Chic Crochet

Rainy Day Skirt-FREE PATTERN

2012-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Rainy Day Skirt

DK To Light Worsted yarn of your choice

For the length of skirt I did 72 chains. I like shirts to sit higher up above my natural waist. Since I am a more robust lady…;)

Row 1: HDC in 2^nd ch from hook and each chain across, turn (to make a neater seam you should hdc in back bar of the chain

Row 2: slst in the back loop only in each hdc across
Row 3-4: slst in the back loop only in each slst across
Row 5: HDC through both loops in each stitch across

Continue Row 2-5 until piece goes completely around your waist. Ending with a Row 4.

Assembly: now turn so the right side of the skirt is facing out. Slst through loop closest to you on the front side of the seam, and farthest from you on the other side of the seam. This should create a almost invisible seam.

Edging: sc along the bottom edge of the skirt evenly.

Row 2 Edging: sc in first st, 2 sc in next sc around to end

Row 3 Edging: ch 3. Dc in next sc, *ch 1, dc in next sc. Repeat from * around to end. Fasten off.

If your like me, you will also want to make a belt to tie the top of the skirt. So chain enough to go around your waist, and then add about 30 more chains so you can tie it.

That’s it, you’re done. Now wasn’t that easy? :D

If you would like to help Chic Crochet (and me) to keep adding great free designs, please click on an ad at the side of the blog, or bottom. Thank you for your clicks!!!

10 Rules of Crochet

2011-11-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

1.Every stitch we make is one less we have to make
2.There is to be no abuse of self or others
3.Be flexible
4.The gift of each enriches all (Which means sharing patterns for free and for sale is a gift to the world)
5.We all stitch and support each other
6.A hungry person has no charity
7. Experiences are NOT enhanced by criticism
8.The stitching is what we enjoy
9.A good teacher allows the student to learn
10.When given any chance at all..be a worker bee, make honey comb stitch.

I am still here

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and well. Its just that with three kids, and it being summertime we are busy busy people. Out and about swimming, hiking, and camping. But I wanted to let everyone know that I have two more patterns in the works.

The first being a "The Princess Caroline Cardigan" which is a burgandy and gold colored cardigan made with a beautiful shell lace stitch.

The second being a honeycomb beach cover up. Which is made in a beautiful yellow with orange accompanyments.

These are still in the stages of being designed. But I will be putting them out for general consumption as soon as I complete them. I am quite proud of them. In a few weeks (or after I finish these projects) I will be starting a few boys size 6-8 size sweaters and fingerless gloves.

I am also in the finishing stages of a couple of different slipper designs, which I will more than likely offer for free here on this blog. So as the weather cools you will begin to see more of me and more in the way of patterns on this blog.

Thanks for your continued patronage of this site. And I hope you are having a wonderful summer

Violet Princess Hat

2011-03-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Materials
Less than a quarter of a skein of Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

chain 4
join with a slst to form a ring do not join rows, continue on without joining

Row 1
hdc 9 times in the ring
Row 2:
2 hdc in each st (18 hdc)
Row 3:
1 hdc, 2 hdc in next st (27 hdc)
Row 4:
1 hdc in 2 stitches, 2 hdc in next st (36 hdc)
Row 5:
1 hdc in 3 stitches, 2 hdc in next st (45 hdc)
Row 6:
1 hdc in 4 stitches, 2 hdc in next st (64 hdc) join with a slst
Row7:
*ch 2 skip 1 st, sc in next st, ch 3, skip 2 st, repeat from * around
Row 8
chain 3, 2 dc in ch 2 sp *ch 3, sc into ch 3, ch 2, 3 dc in ch 2 sp repeat from * around
Row 9
ch 3, sc into ch 3 sp, ch 2, sc into next ch 2 sp, *ch 3, sc into ch 2 sp , ch 2, sc into ch 2 sp, ch 3 sc into ch 2 space repeat from * around
Row 10
ch 1, sc into ch 3, ch 3, 3 dc into ch 2 space *ch 3, sc into ch 3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc into ch 2 sp, repeat from * around
Row 11:
ch 2, sc into ch 3 sp, ch 3, sc into ch

Row 12:
2 dc into ch 2 sp, 3 dc into ch 3 sp

Row 13:
dc into each stitch
Row 14:
dc into each stitch
Row 15:
2 hdc in each stitch
Row 16
1 hdc in each stitch
Row 17
reverse single crochet along the brim
fasten off and weave in ends.

OMG Huge Stash steal!

2011-03-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Well recently we had a sale at our local thrift store. Since I prefer to reduce/reuse/ recycle. Then to buy new. I purchased about 10 balls of new bernat softee baby, soft touch, vannas choice, and many other choice brands for about 9 dollars.

Climbing Ivy Cardigan

2011-03-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

well hello,

We have a new pattern joining my patterns at my ravelry store soon. Its the most wonderful connection of closed crochet and open lace. Its perfect for those warmer spring days, and warm enough even during the chilly nights. The collar and wrist are adorned by wonderful Ivy border....ab

It will be available for download in a few days. So check back often!!

I will also be offering the hat that goes with this Cardigan for free at this blog once I have it written out and tested.

thanks again for your interest in Chic Crochet.

Violet Princess Cardigan.

2011-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

As I promised I would have three new patterns up before the end of the month. So here is the first. I made this cardigan because my daughter has plenty of purple clothes but no purple cardigans. So when I recognised this I remedied it toot sweet.

So here it is....

You can download the link from Ravelry

download now

Thanks for viewing my blog!

Snobbery alive and well

2011-03-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

I was in Walmart today (which makes this story quite ironic) and wandered into the yarn section of the store. I slowly took stock of what they had, that I didn't in my ever growing stash. (which my husband has said is borderline hoarding, but back to the point)

I walked behind these two older women who were themselves taking stock of what Walmart had. I didn't mean to listen in to their conversation but I was close enough to hear this

Lady 1: I cannot believe the acrylics now a days. It was once just cotton and wool
Lady 2: Acrylics I would never waste my money on acrylic yarn. Its a waste of money, and horrible to work with.
Lady 1: Well yes I suppose your right but this feels pretty nice
Lady 2: Your better off buying alpaca, or bamboo to that....

I stiffled a smile since to be honest my stash consists of mostly acrylic yarn. I am of modest means. I don't have a ton of money to spend on my craft. I have three growing children who forever need something. So when I have an extra $20. I would much rather run on over to Walmart or Zellers and pick up about 3 maybe four acrylic yarn to spending that entirety on one skein of the more expensive brands of wool

Especially when considering my children wear their sweaters, hats, slippers, socks, mittens, maybe a few months and then out grow it or LOSE them.....I don't think I'm wrong to want to spread my money out a little....

Acrylic has come a long way in the last few years. RedHeart Soft yarn is GREAT, not to mention durable, and comes in so many colors. And Caron Satin is wonderful and drapes beautifully. I even just made the cutest sweater for my daughter with RED HEART Super Saver...its not the softest but she'll wear it maybe once or twice before she outgrows it...and its adorable! So we all win I think

Just my two cents on this age ol snobbery which is alive and well in this hobby...and like my momma always says "Don't break the bank on your hobby, or you'll find your living outta your car and have nothing but a few tea pot cozies, and potholders to show for it" LOL

So I have three new patterns coming up

2011-03-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working feverishly on about ummm five patterns, two of which are other peoples patterns and three of them which will be coming up here as soon as I finish them. So look out for a mesh bag, and two sweaters, one size 24 months, the other a size two.

I know I know....I'm always working on atleast three or four things at the same time. My mother asks me why I do it to myself...but I can't help it. When I think of something I MUST create I must form it into fabric before the idea leaves my head and I miss out on what might have been a crochet masterpiece....LOL

So I am nearly done all of these projects and will post them as soon as I have taken the photos. The patterns may be for sale. I'm sorry to those that don't wish to pay for a pattern, but my maternity has run out so I need the little added revenue this brings until I find work.

Thanks and keep an eye out for the new projects.....

RE: free vs paid patterns

2011-01-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was on ravelry today and was looking through all the beautiful designs there, and stumbled across a post where a woman stated "Thanks for the FREE pattern" like as if it (while it was quite stunning) was far better than a paid pattern.

I know its ingrained that what is free is better than what is paid for, since we all search for deals. I myself love to find all the great free patterns out there. And look at the paid patterns for inspiration.

Now that I am a designer myself I see the amount of work there is involved with writing a pattern, creating the different sizes, taking the photos, and then listing the pattern (on sites which do charge to list) so I see it from both sides.

While as a designer its ok to list a few free patterns, its often necessary to list some paid for designs to equal the cost of time and money that listing your patterns cost.

I have a few paid for designs and a few free ones. I don't make much money off of my paid for ones. I think in total in a few months I've made MAYBE 30.00 so I'm not rolling in the dough, in fact its not even covered the expense of WRITING the pattern.....

I'm taking a quote from my mother "Its a hobby darling, no one is TELLING you to crochet, if its making you frustrated/annoyed, go find something else to occupy your time" so thats what I do. I don't get pissy when a person is just trying to make a little extra cash, in fact I will pay for a pattern if I WANT it enough, and will not complain since I know the work involved with writing it down and testing it alone....

The object of my noncrochetedness

2011-01-23T19:24:00.000-08:00

LOL

Well I know I haven't been crocheting or creating new patterns for a while. But I thought I would post the reason I haven't been doing so...

Isn't she just too cute? I can't take my eyes off of her for a minute for fear I will miss a new milestone. No she isn't my first, in fact she is my last. I have two older boys.

Anyway, its all new having a girl to dote over and I am honestly loving it. I will be posting some new patterns once I have time to create some pdfs, and write them down...:D

Happy Holidays

2010-12-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

I do appologize for not being around much, but its the holiday season and I have been madly crocheting gifts for those that I love.

I created a few new dresses for my daughter. Hats and scarves for my family...now that I'm nearly done its time to relax and maybe think about the next big creation for my daughter.

I'm currently waiting for my 101 stitches to crochet book to arrive. (My christmas present from my children) and teaching myself to loom knit. It has been a busy couple of weeks months years lol....

So yes I will return with a new creation for free and one for sale in the new year so keep watching

Great News

2010-10-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

So today I logged onto facebook, which is usually after I take a look at ravelry. And I notice a message. I open the message and its a prominant owner of a boutique in downtown nanaimo who has seen my crochet hats and asked if I wanted to sell some of my hats in her store.

I am very excited, but I am also considering just keeping all the money for myself, by opening a site of my own where all of my hats could be found.

I guess we shall see in the next few days......

The Lilac Breeze Mesh Dress

2010-10-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Lilac Breeze

Materials
I used a unamed sport weight/baby weight yarn. (In fact inherited it without a sleeve, so I have no real clue what yarn it is...lol)
4.5mm hook

ch 81

Row 1. slst to begining chain. ch 6 and then sc x 2 in third ch from hook *ch 6 and sc x 2 in 3rd ch from hook* repeat from * to the end. sl st into center of ch 6 of next row

Row 2-5. *ch 6, sc x 2 in center of next ch 6 space* repeat from * around

row 6. ch 6, sc x 2 in the next 3 ch 6 spaces. ch 18 and skip next 4 ch 6 spaces. *ch 6, sc x 2 in next 8 ch 6 spaces* ch 18 and skip next 4 ch 6 spaces. compete remaining ch 6 spaces.

row 7. ch 6 sc x 2 in each ch 6 space. when you reach the arm holes ch 6, skip 3 ch and sc x 2.

Row 8- 25. ch 6 sc x 2 in next ch 6 space around

fasten off. weave in ends

Sleeves (Optional)

Attach to the bottom center of the arm hole. ch 6, sc x 2 in next chain space. *ch 6, sc in center of ch 6. Repeat from * around.

Complete as many rows as needed to gain the length you desire.

join and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Ella Moss Girls 2-6x Bloom Dress,Milkshake,3T

The fine art of the hat

2010-08-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here crocheting another hat in the long line of crochet mens hats for my late grandfathers potlatch in the middle of november and I wonder....how many people have crocheted this exact style of hat. I wonder how many of the men will keep this hat and use it on those cold north coast of BC winters. I wonder if they will be used at all....

There is a fine art to the hat. Especially mens hats, since we all know that there are certain styles men will not wear. Simple is key to the men I am crocheting for...so here is my dilema. how am I to keep from getting bored? I have no idea really....perhaps changing from that bold black to the steel grey....or instead imagine I am crocheting a frock fit for a king, instead of a simple hat

My daughter was baptised today

2010-08-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

I've travelled to be with my family for the summer months so we can jar some salmon and introduce my daughter Caroline to them. We just today had her baptised at the church. It was a beautiful ceremony. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful community and loving parents. My father who recently became the lay minister, performed the ceremony....I will share photos at a later date, as I'm on dial up and trying to upload photos would take an eternity....

So I've finished a few projects, which I will also post when I am at home....next week.

Bikini Cover Dress

2010-08-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Bikini cover dress

I created this pattern before creating the actual dress. So I don't have a picture, but I am almost done.... I used this stitch for the entire dress http://www.ehow.com/how_2284142_crochet-shells-lace-stitch.html

Materials
1 ball of baby weight yarn
4.5 hook
1 needle and thread
1 length of ribbon

1. I began by measuring my daughters bust. This will vary by child. But if you are unable to measure the childs bust, you can take a look at this site which gives generic sizes for different childrens sizes. http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/babysize.html

2. sew the two ends of the elastic together

3. tie on the yarn, and ch 1. sc over the entire elastic.

Row 1. hdc over even numbered sc on the elastic, making sure to make the end number divisable by 6. I ended up with 96 hdc in the end. You could even make a larger number if you wanted more of a flowy dress.

Row 2. Work hdc over every stitch around

Row 3. ch 1 * skip next 2 chs, work shell in next ch, skip next 2 chs, sc in next ch; repeat from * across join with a slst to ch 1

Row 4. Ch 5 (counts as first dc plus 2 ch), sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, * ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc; repeat from * across. join with a slst to the third chain.

Row 5. Ch 6 (counts as first dc plus 3 ch); sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc, * ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. join with a slst to the third chain.

Row 6. Ch 1; sc in first dc * ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc; repeat from * across join with a slst

Row 7. Ch 1, sc in first sc, (work Shell in next dc, sc in next sc across).

Repeat row 4-7 until your dress reaches the length you desire, ending on a shell stitch row and fasten off.

You can add a ribbon to the elastic row to tie like a bikini to keep it up, or leave it like a tube top.

Sad Scary news

2010-07-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well I really have not been crocheting since my two year old had a horrible accident with our dresser and 27 inch tv. It fell on him about a week ago and he has small hairline fractures on the front and back of his head Its been a very FRIGHTENING week. We've been at the hospital since its happened. My husband has been staying with him. He is a tough little guy though and wanted to come home so very badly. The Drs released him on sunday and since then we've all been watching him like a hawk. The Dr has said no contact sports, no bike riding, no swimming...so sadly my son will have quite a quiet summer.

I crochet when I can, but its been quite rare....

Lavender Love

2010-07-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

Lavender Love

chain 52

Row 1 dc in 3rd chain from hook, dc in next 6 ch spaces, 3 dc in next ch space, dc in next 9 ch spaces, 3 dc in next chain space, dc in next 14 ch spaces, 3 dc in next ch space, dc in next 9 ch spaces, 3 dc in next ch space, dc in next 7 chain spaces.

Row 2-4 chain 3, dc in each dc, 3 dc in center of cluster of 3 dc.

Row 5 dc in each dc to corner. chain 12 dc in center of corner. dc to next corner. chain 12, skip all stitches to next corner. dc to end. (arm holes made)

Row 6, chain 3, dc in each stitch slip stitch to beginning.

Row 7: chain 4, skip one stitch, *dc, chain 1, skip stitch, dc* repeat from * to end slip stitch to beginning.

Row 8: dc in each dc and chain space to end

Continue row 7 and 8 until length desired. I did some increases around half way down the dress to give it more flair.

End with a row 8

Finishing. shell stitch around *sc, skip 2 stitches, 4 dc, sc in next stitch,* around. fasten off

attach at the bottom of the arm hole.

Row 1: *dc, chain 1, skip one stitch, dc* repeat from * around

Row 2: dc in each stitch around

Repeat row 1 and 2 three more times.

on the last 2 rows dc and then decrease

finishing as before
do the next sleeve in the same way

fasten off
attach to middle of back seam around the neck. sc in each stitch around. fasten off

weave ribbon through the bodice, tie in a ribbon on the back
weave ribbon through each sleeve and tie at the top.

your done!!!!

My life

2010-06-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Well I've been a busy momma lately. I'm working on a trade for professional pictures of my daugher for my crochet creations. I'm also getting a anxious 4 year old ready to start school. I've recently had a birthday, argh yes they happen every year apparently...lol. It was alot of fun though a little scary. We decided to go camping...and my dad said o let god take you where you want to go....and then we broke down on the highway...LMAO So we called a tow truck and stood on the side of the highway and waited, and waited and waited. So if you've ever tried to keep a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 4 month old occupied for more then a few minutes you understand what I went through. Thankfully we had lots of fruit, and chips and of course candy to keep them busy....

Anyway, not long after the tow truck came, we had to split the family. I took the baby and the middle child, and my dh and son stayed behind...I was crying! I hated to leave them on the side of the highway...but a friend was kind enough to go pick them up and we all arrived back home a few hours later safe and sound.

We got home and had fried hot dogs instead of roasted over a fire. We camped out on our patio instead of in the woods, and we watched a movie long after it got dark before putting the kiddies to sleep. So that in a nut shell is my life...if I didn't laugh I'd CRY lol....

I'm also making pressies for family and friends at the moment...so no new patterns but one is in the works for my baby girl...who knows when that will get done though (its been done in my head for months now though! My fingers just have to catch up :D)

Happy Fathers day to all the daddys out there

2010-06-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Well today has been a great day. We've made breakfast for the daddy type here. We're going to make pizza, or spag for dinner. Not sure which yet. and the boys have enjoyed spoiling their dad. I've also talked to my father this am, and am awaiting our new washer to arrive today...yay. :D

I have a new project I just finished, and am going to take pictures and include a pattern for sale (my FIRST one worthy of sale) I am so excited about it :D

Anyway, enjoy your days out there with your favorite men/daddy types :D

Boo to no time to crochet

2010-06-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well hello there strangers!!!

I've been enjoying my most recent adventure on ravelry. Its a great site once you figure out how to use it! I love surfing through all the beautiful things people have made. Often times I'll save a pattern and never make an exact replica, but be inspired to create something like it.....

Anyway, I have had little to no time to crochet. I did make a couple of slouchy hat for a photographer as a trade for her services. They turned out great....and of course I'm working on something for my daughter...a halter....which I will make a pattern for and provided I figure things out. May sell it for a minimal price.

I'm also already wondering what I shall make with the beautiful lime green and bright teal yarn I bought....any ideas? teehee....hopefully things will settle in here soon so I can get back to relaxing in front of the tv with my DH and crochet....:)

Just fishnettin' around

2010-06-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Just Fishnettin' around

Materials:
WW Yarn I skien.
5.5 hook

Chain 60 and join with a slip stitch to the 1st chain being careful not to twist chain.

Row 1: Chain one and single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Row 2: *Chain 5 skip 2 stitches single crochet in next stitch* repeat around do NOT join,. (First row of mesh completed)

Row 3-4: * Chain 5, single crochet in next chain 5 space of previous round* repeat around. Do NOT join

Row 5: *Chain 5, single crochet in next chain five space of previous round* repeat 3 more times chain 18, and skip next 4 chain 5 spaces. single crochet in next space. *Chain 5, single crochet in next chain 5 space of previous round* 8 times. chain 18, and skip next 4 chain 5 spaces. single crochet in next space. *chain 5, single crochet in next chain 5 space of previous round* to complete row.

Row 5-20 (or length desired) *chain 5, single crochet in next chain 5 space of previous round* repeat around. Do NOT join.

I stopped around row 20 because I simply wanted a top to put over a tank top for my daughter. You however if you wanted a dress could continue to length desired. You could also add a cute scalloped edge to the bottom and the arm. But I prefer simplicity.

Poncho fever

2010-06-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)

well lately I've been creating ponchos and matching hats. I don't know, perhaps because its warmer now and Caroline (my daughter) gets too warm with the crochet dresses. I decided to make some other crochet things.

The poneho is my own creation, no pattern followed. I am taking orders for these items. You can choose any color, any theme, any accessory. The one to the right is a creation in the warmest brown, with the palest pink ruffle, and flowers, as well as the palest ribbon.

A few new things

2010-05-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well I've been crocheting like a mad woman lately. I made my daughter a new pair of crochet sandals. I made a few necklaces from a blog called creative yarn. I'll post some pictures. I'm not sure if I will add a pattern for the sandals. I guess if I get enough response I will post a pattern.

I've also been making scratch mitts and a new hat for a new baby born in my family. My cousin Ted is the proud Daddy of a new baby boy.....I will post pictures of those eventually as well they are super cute.