On the Road Again!

It's that time of year and we will soon be heading off to the beach for a week of sun, fishing, and dog play. While busily planning what to pack, dithering about a new swim suit and whether the cover-up covers enough, and the other minutia of vacation prep, I have also planned a good road trip project. Several years ago I became enamored with the idea of non-traditional yarn. First I tried making yarn with grocery store plastic bags. A couple of years later I made a cute bag with fabric scraps and included the instructions for making fabric yarn. This year I'm attacking the fabric scrap box to make rag rug style chair pads.

It couldn't be simpler. First follow the link above to make your yarn. What a great feeling that is for a Yankee-at-heart girl like me to use up all those scraps.
Now select a really large crochet hook. I used my US N/9.00 mm aluminum hook from Boye. Because the quilter's cotton fabric I used tends to be a bit sticky, the slippery aluminum works quite well. A Bamboo hook might offer a bit too much resistance for smooth crocheting.

If you don't remember your crochet in the round technique, take a refresher here. You may have to play with the increases a bit to make sure the pad lies flat. In this first sample I made ten stitches in my first round, doubled each stitch on the 2nd round, doubled every other stitch on the 3rd, ever third stitch on the 4th, etc. And if you find yourself running out of yarn before the chair pad is large enough, don't worry. Just add more strips of fabric as you go along.
A perfect "on the road" project. All you need is a bag of scraps, a crochet hook and a pair of scissors. Enjoy

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

---

[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.

Crocheted Sampler Bag

How is it possible that I made this bag, wrote up the pattern and began selling it in July 2010, yet somehow never blogged about it? You’ve got me. I’m forgetful that way.

I designed this bag for a beginners Learn to Crochet class. Back in the day when all young girls were taught needlework, samplers where work projects used to practice various techniques such as a cross-stitch sampler. Hence the name. The project teaches the elements of crochet, including several basic stitches such as Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet and Double Crochet, as well as Seed Stitch, Rib Stitch and a couple of Post Stitches (Basketweave and Tall Cables).

If you already know how to crochet and have mastered basic chains, single and double crochet and finishing off, the fancier stitches are quite simple. Do you know them?

Seed stitch is one of the easiest:

Chain a multiple of 2 stitches +1.

Row 1 – ch 1. *sc in st, sk next st, chain 1” across ending with sc.

Row 2 – turn. chain 1. *ch 1, sk sc, sc in ch* across, ending with ch 1.

Repeat rows 1 and 2.

This pattern can also be worked in hdc, dc or tr

Rib stitch isn’t difficult either:

Chain a multiple of 1.

Row 1 – turn. chain 1. Sc in back loop only across.

Repeat row 1.

This pattern can also be worked in dc.

Post stitches are a bit more challenging, but easy once you get the hang of it. These special stitches are worked around the post of the stitch in the previous row to create texture and interest in the work. To do this you insert your hook on one side of the post and come out on the other, then yarn over and pull a loop back around the post.  You will either be working from front to back to front (called front post double crochet but worked behind the post) or back to front to back (in front of the post).

The front post double crochet (fpdc) is worked as follows:

Yarn over (YO) and insert hook from the front, around the post coming out again at the front. Yarn over again and draw up the loop. Now complete the double crochet as usual. That is YO, draw through two stitches. YO and draw through last two stitches.

For the back post double crochet (bpdc):

YO. Insert the hook from the back, around the post, coming out again at the back. YO and draw up a loop in the back of the work and complete the stitch as normal.

To make the basket weave pattern you simply chain a minimum of 6 stitches then a multiple of 3 stitches +2.

Row 1 – turn. ch 2. dc across.

Row 2 – turn. ch 2. hdc, *3 fpdcs, 3 bpdc; repeat from * to * across, ending with hdc.

Row 3 – turn. ch 2. Hdc, *3 fpdc, 3 bpdc*; repeat from * to * across, ending with hdc.

Row 4: same as row 3.

Row 5: same as row 2.

Repeat rows 2 – 5.

The cable stitch is a bit awkward, but again, once you get the hang of it, pretty easy.

Chain a multiple of 6 stitches +1.

All even rows: turn. ch1. sc across.

Row 1 – turn . ch 1. sc across.

Row 3 – turn ch 1. 2 sc *fpdc around sc 2 rows below, sk sc behind fpdc, sc, fpdc around sc 2 rows below, sk sc behind fpdc, 3 sc*. Repeat from * to * ending with 2 scs.

Row 5 – turn. ch 1. 2 sc, fpdc around fpdc and 2 rows below, sk sc behind fpdc, sc, fpdc around fpdc 2 rows below, sk sc behind fpdc, 3 sk*. Repeat from * to * ending with 2 sc.

Row 7 – turn. ch 1. 2 sc, *fpdc around sc 2 stitches forward and 2 rows below, sk sc behind fpdc, sc, fpdc around sc 2 stitches back and two rows below), sk sc behind fpdc, 3 sc*. Repeat from * to * ending with 2 sc.

Row 9 – turn. ch 1. 2 sc *fpde around fpdc 2 rows below, sc sc behind fpdc, sc, fpdc around fpdc 2 rows below, sk sc behind fpdc, 3 sc*. Repeat from * to * ending with 2 sc.

Repeat rows 4 – 9.

The bag is made up of one block of each of the seven stitch patterns in each of three colors.

I made it up in these bright Rowan Handknit cottons because I already had the pink and I thought it would be fun to add a couple more colors to make it summery and bright. Then I found this adorable retro fabric for a lining. The fabric so reminded me of all those cute mommy and me patterns from McCall’s back in the 50s and 60s.

What’s my favorite thing about this bag? You can roll it up and throw it in your vacation suitcase. When you are ready to pack to come home, you have an extra carry on for all your souvenirs or those precious shells you gathered every morning on the beach. Want to make one for yourself? Find the full pattern here.

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.

Wind That For You?

The other day I was thinking about the simple pleasure of sitting with another person winding a ball of yarn. I had been to Knitch, a great online yarn shop that happens to have their warehouse and shop around the corner from my house.  A favorite Aunt had a birthday coming up and I wanted to buy yarn for a scarf. After picking out a yummy skein of Artyarn’s Silk Rhapsody Glitter, Nell asked if I wanted it wound from a hank into a center pull ball. It’s a service that you only find in good yarn shops, and they have some amazing contraptions to do it quickly. Most folks are delighted I’m sure, but I always say no thanks.

Perhaps it’s just the memory from childhood of those special moments with Mom while I held the yarn stretched out between my two childish hands and she went round and round wrapping it into a ball. Like most of us who learned needlework from our mothers, it was moments like these that kindled the desire to learn. “What are you going to make mommy? Can I do it too?” And so it began.

There was always some little part of the project that needed an extra set of hands. “put you finger right here while I tie this knot.” Or maybe that was just Mom’s way of drawing me in and making me feel a part of the grown up ladies sitting around with their crewel, needlepoint and knitting.

My first lesson was on a French knitting spool I think. From there I graduated to knitting needles, and crochet hooks. At some point in high school I do remember my Mom lamenting that somehow her beautiful old woven embroidery case with wooden hoop, needles and floss had become mine. But that’s what passing on traditions is all about.

So when someone asks if I would like the yarn wound into a neat ball, I always say no. Not unless you are willing to sit across from me and enjoy a half hour of warm and relaxing chatter while I hold the yarn and you make a ball.

A Happy Handmade Christmas to All

Memories of Gramps

I’ve been thinking about Christmas’ past and memories from my childhood lately. It’s funny how an object can become such a token of a time and place. My Dad grew up in a wonderful rambling federal style house on a hill in the Sauquoit Valley of New York State. The place was called Wyndmoor Farm, which always sounded somehow romantic to me – like Wuthering Heights could have been written about a place with that name.

Those two ground floor windows on the left in the picture where in my Gramps’ study. It had a wonderful old cobblestone fireplace in one corner, and a huge oak roll top desk by the window. Because it was also the only room in the house with a TV, we kids spent a lot of time in there when we visited. On the chair at Gramps’ desk was a chair pad made my by Gramma Stephenson. I never gave much thought to it as a child. It was just colorful and soft and always there.

After my Grandfather died (at the ripe age of 97), my Dad and his last surviving brother took a few special mementos to keep, and I was surprised to see that he saved that chair pad. He took it home and put it on the chair in his office/den – the place he paid the bills and watched sports on TV.

In 2006, I lost both my Mom and Dad, and as we were packing things up to sell the house, I found myself drawn to that chair pad. I took a close look and realized that – ever thrifty – my grandmother had knitted that chair pad from little bits of leftover wool, and stuffed the rows with old nylons. What a great way to use up those little bits of yarn at aren’t enough to make anything; how bright and cheerful the clash of colors.

I had recently finished a Christmas ornament project – making a zillion little wet felted ornaments – and had plenty of yarn left over. I decided it would be fun to replicate the chair pad with my own leftovers. Of course, first I had to teach myself how to knit in the round. I tried circular needles, but I couldn’t get the tube small enough for my purpose. I tried the knitting spool from my childhood, and the tube was too small. Finally I bit the bullet and bought a set of five double point needles. I started. It was hard. I set it down. I picked it up. I decided I didn’t like it and ripped it out. I set it down again for a long time. Then one day this year I picked it up again because I needed a some hand work I could do while sitting in meetings, watching TV, etc. Low and behold, it was easy. In short order I had a tube that was over 200 inches long, and after some hemming and hawing about how to assemble the whole thing into a chair pad, here it is.

When I look at the original and mine side by side, I have to concede that I like Gramma’s better. Her yarn was all worsted weight and mine is fingering, so the texture is not so obvious. And, in retrospect, I don’t think she knit a tube after all. I think she used plain old knit stich turning her work at the end of each row, then seamed it when she was done. When you knit in the round, your work is never turned, so the texture is different. 

Live, love and learn. Even though Gramma has been gone since I was six years old, she still was able to teach me something about the crafts that I love. And now I have something special on my desk chair that reminds me of Gramp, Gramma and my Dad.