I LOVE the craft of crochet. It’s easy once you’ve mastered the basic stitches. It’s portable, so you can take it anywhere. It’s inexpensive–there’s always a sale on yarn somewhere. It’s a truly relaxing pastime, as are most arts and crafts. And there are endless pattern ideas to engage in. I love it!
Here are some photos of my most recent makes over the past winter months. I’ll also include a pattern for my pocket scarf at the end.
MAKE #1: I felt like making a “straw bag” to tote around this summer. I picked up a couple of rolls of cheap jute string from the Buck store, got out my hook, and started crocheting simple sc stitches around and around. Also had some jute ribbon that I sewed around the top and tied into a bow. Then added some purse handles that I’d picked up at Fabricland a while back and had in my supply cupboard. On the back of the bag, I added an extra pocket that I’d embroidered with a ribbon flower. Voila…a durable straw bag.
MAKE #2: I had a ball of brightly coloured yarn in my stash that kept drawing my eye, so I decided to make a triangle scarf with it. It’s much prettier in person than in the photo and reminds me of a Caribbean sunset.
MAKE #3: Felt like doing something super-easy one evening in front of the TV, so I worked on this infinity scarf. The black section folds in half to make a collar, and the colourful variegated bobble stitches provide some texture. Looks great tucked into a black coat.
MAKE #4: I saw a simple pattern for a striped hat on the Web, so I chose a bunch of different colours to pair with white for this slouchy hat. It’s basically a simple rectangle crocheted with row after row of colour alternated with white… then either end seamed together… then the top end gathered closed. A pom pom is optional…I just preferred to leave it as is.
MAKE #5: I love pocket scarves. The pockets are so handy for carrying your phone or any other necessities when going for a walk or running errands, instead of having to bring a purse along with you. This is a very easy scarf to make. You can use your preferred colors in your choice of any worsted yarn. I’ve provided the pattern right below the image.
Three-Color Pocket Scarf 8” x 67” / 3 balls of any worsted yarn (157 yds each): A-1 ball navy, B-1 ball cream, C-1 ball blue/green variegated / 6 mm hook / Vst: (sc, ch 2, sc) in sp / Terminology: sc-single crochet; ch-chain; st-stitch; sk-skip; rep-repeat
With yarn A, ch 36 (or any multiple of 3).
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sk next ch, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch, sk next 2 chs, rep from * to last 2 chs, sk next ch, sc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in first sc, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-2 sp, rep from *, sc in last st, turn.
Rep Row 2 until piece is approx. 23” long. Fasten off yarn A, attach Yarn B.
Rep Row 2 until piece is approx. 21” long. Fasten off yarn B, attach Yarn C.
Rep Row 2 until piece is approx. 23” long. Fasten off. Weave in end.
Optional: Can add fringe or tassels to either end if you like.
Pockets: Make one pocket with yarn A, and another one with yarn C.
Ch 21, and follow same pattern as above for scarf. Crochet enough rows to measure 5.5” long.
Make each pocket approx. 5.5” W x 5.5” L and position as shown in photo, then whipstitch around edges to attach to scarf.
Create-a-holic Writer 