My most recent makes + a free pattern!

March 4, 2023 at 7:38 pm (Creative arts, Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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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.

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4 Comments

Crocheters … Don’t throw out those old cassette tapes!

January 3, 2023 at 6:38 pm (Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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If you can crochet, you can make one-of-a-kind, waterproof coasters.

Just crack open the cassette case, remove the spool of film, and start crocheting.

Here’s the simple pattern I used:

Materials: 6 mm hook, scissors, stitch marker, yarn needle

Terminology: ch = chain; sc = single crochet; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch; st = stitch; pm = place marker; rep = repeat; sp = space; sk = skip 

COASTER

Make a ring: ch 4 and sl st in first ch to join.

Round 1: ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc 9 times in ring (pm in first sc), sl st in first sc to join. (9 sc)

Round 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (pm in first sc), sl st in first sc to join. (18 sc)

Round 3: ch 1, 2 sc in first sc (pm in first sc), 1 sc in next sc, *(2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc), rep from * around, sl st in first sc to join. (27 sc)

Round 4: ch 2, 4 dc in same sp, ch 1, sk next 4 scs, 5 dc in next sc, ch 1, *skip 4 scs, 5 dc in next sc, ch 1; rep from * around, sk last 4 scs and sl st in top of beginning ch 2. Fasten off and use yarn needle to weave in loose end.

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Free crochet pattern: Half & Half Pocket Scarf

March 8, 2022 at 5:31 pm (Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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Featuring WOW colours and convenient pockets for carrying your phone and car keys, it’s a scarf that’s as great-looking as it is functional.

Materials: Red Heart super saver yarn (or any worsted weight yarn in your desired colours) (7 oz/198 g/364 yds/333 m), 1 ball black, 1 ball hot pink / 6 mm hook

Instructions: You will make 2 panels, one in each colour, each panel approximately 9” wide x 31” long (unblocked). Then, with right sides together, you will seam together the ch-37 end of each panel, using a yarn needle and piece of black yarn. Next, you will make two pockets: one in black, the other in hot pink. The pockets are each approximately 7” wide x 5” deep (unblocked), or you can make them to your desired size.

Scarf Panel #1: Using hot pink, ch 37

Row 1: 3 dc in fifth ch from hook; skip 3 chs; sc in next ch; *ch 3, 3 dc in same ch as sc, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end. Turn.

Row 2: ch 4; sc in first ch-3, ch 3, 3 dc in same space as sc, *sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * to end, ending with sc in last ch-3; turn.

Repeat Row 2 until approximately 31” long. Fasten off and weave in end.

Scarf Panel #2: Using black yarn, repeat same process above to make Scarf Panel #2.

Finishing Scarf piece:

Seam both panels together as described in Instructions above.

Pocket #1:

Using hot pink, ch 25 and repeat the same instructions given for Panel Row 1 and Row 2. Repeat Row 2 until pocket is about 5” deep, or repeat a couple more rows if you want a deeper pocket. Leave a long tail for sewing onto scarf.

Pocket #2:

Repeat above instructions, using black yarn.

Using long yarn tail and yarn needle, sew black pocket onto pink panel, and pink pocket onto black panel (placement as shown in photo).

4 Comments

Easy Crocheted Wrap: Peppermint Tea on a Cloudy Day

January 5, 2022 at 7:01 pm (Crochet & Crafting)
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This shawl pattern is one of the easiest I’ve worked on. It’s really just a case of repeating two rows over and over until you reach your desired length.

I found the free pattern at CrochetKim.com (thanks, Kim!). Here’s the link: https://crochetkim.com/berry-bubblegum-fling/

For my shawl, I used one ball of Lion Brand Mandala yarn (5.3 oz/150 g/ 590 yds/540 m) in “Genie” and a 5 mm hook.

My finished, blocked shawl is 51.5” wide x 14” deep, and I added fringe to both ends.

7 Comments

Donna’s Darla Asymmetrical Shawl

December 11, 2021 at 11:38 pm (Crochet & Crafting)
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How cute is this shawl? I’ll be throwing it over my shoulders this winter to jazz up a sweater.

A big thanks to Clare at Truly Crochet: Simple & Modern Crochet Patterns, for sharing this lovely free pattern. I’ve included the link below.

Materials I used:
Lion brand Mandala yarn (5.3 oz/150 g/ 590 yds/540 m), colour: Pegasus /5.5 mm hook

You’ll find complete instructions for the pattern at the link below:
https://trulycrochet.com/darla-asymmetrical-shawl-free-crochet-pattern/

Note: I used the Mandala yarn to make two-tone pom poms to attach to each of three corners.

4 Comments

Easy Crocheted Chunky Hoodie Cowl

March 3, 2021 at 11:57 pm (Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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Why fiddle around with a hat and a scarf when you can wrap up in an all-in-one hoodie cowl! This super-warm accessory is handy to have for outdoor winter walks. Best of all, it’s easy enough for a beginning crocheter to make.

Materials
2 balls Bernat Roving yarn (100 g/3.5 oz/109 m/120 yds), Colour: Lichen / 10 mm hook / 3 medium-sized buttons to blend with yarn colour / Finished piece is 38” L x 11” W before blocking or finishing.

Instructions
Ch 48

Row 1: (sc, hdc, dc) in third ch from hook; *skip next 2 chs; (sc, hdc, dc) in next ch; repeat from * to last 3 chs; sk next 2 chs, hdc in last ch, turn.

Row 2: ch 2; *(sc, hdc, dc) in next dc; repeat from * to end; hdc in top of turning ch-2, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until piece is approx. 11” deep.Finishing: Block first, then fold in half lengthwise and seam approx. 10” down from fold. Sew on 3 buttons (spaced as shown) and use spaces between stitches to fasten over buttons.

4 Comments

The Halstead Shawl…Like a warm hug

January 14, 2021 at 10:13 pm (Creative arts, Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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This is a good choice for beginners who have mastered the basic stitches and now want to expand their skills by trying their hand at making a shawl. The entire shawl is made with simple double crochet stitches, and the pattern is very easy to follow. 

Get the free pattern at the Berroco website
You can find the pattern at the Berroco yarn website (along with lots of other free crochet and knit patterns). Here’s the link: https://www.berroco.com/patterns/halstead

To make the shawl pictured, I used:
– 2 balls Red Heart super saver Stripes (5 oz/141 g/236 yds/215 m) Colour: Sutherland Stripe
– 1 ball denim blue yarn for edging (I just matched a blue yarn I already had on my shelves to the shade of blue that was in the Stripes yarn—feel free to use any colour of preference that will match one of the colours in the striping)
– 6 mm hook 

With the Red Heart yarn, my shawl is more of a chunky look, and I’ll use it as a warm shawl/scarf under my coat. I would definitely like to try the same pattern again with a fine, lace-weight yarn that would give it more of a slinky/drapey appearance—more of a dressy result. The type of yarn that you use makes a big difference to the look you’re trying to achieve.

9 Comments

Crocheted Unisex Pocket Scarf

November 21, 2020 at 1:31 am (Creative arts, Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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This so-easy-to-make winter scarf not only looks great, it also features two pockets that you can use to carry around your phone and other odds and ends when you’re walking outdoors. It was quick to make—I finished it over a couple of nights while watching Netflix. It makes a great gift too!

    Materials: Bernat CozyStyle yarn [16 oz/454 g/978 yds/894 m] / 6 mm hook / Scarf is 68” L x 6” W / Each pocket is 5” W x 6” D [Note: If you use this particular yarn, you’ll still have half the ball left over once the project is finished.]

    Scarf: Ch 250

    Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each across, turn.

    Row 2: ch 1 [does not count as a stitch], sc in first sp, skip 2 sps, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in next sp, skip 2 sps, repeat from * across, end with sc in last sp, turn.

    Row 3: ch 1, sc in same sp, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch-1 sp, repeat from * across, end with sc in last sp, turn.

    Row 4-Row 17: repeat Row 3. [If you want a wider scarf, just keep repeating Row 3 until you’ve reached your desired width.] Do not fasten off.

    Last Row: [You’ll now use the (sc, ch 1, sc) to create a border around the scarf]: ch 1, sc in same sp [use a marker to mark this sc], work (sc, ch 1, sc) in each ch-1 sp, place 3 sc in the first corner, and when you’re working along the short ends, place your (sc, ch 1, sc) in spaces as evenly across as possible. Keep working around to marked sc and sl st in that sc to close. Fasten off and weave in end.

    Pockets [make 2]: Ch 17
    [Now, you’ll follow the same pattern as the scarf.]

    Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each across, turn.

    Row 2: ch 1 [does not count as a stitch], sc in first sp, skip 2 sps, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in next sp, skip 2 sps, repeat from * across, end with sc in last sp, turn.

    Row 3: ch 1, sc in same sp, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in next ch-1 sp, repeat from * across, end with sc in last sp, turn.

    Row 4+: repeat Row 3 until you’ve reached your desired pocket depth.

    Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto scarf.

    Finishing: Working on the right side, pin one pocket to one end of scarf and sew [with a whipstitch] onto scarf using long yarn tail and yarn needle. Repeat this process with the second pocket on the other scarf end.

    5 Comments

    Crocheted Red Filet Poncho

    November 12, 2020 at 5:41 pm (Creative arts, Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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    EASY TO MAKE
    The poncho consists of a crocheted rectangle, folded in half lengthwise, then seamed together along the upper side, leaving a 11” space that creates the neckline hole. I finished the neckline with one row of sc around, and added fringe along both open sides.

    MATERIALS
    1 ball Loops & Threads Woolike yarn (678 yds/3.5 oz/620 m/100 g) in Red / 5.5 mm hook / To resize, use multiples of 12 + 3 / Rectangle size 56” wide x 18” deep / Fits most adults in the S/M range

    RECTANGLE PATTERN: Ch 192 + 3
    Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each of next 5 ch, (ch 1, sk 1, dc in next ch) 3 times, *dc in each of next 6 ch, (ch 1, sk 1, dc in next ch) 3 times, rep from *, turn.

    Row 2: Ch 4, sk (first dc, 1 ch), dc in next dc, (ch 1, sk 1, dc in next dc) twice, dc in each of next 6 dc, *(ch 1, sk 1, dc in next dc) 3 times, dc in each of next 6 dc, rep from * with last dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.

    Row 3: Ch 3, sk first dc, *dc in each of next 6 dc, (ch 1, sk 1, dc in next dc) 3 times, rep from * with last dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.

    Row 4: Ch 3, sk first dc, *(dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc) 3 times, (ch 1, sk dc, dc in next dc) 3 times, rep from * with last dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.

    Repeat Rows 2-4 until you reach the measurements listed above, or your desired size.

    FINISHING
    Fold in half lengthwise and, working on wrong side, seam as shown in picture below.

    Working on right side, sc one row around neckline space to finish.

    FRINGE: Cut 10” lengths of yarn, fold each in half and pull through each ch-1 space along bottom edge. Also add fringe in spaces along both side edges, spacing them as evenly as possible.

    2 Comments

    Crochet a Shimmer Poncho

    November 3, 2020 at 7:53 pm (Creative arts, Crochet & Crafting, Learn something new)
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    IF YOU CAN DO BASIC CROCHET, YOU CAN MAKE THIS

    The poncho consists of a crocheted rectangle, folded in half lengthwise, then seamed together along the upper side, leaving an 11” space that creates the neck opening. I finished the neckline with one row of sc around, and added fringe along both open sides.

    MATERIALS

    Loops & Threads Shimmer Shawl yarn cake, Pink N Black (962 yds/10.58 oz./880 m/300 g.) (You can make this with any similar cake yarn.)

    5.5 mm hook / Rectangle size 57” wide x 17.5” deep / Fits most adults

    RECTANGLE PATTERN: Ch 211

    Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each across; turn (210 sc)

    Row 2: ch 2 (counts as first hdc); hdc in next space and in each space across; turn (210 hdc)

    Row 3: ch 1 (does not count as a stitch); sc in same space and in each across; turn.

    Row 4: ch 3 (counts as hdc + ch 1); skip next space; *hdc in next space; ch 1; skip next space; repeat from * across to last 2 spaces; hdc in last 2 spaces; turn.

    Row 5: ch 1; sc in each of first 2 hdc; sc in ch-1 space; sc in each hdc and ch-1 sp across; turn. (row of sc)

    Row 6: repeat Row 2 (row of hdc)

    Row 7: repeat Row 5 (row of sc)

    Row 8: repeat Row 2 (row of hdc)

    Row 9: repeat Row 5 (row of sc)

    Row 10: repeat Row 4 (row of hdc+ch-1)

    Row 11: repeat Row 5 (row of sc)

    Row 12+: repeat Row 6-Row 11 for pattern, until you reach your desired length. Mine measured 17.5” deep, and I ended up with eight hdc+ch-1 rows (Row 4). To make your poncho longer, just keep repeating pattern rows. End your rectangle on a Row 10.

    FINISHING

    Fold rectangle in half lengthwise and, working on the wrong side, seam as shown in the drawing below.

    Working on the right side, sc one row around neckline space to finish.

    FRINGE: Cut 10” lengths of yarn, fold each in half and pull through each ch-1 space along bottom edge. Also add fringe in spaces along both side edges, spacing them as evenly as possible. (See photos below.)

    6 Comments

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