochet and works up in a few hours. Chunky yarn and a large hook size are part of the magic. Best of all, this scarf is extra long so you can wrap it around and around to keep you warm and look fashionable.

Skill Level:

Beginners will learn single crochet stitch and to crochet in back loops.

Finished Dimensions:

Scarf is approximately 5 inches wide and 96 inches long.

Gauge

13 stitches and 15 rows – 4 x 4 swatch

Materials

Yarn

3 skeins KnitPicks[1] Wool of the Andes Bulky (100 grams, 137 yards, bulky weight). This is a 100% Peruvian Highland Wool yarn that can be hand washed and dried flat. The color I used was Vinca.

If unavailable, any bulky weight soft wool yarn will do. On the yarn label look for yarn that calls for size 10-11 knitting needles[2] However, substitution will make checking your gauge even more critical. To achieve the desired dimensions, you may need to go up or down a hook size, and add or decrease the number of stitches and rows to achieve the finished dimensions of the pattern.

Tools:

Crochet hook US size K/10.5 (6.50 mm)

Abbreviations and symbols used in this pattern[3]

bl – back loop

ch – chain

chs – chains

fl – front loop

lps - loops

sc – single crochet

st(s) – stitch(es)

tch – turning chain

yo – yarn over

*__ * repeat directions following * as many times as indicated

Special Stitches

The single crochet stitch is quite straightforward. With a foundation chain started, turn back and insert the hook into the 2^nd stitch from the hook. Yarn over from back to front (that is, take the ball yarn and bring it from back to front over the hook) and pull that loop through the chain. You now have two loops on the hook. Yarn over again and draw that loop through the other two loops on your hook. This completes the stitch. When you come to the end of a row, you will turn your work, chain one for height and insert your hook into the first single crochet stitch in the row below, continuing in this manner across the row. 

The back loop single crochet is worked in exactly the same manner with the exception that the stitch is worked in the only the back loop of the stitch below leaving the front loop untouched. As you work back and forth in successive rows, this use of the back loop only will create the ribbed texture of this scarf.

Crochet Directions

Chain 301, turn.

Row 1: sc in 2^nd loop from chain, sc across, turn.

Row 2: *chain 1, sc in bl of first sc. sc in bl across, turn.*

Row 3 - 19: repeat * to *

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing

Generally I would recommend blocking your finished crochet project. However, due to the texture and weight of this scarf, I didn’t find any blocking necessary. If you do find the corners curling a bit and want to block the scarf, try this method. Heat a steam iron to the highest temperature. When it is warm enough to make abundant steam, lay the scarf out flat on your ironing board. Pass the iron a couple of inches above the scarf being careful not to actually touch the fabric. The steam should help to set the shape of the scarf and eliminate curling. Allow the scarf to cool before handling. Also, I generally store hand crocheted scarves loosely doubled and then hung over the rod of a sturdy coat hanger (wood, aluminum, plastic) rather than stuffing it into a drawer or hanging it on a hook. This keeps the weight of the scarf from stretching it too much and helps the scarf to retain its shape

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[1] KnitPicks is an online store which can be found at www.knitpicks.com

[2] This will correspond to a US size K or M crochet hook, but recommended crochet hook sizes are rarely noted on yarn labels.

[3] This pattern is written in American terminology. For British users, treat single crochet as a double crochet.

Summer Scarves

Keeping it up with the process pledge, this post isn’t about a quilt, but it is about something in process. Remember back in June when I was going on about an embroidered gauze shawl? Well what I didn’t tell you is that in the process of finding the fabric for the teal wrap, I also bought all of this...

Blerg! It’s a whopping total of twelve yards of bubble gauze fabric. How did that happen? I have piles of fabric in search of a project, and I think I’ve been here before.

This little summer scarf project won’t use up a tenth of it, but it’s a start. Maybe if I make one for me and one for a friend in each color?

They are a snap to make – especially if you have a sewing machine that does some fancy stitch work, and a well stocked thread drawer. Gutermann Natural Cotton is my current favorite.

I also love that this raveled edge is built in. That’s the selvage edge. I did hem the other side, top and bottom, but all together, this scarf took about an hour to make. If you like you can use a liquid fabric stabilizer and press the gauze to make it flat for stitching. Just wash it afterward and the crinkles snap right back into place. Just be careful about mixing with other laundry as they all run like crazy. What did you expect for under $4.00 a yard?

More Scarves

I’ve made a few more scarves this winter. I really do love them, and they are quite practical here in Atlanta. Of course we wear them outdoors on the few really cold days of winter, but they also pair with a long sleeved tee in fall and early spring, when you don’t quite need a jacket. This one is another Tunisian Simple Stitch scarf.

It was actually supposed to be a shawl, but after a few dozen rows, I concluded that the pattern had an error and I was going to need four more skeins. This Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend  isn't all that expensive for the quality, but 8 skeins of it would have made the shawl too “spendy” as one of my friends would say.  The color of this multi yarn is called Stellar, and it has an amazing hand.

I also made another tunisian scarf just like one of the ones I showed you in this post. The Artyarns Silk Rhapsody Glitter is 50% silk and 50% Kid Mohair and super soft. The best part is that one skein makes the scarf. This one ended up being a birthday gift. 

Guernsey Scarf

Back in October Jared Flood, (also known as Brooklyn Tweed in yarn circles), released Shelter, an artisanal yarn with Wyoming grown wool from Targhee-Columbia sheep. It is spun in Harrisville, New Hampshire, a town with a long textile history.Knitch, was one of the few yarn shops to receive early shipments of the yarn, and since they are right around the corner from my house, I had to run right in and look. I was quite taken with the color names like Long Johns, Hayloft, and Homemade Jam.

I also was inspired by a pattern Jared designed for a Guernsey wrap.  I knew I wouldn’t wear a wool wrap, but I loved the texture in the design. Of course it was a pattern to knit, and I prefer to crochet as well, so I decided I needed to work out my own design for a crocheted scarf.  

I also was inspired by a pattern Jared designed for a Guernsey wrap.  Though I knew I wouldn't wear a wool wrap, I loved the texture in the design. Also, it was a pattern to knit, and I prefer to crochet, so I needed to work out my own design for a crocheted scarf.
The first version of the scarf was made from a couple of skeins of  Stonehedge Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool that I already had. When I design on the fly, I tend to try different patterns, widths, etc. and rip them out until I’m satisfied. That can be tough on yarn, though I must admit the Shepherd’s Wool held up well.
The final design uses a mixture of grit stitch, and three post stitches: vertical ribs, cables and steps. In between each band I inserted horizontal ribs of rear loop single crochet. 

Once I was happy with the design, I wiped up another in the red “Long Johns” color of Shelter. No gifting here. I will wear both often.
To see some of Jared Flood's knit patterns Take a look at Made in Brooklyn or Knits Men Want.

How Time Flies

I’ve been busy sewing up a storm for friends and family, with the occasional crochet project thrown in. Since late last fall I’ve worked on many baby projects including these drool kerchiefs.

I also had a grand time making party favors for a baby shower.

These little filet crochet chicks where wrapped up around three Spangler Candy Company’s Dum Dums and tied with grosgrain ribbon. Everyone had something special to take home from the shower, and the little cloths are actually somewhat functional washcloths. They are made of Gjestal Baby Bomull cotton (roughly equivalent to size 3 crochet thread from Royale, but much softer), and completely washable. Of course I can imagine a real interesting time when tiny little baby fingers get tangled in all those open meshes.

The pattern is quite simple if you are familiar with filet crochet. Here is the chart.

If you aren’t familiar with filet crochet, you can purchase the pattern here. It includes everything you need to know to make these washcloths and to chart your own designs. While I was at it, I made another filet crochet piece for an aunt who loves vintage sewing machines. This one I put into a frame and gave as a Christmas gift.

I also made a couple of baby quilts.

One was for a mom who was not looking for anything “babyish”.

And another for my great nephew’s first birthday

The patterns for both of these quilts are available online at my Etsy.com shop (Soubrette Art).

And then there is the whole Tunisian crochet experiment.  Two scarves and one pillow later I’m really in love with the technique, and can’t wait to do more. It is so simple and yet what fabulous texture. Fruits of the learning process include a couple of scarves and a pillow.

I made this one from Artyarns Silk Rhapsody Glitter is 50% silk and 50% Kid Mohair. It’s not inexpensive, but one skein made the scarf

This pillow was made of Blue Moon Socks That Rock 100% superwash merino heavyweight.

Both the scarf and pillow patterns are in Sharon Hernes Silverman’s book Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the East of Crocheting. Find it at Amazon.

Here is a close-up look at the stitch.

And I took a refresher course on knitting and made this bag. 

It’s made from Rowan big wool, which is obviously a very chunky yarn. You can find it online at Knitch, my favorite yarn shop.

Now I’m working on a project pattern so I can lead a “learn to crochet” class there.

I needed a scarf for St. Patrick’s day – since it can be quite chilly here for an outdoor celebration.

This one is made of cotton (KnitPicks® Crayon™) in Lime and Jalapeno – just one skein of each. Crayon is a lightweight and super soft boucle that is perfect for spring.

What about the Lady bags you ask? Well I have designed three new ones, and will write about those after I finished writing up the patterns.

One friend received a yarn bag and an accessory bag made of a bit of tapestry upholstery cloth for her birthday.

Another friend has been promised placemats and napkins for her new kitchen and dining room. The ideas never end. I’m working on writing up all of the original patterns, so stay tuned.