I stumbled across this baby blanket pattern over at Purl Soho. I love the mixing of sewing and crochet! And this would be super quick and easy to make as a baby gift. Purl has the detailed pattern, but basically you just have to hem the edges of the blanket then crochet the border around, using 3 single crochets and chain stitch.
And while Purl recommends their fabric, which is fabulous, it's also pretty expensive. I researched some alternatives over at fabric.com and found some adorable flannel prints that would be perfect for a little baby. Here are some of my favorites. How adorable are those pink giraffes!! Ahh!
Edit: I just bought the giraffe fabric and will be picking up some yarn from purl next week. So excited to make this!
i've always had a thing for making gigantic knit/crochet things that aren't your typical "knit" items. like the rag bath mat or the crochet bathroom rug. here are a few of my favorites, some for inspiration, some with patterns. my only obstacle is finding yarn big enough to make these things. maybe i should be looking at the hardware store instead of the yarn store.
interesting knits and a few crochet patterns have been popping up in the fall/winter collections for 2011 in new york and london. 70s style trends are weaving their way in many of the collections, so it's no surprise that a few dramatic knits are included.
rodarte's collection was inspired by prairie home companion and had some great log cabin sweaters.
house of holland reworked the traditional granny square. although, these are a bit too much like the original for me. a different set of non primary colors would have given it a bit more of a modern refreshed look.
other designers like proenza schouler, christopher kane and edun worked their crochet in a bit more subtly.
this weekend, i worked out a new crochet pattern for a new necklace, which is aptly halloween-appropriate, but i could see wearing it year-round just as well. the pattern is for a crochet skull, which i made into a layered chain necklace, but the possibilities are really endless with this guy. the pattern is below - or if you're not so inclined, you can always pick one up from the shop.
PATTERN
Gauge, yarn and hook size are not critical. I used a G hook with Peaches and Creme cotton yarn, but you can play around with different yarns and hooks to get different sizes.
Crown:
-CH 2
-2 SC into 2nd ch on previous row (2 sts) CH 1 and turn
-2 SC into each ch (4sts) CH 1 and turn
-3 HD, 2HD into last ch (5sts) CH 2 and turn
-1 HD, 2 HD into next st, 1 HD, 2 HD into next st, 2 HD into next st (8sts) CH 3 and turn
Eyes:
-2 DC, CH 7, SL into 3rd st (center of face), turn and slip into first st on chain, turn, CH 7. DC into the 3rd st. 1 DC. CH 3 and turn
Nose:
-SL into 1st st of chain, SL into next st of chain, CH 5, SL into 5th st of chain (after the center), skip a dc, DC into next st. CH 1 and turn
-SC into each st (8sts) CH 1 and turn
Mouth:
-skip first st, SL st into next 5 sts, on the last 2 sts remaining dec 1 sl st (6 sts) turn
-CH 5, SL st to last st, CH 1 and turn
-SC across 5 sts, SL st at edge of bottom jaw
Abbreviations:
SC = Single Crochet
HD = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
SL = Slip (stitch)
CH = Chain (stitch)
Break yarn (leaving a longish tail). weave yarn through nose, and tidy up the eyes by weaving in any loose chains under eyes (if necessary).
now your skull is ready to be attached to a long chain for a necklace -- or use it as decoration!
the pattern for this coiled crochet medallion uses the bullion or roll crochet stitch. it's pretty fun to do, but takes a little practice before you can do it in one easy swoop.
the pattern and instructions for the little coiled medallion necklace is below...or if you're not so inclined to crochet, you can find the crochet necklace in the shop. bullion stitch instructions
the actual bullion stitch is done by wrapping your hook 5-10 times (start small for practice) somewhat loosely, but very evenly. insert into your foundation stitch, wrap once, pull through foundation st. wrap once and pull through all of your loops. wrap once and pull through last loop.
PATTERN
*size C needle
*small thread
you can use any size hook and yarn/thread that you like. the smaller the daintier!
Round 1 - create loop (to knit in round) and dc into loop 10 times
Round 2 - ch 3 st, then into each dc, do 2 bullion 10-loop stitches
tie off end and weave in ends. attach to a chain and you're done!
**Pattern is for personal use only - not to be reproduced for sale, nor to make items for sale**
I wanted to put together a simple mesh crochet necklace, almost like a kerchief-style scarf. here's what i came up with. pattern is below, or if you're not so inclined to make your own, check them out in the shop. Pattern
Materials:
E/4 - 3.4mm crochet hook
DK weight yarn (I used a cotton/linen yarn)
gauge doesn’t really matter.
CH 40 sts
row 1: dc into 4rd ch from hook, *ch1, skip 1 ch, dc into next st*, repeat from * until end of the row (ending with a dc). turn.
row 2: sl st into first st, ch 2, *ch 1, skip dc on previous row, dc into next ch st. repeat from * across row. (always end row with a dc, which will be 1 st shorter than the previous row. you’re decreasing 2 st each row - 1 at the beg and 1 at the end).
repeat row 2 until 1 st remains. bind off.
to make it bigger or smaller, just do your initial chain in any odd number of stitches + 3.
**Pattern is for personal use only - not to be reproduced for sale, nor to make items for sale**
Finally! here's the pattern for the crochet bib necklace. all of the details for making the necklace yourself are below. however, if you're not so inclined to make your own, you can always buy a crochet bib necklace from the shop.
Materials: I used Peaches & Creme cotton solids and a size G hook, but you could pretty much use yarn/hook size to get whichever size you prefer.
Chain 33 sts
row 1: DC into third stitch from hook, DC across row.
row 2: C3, turn, DC into first st, *chain 3, DC into next st, repeat from * across the row.
row 3: C3, turn, DC into first st, then in loop created from previous row (TC, C1, TC, TC, C1, TC), * C3 skip 1 loop, SC into next loop, C3, skip 1 loop, in next loop (TC, C1, TC, TC, C1, TC). Continue from * to the end of the row. DC into remaining st. Bind off.
Repeat for next layer only chaining 29 stitches for the foundation row.
Repeat for next later only chaining 25 stitches for the foundation row.
Stitch all three together, staggering the placement to get a layered effect. To do this, place the biggest piece on bottom and attach the middle piece 1 scallop above the top edges of the bottom piece. only stitch in 2 places (at the very tops of the 'horseshoes' or U's). Next, lay your smallest piece on top of the middle piece, 1 scallop above the top. Stitch the same way as before. Finally, attach to a chain. you’re done!
Note: this pattern can be easily modified if you're using bigger or smaller yarn. To make longer or shorter pieces, just increase or decrease your initial chains in increments of 4.
**Pattern is for personal use only - not to be reproduced for sale, nor to make items for sale**
i know, the holidays are like, a quarter of the year away still, but i like to give everyone a little something handmade, and hate feeling rushed when there's two days before christmas and i *only* have to finish knitting and sewing a million things. so, just to get started a little early this year with some ideas, this will be part 1 of the handmade holiday gift ideas. this set includes quick knits and crocheted items.
item: denim knit kerchief
pattern: from the book last minute knitted gifts. (i checked this out from my local library). OR a similar free alternative is the silk kerchief.
yarn: i used elann den-m-knit pure indigo cotton (1 skein)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, or perfect for just about anyone, probably a female, but whatever -nobody's judging.
notes: i made it out of denim cotton and like to pretend like i'm a robber when i wear it.
item: oh my god these are so cute - mitts!
pattern: french kit (4 euros)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces or any female whose hands need stylish warmth.
notes: i love love love these! i currently ordered up some peruvian pure alpaca to make these beauties (for myself...ahem)
item: knit purse
pattern: ipbolaget.com (free)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, grandmas, aunts, or any female
notes: i haven't personally knit this one up but it's been in my queue for a while. i love how simple and clean the design is.
item: amy march slippers
pattern: tiny owl knits (free via ravelry)
perfect for: anyone who has feet
notes: adorable! this is on my queue, and i will be making them...for myself.
item: urchin beret
pattern: ysolda teague via knitty (free)
perfect for: women with heads
notes: i made this (again, for myself...selfish) and love love it. it was so simple i made most of it during a meeting at work, and wear it constantly throughout the fall.
item: owlets
pattern: roman sock (free)
perfect for: children or anyone who doesn't hate animals
notes: i've yet to make these, but again, on my list (i even bought the eyes). looks like a perfect way to get rid of that fuzzy lion brand yarn that would actually look good all matted-up on this owl.
item: finally something for men! a cute hat with a twist at the top.
pattern: marsan watchcap (free)
perfect for: men! boyfriends, dads, grandpas, uncles. or women too. i think it would look nice on women. but i've been seriously lacking in my gift ideas for men, so here you go.
ok, that's enough for now. but i've got many more and will do a handmade holiday gifts part 2 soon.
this past sunday was a rainy sleepy day, so i spent most of it indoors, working on a few projects. the rain cleared up for a bit, and we had a little mini-shoot wearing the new layered crochet necklace.
this necklace is a great way to use up remaining stashes of yarn. i used cotton peaches and creme solid from the big cone, just because i have so much of it. and a size G crochet hook.
to make the necklace, i crocheted 3 separate half-circle pieces, using a mixture of stitches and patterns to get the rounded, scalloped ruffly shape. then i sewed the pieces together, and attached a vintage chain. if anyone's interested, i'll write up the pattern.
so, i put together this little collar and am selling it in my shop: a-common-thread.com
i used the first 3 lines from the pomo boho collar which is: With MC, ch 55+3 1. dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in every stitch across to last 5 ch stitches (these 5 extra stitches will create the buttonhole) 2. ch 3, 1 dc *ch 3, 1dc* 3. ch 3, 1dc, ch 3, in next ch 3 loop *1 tc, ch 1, 2tc, ch 1, 1tc, ch 3, skip next ch 3 loop, sc in 2nd st of next ch 3 loop, ch 3, skip next ch 3 loop* to end, dc in last stitch.
then i made this venetian square, which was more for practice. it's really pretty. i want to make a collar out of this, but using thread instead of yarn, making 7 of these squares and then filling in the gaps with a collar like shape.
i'm thinking my bookshelf needs a fancy doily for the forest animals to rest on. although, i want to make it out of cotton string instead of thread. the internet is choc full of doily patterns, but i think this is the one that i settled on, the country starlet because it's meant for a thicker thread/yarn and i just like it.
here's the pattern: This doily is well suitable, being simple and not too lacy, with a medium-thick thread or yarn; furthermore it is very ‘instructive’, using a lot of basic stitches. It is hence a good starting point for beginner threaders, and it is a nice accessory for a "country-style" house. If you want to crochet it with a thinner thread, it will result in a dainty coaster.
Size : 23 cm (9 inches) diameter.
Material : Egyptian cotton # 5, hook 1.9 mm (US steel #5); you can substitute with Cebelia #5 or equivalent cordonnet thread , or you can use a thin yarn like Lustersheen with a hook no. 3 (US C/D) (but the gauge can slightly vary)
Stitches : ch, sl st, sc, dc, tr, dtr (double triple), small picot = 3 ch, sc on front ch of last st, tr cluster = 3 tr closed together.
Difficulty: medium
Directions
Start with 8 ch, join with sl st 1. 1 ch, 15 sc in lp, join with sl st to first st.
2. 3 ch(=dc) in joining sc, dc in same sc, (2 dc in next sc) 14 times, join with sl st to first st =>30 dc.
3. 3 ch(=dc) in joining dc, (dc in next dc) twice, 11 ch, *(dc in next dc) 3 times, 11 ch*; Repeat *to* 8 more times, join with sl st to first st.
4. (sl st) 7 times reaching the center chain of first 11-ch sp, 10 ch(=first dtr+5ch), (sc, 5 ch, dtr) in same chain, 1 ch,*(dtr, 5 ch, sc, 5 ch, dtr) in center chain of next 11-ch sp, 1 ch* Repeat * to * 8 times more, join with sl st to first st.
5. 5 sl st reaching first sc; 5 ch (=tr+1ch), (tr, ch) 5 times on same sc, tr on same sc, sc on 1-ch sp, *(tr, ch)6 times on next sc, tr on same sc, sc on 1-ch sp*; Repeat * to * 8 times more, join with sl st to first st.
6. sl st reaching first 1-ch sp, *sc on 1-ch sp, (3 ch, sc in next sp)5 times, (ch, sc) twice on next sc, 1 ch*; Repeat * to * 9 times more, join with sl st to first st.
7. sl st reaching first 3-ch sp, *sc in 3-ch sp, (3 ch, sc in next 3-ch sp) 4 times, sk a 1-ch sp, (ch, sc) twice in next 1-ch sp, 1 ch *; Repeat * to * 9 times more, join with sl st to first st.
8. sl st reaching first 3-ch sp, * *sc in 3-ch sp, (3 ch, sc in next 3-ch sp) 3 times, sk a 1-ch sp, (ch, sc) twice in next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, sk next 1-ch sp* Repeat * to * 9 times more, join with sl st to first st.
9. *tr cluster in first 3-ch sp, 3 ch, (tr cluster, 5 ch, tr cluster) in 2nd 3-ch sp, tr cluster in 3rd 3-ch sp; sk a 1-ch sp, (ch, sc) twice in next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, sk next 1-ch sp* Repeat * to * 9 times more, join with sl st to first st.
10. sl st reaching first 5-ch sp, *(tr cluster, 5 ch) 3 times in 5-ch sp, tr cluster in same sp, 3 ch, sk a 1-ch sp, (tr, 3 ch, tr) in 2nd 1-ch sp, 3 ch *; Repeat * to * 9 times more, join with sl st to first st.
11. sl st reaching first 5-ch sp, *[(2 sc, ch, 2 sc) in next 5-ch sp]three times, 3 sc in next 3-ch sp, (sc, ch, sc) in next 3-ch sp, 3 sc in next 3-ch sp;* ; Repeat * to * 9 times more, join with sl st to first st. Cut thread .
N.B.
* Always substitute (also if not explicitly said) first st in a row as follows: o first sc with 1 ch, sc; o first hdc with 2 ch; o first dc with 3 ch; o first tr with 4 ch...and so on; * When you read "sl st to ", where the location is not immediately contiguous to last st, this means of course "an appropriate number os sl sts for reaching ".
OR maybe i'll do one of these, which say they can be done pretty quickly.
the patterns: This doily measures 6 1\2 inches in diameter and is a pattern that will work up very quickly. A three-piece set for the buffet may be made with two doilies of this size and a larger one for the center. The larger doily is easily worked by increasing the number of rows of single crochet in the center and adding a few extra rows of shells, etc., to the pattern as the work progresses. Materials: Corticelli Mercerized Cordonnet, Art. 66, 1 ball White, Size 40. One No. 12 steel Crochet Hook.
Instructions: Ch. 8, join, ch. 1, 14 sc. in ring, join. 2d row: Ch. 1, work in sc. with 2 sc. in every third st. (19 sc. in all), join. 3d row: Ch. 3, 3 d.c. in first 3 sc. 2 d.c. in fourth sc. repeat (26 sc. in all), join. 4th row: Ch. 3, 1 d.c. in first d.c., 2 d.c. in next d.c., repeat (38 d.c. in all), join. 5th row: Ch. 3, 1 d.c. in first d.c., 2 d.c. in next d.c., repeat (58 d.c. in all), join. 6th row: Ch. 3, 1 d.c. in first d.c., 2 d.c. in next d.c., repeat (86 d.c. in all), join. 7th row: Ch. 3, 1 d.c. in each d.c., adding 1 in every eighth d.c. (96 d.c. in all), join. 8th row: Ch. 5, skip 2 d.c., 1 d.c. in next d.c., * ch. 2, skip 1, d.c. in next, repeat from * around, join to third of 5 chain (39 spaces in all). 9th row: Ch. 7, sc. in fourth st., ch. 7 , sc. in fifth st., repeat (26 spaces). 10th row: Sl.st. to center of 7 ch., * ch. 5, sc. in center of next 7 ch., repeat from *. 11th row Ch. 5, d.c. in center of 5 ch. of preceding row, ch. 2, d.c. in sc. repeat, join to third of 5 ch. (5 2 spaces). l2th row: Ch. 3, * 3 t. over 2 ch., 1 t. in d.c., 3 t. over 2 ch., skip next d.c., repeat from *, join. l3th row: Ch. 3, 1 t. in same st., ch. 2, 2 t. in same st. to form cluster, * skip 4 sts., cluster in next, skip 3 sts., cluster in next, repeat from *, join (39 clusters in all). 14th row: St. st. to center of cluster, * ch. 10, sc. in center of next cluster, repeat from *. 15th row: Sl. st. to center of ch., * ch. 10, sc. in center of 10 ch., repeat from *. l6th row: Sl.st. to center of ch., ch. 3, 1 t. in same st., ch. 2, 2 t. in same place to form cluster, * ch. 2, 2 t. in center of next cluster, ch. 2, 2 t. in same place and repeat from *, join. 17th row: Sl.st. to center of cluster, * ch. 12, sc. in center of next cluster, repeat from *. l8th row: Sl.st. to center of 12 ch., * ch. 8, sc. in center of next ch., repeat. 19th row: Ch. 3, * 10 t. over 5 ch., 1 t. in sc. repeat, join. 20th row: Ch. 3, 1 t. in same place, ch. 2, 2 t. in same place to form cluster, * skip 5 sts., cluster in sixth st., repeat from * (72 clusters in all), join. 21st row: Sl.st. to center of cluster, ch. 3, 2 t. in same place, ch. 3 to form p., 3 t. in same place, * ch. 3, sc. in center of next cluster, ch. 3, cluster of 3 t p., 3 t. in next cluster, repeat from *.
This doily is in a close Venetian pattern and measures 7 inches in diameter. Materials: Corticelli Mercerized Cordonnet, Art. 66, 1 ball White, Size 40, One No. 12 steel Hook.
Instructions: Ch.14,join,ch.3, 41 t.in ring. 2d row Ch. 3, 3 t. in next st., holding last loop of each (4 sts. on needle), draw through all at once, ch. 3, 4 t. in third st., holding last loop of each st. on needle (4 sts. on needle), draw through all at once, repeat, making 14 groups, join to top of first group. 3d row: Ch. 3, 4 t. over over first ch. of preceding row , * 1 t. in top of group, 5 t. over next ch., 1 t. in top of group, 4 t. over next ch. and repeat from *. 4th row: Ch. 10, s. c. in fourth st. of preceding row and repeat, making 20 meshes. 5th row Sl.st. to center of mesh, ch. 10, s.c. in center of next mesh, repeat. 6th row Sl.st. to center of mesh, ch. 3, 1 t. in same place, ch. 2, 2 t. in same place to form shell, ch. 7, shell in center of next mesh, repeat, join at top of 3 ch. 7th row: Sl. st. to center of shell, ch. 3, 1 t. in same st., ch. 2, 2 t. in same place to form shell ch. 6, shell in center of next shell and repeat. 8th row: Sl. st. to center of shell, 2 s.c. in shell ch. 3, 1 s.c. over both the 7 ch. of sixth row and 6 ch. of seventh row, ch 3, 2 s.c. in shell repeat. 9th row: Ch. 3, 1 t. in s.c. 4 t. over 3 ch., t. in s. c., 4 t. over ch., 1 t. in each s.c., repeat, join. 10th row: Ch. 3, 3 t. in same st., holding last loop of each st. on needle, draw through all at once, ch 3, skip 3, 4 t. in next, holding last loop of each st. on needle, draw through all at once, repeat. (55 groups in all), join. 11th row: Ch. 3, 3 t. over ch., 2 t. in top of group, 3 t. over ch., 1 t. in top of group, 3 t. over ch., 1 t. in top of group, repeat and join. l2th row: Ch 1, 11 s.c. in next 11 sts., ch, 4, 3 t. in fifth st., ch 4, 11 s.c. in next 11 sts., repeat to end of row. l3th row 9 s.c. over 11 s.c., ch. 4, t. in last st. of ch. 4, 3 t. in 3 t., 1 t. in first st. of ch., ch 4, repeat. 14th row 7 s.c. over 9 s.c., ch. 4, t. in last st. of ch. 4, 2 t. in next 2 t., ch. 3, skip 1 t., 2 t. in next 2 t., 1 t. in first of next ch., ch. 4, repeat. 15th row 5 s.c. over 7 s.c., ch. 4, 1 t. in last of ch., 2 t. in next 2 t., ch. 3, t. over 3 ch., ch. 3, t. over same ch., ch. 3, 2 t. in last 2 t., 1 t. in first of ch. (hereafter called 3 t.), ch. 4, repeat.
l6th row: 3 s.c. over 5 s.c. ch. 4, 3 t., ch. 3, 1 t. over 3 ch., ch. 3, 1 t. over next ch., ch 3, 1 t. over same ch., ch. 3, 1 t. over next ch., ch. 3, 3 t., ch. 4, repeat. 17th row: 1 s.c. over 3 s.c., ch. 4, 3 t, , ch 3, 1 t. over ch. ch. 3, 1 t. over next ch., ch. 3, 1 t. over next ch., ch. 3, 1 t. over same ch., ch. 3, 1 t. over next ch., ch. 3, 1 t. over next ch., ch. 3, 3 t., ch. 4, repeat. 18th row: Ch. 3, 3 t. in next 3 t., 3 t. over 3 ch., t. in t., ch 4 to form picot, repeat around, making 3 picots in each scallop (one in center and one at each side).
OR then there is this one. i like the baby one in the middle. or the mama version in the lower left corner.
LARGE ROUND DOILY-12-inch. Lower Left
1st row: Ch 10, join for ring, ch 1, 24 sc over ring, join.
2nd row: *Ch 5, sk 1, sc in next st, repeat from *.
3rd row: Sl st up 3 sts, *ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of loop, repeat from *.
4th row: Ch 1, 6 sc over each ch 3.
5th row: Sl st 2 sts, ch 3, tr in same st with ch 3, ch 1, 2 tr in same st, * ch 1, sk 6 sts, 2 tr in next st, ch 2, 2 tr in same st. Repeat from * and join.
6th row: Sl st to ch 2, ch 3, 6 tr over ch 2, *ch 1, 7 tr over next ch 2, repeat from *, join.
7th row: Sl st back to ch 1, ch 5, *sk 3 sts, 1 sc in next st, ch 3, tr over ch 1, ch 3, repeat from *, join.
8th row: Ch 5, *sk 2, tr in next st, ch 2, repeat from *, join.
9th row: Ch 3, *2 tr over ch 2, 1 tr in tr of last row, repeat from *, join.
10th row: Ch 6, *sk 1, d tr in next st, ch 2, repeat from *, join.
llth row: Ch 3, *3 tr over ch 2, tr in next st, repeat from *, join.
12th row: Ch 4, 3 d tr, *ch 3, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 3, sk 2, 4 d tr, repeat from *, join.
13th row: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, *ch 4, 4 sc, repeat from *, join.
14th row: Sl st to center of 4 sc group, ch 4, *4 d tr over ch 4, ch 4 sk 2, sc in next st, ch 4, repeat from *. End the row by making d tr in same st with first ch 4.
15th row: *Ch 5, 4 sc, repeat from *, join.
16th row: Ch 3, *6 tr over ch 5, 4 tr, repeat from *, join.
17th row: Ch 4, 2 d tr, *ch 3, sk 2, 3 d tr, repeat from *, join.
18th row: Ch 3, 2 tr, *4 tr over ch 3, 3 tr, repeat from *, join.
19th row: Ch 4, 2 d tr, *ch 4, sk 3, 3 d tr, repeat from *, join.
20th row: Ch 4, 2 d tr over ch 4, ch 2, 3 d tr over same ch 4, *3 d tr over next ch 4, ch 2, 3 d tr over same ch 4, repeat from *, join.
21st row: Ch 1, 2 sc, *ch 3, sc over ch 2, ch 3, sc over same ch 2, ch 3, 6 sc, repeat from *, join.
MATCHING SMALL DOILY. 5-inch
Make the first seven rows and the last three rows as directed above for the large doily.
i'm thinking of making one of these. instead of buying it from here.
here's the pattern: hook = I yarn = worsted weight
RND 1: Chain 4, (work all of the following sts in the 4th ch from the hk) 2 dc, * ch 1, 3 dc, repeat from * twice more, ch 1. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 4. Ch 3, turn the piece over.
RND 2: (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp.* (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp. Repeat from * twice more. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. Ch 3, turn the square over.
RND 3: 2 dc in next open space on the side of the square. (3 dc ch 2, 3 dc) in the next open space on the corner of the square. * 3 dc in next side space. (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space. Repeat from * twice more. Join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. Ch 3, turn the square over.
FOR ANY ADDITIONAL ROWS: Work 3 dc in each open space on the side of the square and work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space. To begin a new row, always ch 3 and turn the square over. To end each row, do a sl st in the top of the beg ch 3.
TO FINISH OFF: After doing the sl st to join the last row, ch 1 and pull the yarn all the way through the loop.
here's a pattern to make your own little crochet hook and knitting needle cases out of some scrap fabric, or a couple of fat squares. craftzine is the best. although, i think i would want to make mine a little bit bigger because i have way too many needles. i'm also trying to come up with a clever way to label each compartment as to which size needles are inside.
all kinds of marvelous things happened yesterday. first, my package from vintageknits came with all of its ruffled goodness. i had sort of a ruffle pattern buying frenzy, and now i have no idea which one to start with. i was taking a bit of a gamble on the books, since you really only get to see one picture from the entire book. but out of the four books i ordered, three are splendid and only one is kind of a dud. of the patterns, here are my favorites:
'tucked glamour' is sooo glamorous. and looks like it would take a year to make out of that tiny thread. it's a crochet pattern, which actually looks pretty easy to make. and it promises well-dressed smartness.
these are all fabulous patterns from a jack frost sweater book. i love them all. they are soft and fuzzy they make me want to sip egg nog in front of the fireplace while it's snowing outside.
and who needs to make a whole shirt, when you can just make a dickey???
then of course, there are the fluffy ruffles aprons, where you can make aprons for not only you and your daughter...but your daughter's doll.
the second thing that happened yesterday, was that i found a sidewalk/stoop sale on my way to the library. and found these sewing patterns:
and the last thing - on friday night my friend, courtney, spotted the most wonderful cat pendant in a store window beside my apartment. so, i stopped in yesterday and picked it up. i love it so much.
elephants | giraffes | stripes
