Tampa Bay Crochet

Results of the Holiday Hat Pattern Giveaway!

2012-12-22T16:12:00.003-05:00

Winner

Announcement!

The holiday hat pattern giveaway has ended and the winners have been chosen. Congratulations to:

Judy G.

Gwenda D.

Carol S.

Winners have been e-mailed the patterns for the little Grinch, Santa Claus and reindeer hats. I hope you enjoy these patterns! Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway. Look out for more giveaways soon from Tampa Bay Crochet!

Holiday Crochet Pattern Giveaway. Enter to Win!

2012-12-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

Holiday Crochet Pattern Giveaway. Enter to Win!

Need a last minute holiday gift? Enter to win three crochet holiday hat patterns from Tampa Bay Crochet. Winners will receive the little grinch, reindeer and santa hat PDF crochet patterns. Three winners will be chosen.

These patterns are very quick to whip up and include lots of photos to help guide you along the way. The contest ends 12/22/12 at 12 a.m. You can enter below via Rafflecopter.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where I Buy Craft Supplies

2012-12-14T11:34:00.002-05:00

Where I Buy Craft Supplies

I have had a lot of people e-mail me asking where I purchase my yarn and crochet hooks. I have a few favorite local spots but you can also save quite a bit of money by purchasing your supplies online.

Typically when i purchase yarn, I go to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores. I am lucky enough to have one right across the street from my condo. However, if Jo-Anns is running an internet sale, I try to stock up on yarn online. One way you can save even more money is by making your Jo-Ann's purchase through Ebates. For those of you who are not familiar with Ebates, it is a 100% free service that allows you to shop at many different types of stores and earn cash back. If you shop at Jo-Ann Stores through Ebates, you earn 5% cash back on your total purchase. Plus, you can still use any of your coupons from Jo-Anns when making your purchase. You can also earn 2% cash back on your purchases from Walmart. Walmart doesn't have as extensive of a selection as Jo-Anns but their prices are very reasonable.

I also recommend signing up for newsletters for any craft store you like to visit. I am on the mailing list and e-mail list for both Jo-Ann and Michaels Stores. I am constantly getting new coupons in the mail. Additionally, Jo-Ann stores has an iPhone app that gives you coupons on you iPhone that you can bring right to the register. It's nice because don't have to waste the ink or paper to print out coupons ahead of time.

Ocassionally, I will also purchase supplies through online-only retailers, such as Annie's, Craftsy or of course, Etsy.

Hopefully, this will help you save a little money on your crochet supplies. I also, try to share any amazing deals I come across on my Facebook page, Tampa Bay Crochet Facebook. If you come across a deal, feel free to post it to my Facebook page so that I can share it with all of my readers.

Free Patterns To Spruce Up Your Christmas Tree

2012-12-11T12:14:00.000-05:00

Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

Christmas is only two weeks away! If you are looking for some unique decorations to spruce up your Christmas tree, below are some wonderful free crochet ornament patterns. These ornaments would also make wonderful stocking stuffers or gifts for family and friends.

1. Snowman Ornament by Audra Brown. The pattern for these adorable little snowmen is available as a free ravelry download.

2. Teddy Ornaments from All About Ami Blog. These cut little ornaments would look great on a child's holiday tree.

3. Little Christmas Socks by Le Monde De Sucrette. I love these little stockings. Would look great on a Christmas tree or at your Christmas table. One year I used stockings similar to this as silverware holders at each place setting.

4. Quick and Easy Christmas Ornament by Roswitha Mueller. This angel pattern is available as a free ravelry download.

5. Snowflake Ornament from Red Heart.

6. Christmas Wreath by Doni Speigle

Cyber Monday Pattern Sale!

2012-11-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Cyber Monday Pattern Sale

Today only receive 50% off on all Tampa Bay Crochet patterns purchased on Craftsy. No coupon code required. All pattern prices have been discounted 50%. This sale will end at midnight EST.

Tampa Bay Crochet on Craftsy

New Holiday Pattern Release: Reindeer, Santa & Grinch Hat

2012-11-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

New Holiday Pattern Release

Santa Claus, Reindeer and Little Grinch Hat

As promised, I have released my three latest patterns. I received feedback from my wonderful testers and the patterns can now be found on both Ravelry and Craftsy! Thank you again to everyone who volunteered to test these patterns.

I have been working on these patterns for weeks and I am very happy with the finished product. I think these will make great holiday hats. The Santa Claus and Reindeer hats include all sizes and have separate instructions for a beanie hat and an earflap hat. The little Grinch is a beanie and has instructions for sizes 0-3 months through 3 years.

For a limited time, I am offering all three patterns for $5.99.

Buy On Craftsy Buy on Ravelry

You can also purchase the patterns individually on both sites.

My Craftsy Store My Ravelry Store

Wool and the Gang: DIY Fashion and High Quality Wool Yarns

2012-11-01T12:40:00.001-04:00

Wool and the Gang: High Quality Peruvian Wool Yarns and Knitting Kits and Ready to Wear Items.

I recently discovered an online retailer of high quality wool yarns, knitting kits and ready to wear items, Wool and the Gang. Wool and the Gang was founded by DIY fashionistas, Lisa Sabrier and Carolyn Main in 2008. They offer stunning ready to wear pieces that have been handmade in the mountainous regions of Peru using their lovely yarns.

Not only are they an online retailer, they are also a community. The company describes itself as, "Wool and the Gang is the first DIY fashion brand, it Is the story of a family, it's a tradition passed from generation to generation, re-invented, self taught, a bond between gang members, a gang of knitters, guys and girls from 7 to 77 years old, all tied together by a piece of yarn…". On their website you can find many video tutorials for those who are still learning to knit. You can also request a lesson if you do not see the video tutorial you need.

If you are familiar with knitting, Wool and the gang offers a variety of DIY knitting kits. Some of their project kits include hats, scarves, vests, sweaters and many more. The kits come with everything you will need to make the project, even the needles! The projects are all labeled as to their level of difficultly. With the holidays right around the corner, these knitting kits would make the perfect gift for the knitter in your life or buy one for yourself and use it to make a homemade gift.

If you are unfamiliar with knitting, their beautiful wool yarns would also work well in any crochet project. They come in a variety of vibrant colors. They carry Peruvian wool, prima cotton and baby alpaca yarns.

Click here to visit, Wool and the Gang

Tutorial: How To Make A Yarn Pom Pom

2012-10-31T14:13:00.001-04:00

Tutorial: How to Make a Yarn Pom Pom

Adding a yarn pom pom is a great way to add a little fun to just about any crochet project. I especially love to add them to winter hats. Yarn pom poms are quick and simple to make!

All you need is some yarn in your desired colors, your hand and a pair of scissors!

The pom pom I made in the example below only uses one color but you can make a multicolored pom pom by switching colors after every few wraps.

Step 1: Start by taking your yarn and wrapping it around a hard surface. You can use your hand, a small piece of cardboard or any other small surface.

Step 2: Continue wrapping the yarn. The more times you wrap the yarn, the thicker your pom pom will be. As a point of reference, I wrapped the yarn around my hand 30 times for this particular pom pom.

Step 3: Slip the wrapped yarn off of your hand or surface and using a separate piece of yarn, tie a knot around the center.

Step 4: Slip scissors through the loops on each end of the pom pom and cut across to create the fringe.

Step 5: Fluff the yarn to form the pom pom.

Sneak Peak of Upcoming Holiday Patterns

2012-10-29T13:31:00.001-04:00

I spent this past weekend working on some new holiday hat patterns. I am really excited about my first two creations. Here is a sneak peak of the upcoming hats:

I am still working on cleaning up the patterns. Then, I will have some testers double check them for me. Hopefully, I will be releasing them later this week!

Free Crochet Pattern Release: Ribbed Cuff Fingerless Gloves

2012-10-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

Free Crochet Pattern Release: Ribbed Cuff Fingerless Gloves

I created this pattern yesterday morning on a whim. It's a very basic pattern for fingerless gloves featuring a ribbed cuff. Very quick to make, the gloves probably took me an hour total and that included the time it took me to write the pattern. Enjoy!

Materials:

Size H crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (I used Redheart Wth Love)
Needle

Gauge:
3 dc = 1”
2 rows of dc = 1”

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sts = stitches
dc = double crochet
fpdc = front post double crochet
bpdc = back post double crochet

Pattern:

Round 1: Ch 25, sl st to 1st chain to form a ring. Be careful not to twist the chain.
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in next stitch and in each stitch around. Sl st in top of ch 3 to join round.
Round 3: Ch 3, (fpdc in next st, bpdc in following stitch) repeat all the way around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join round.
Round 4: Repeat round 3
Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join round.
Round 6-12: Repeat round 5.
Round 13: (This round creates the thumb opening) Ch 3, dc first 20 sts, ch 4, skip remaining stitches and sl st to top of ch 3 to join round.
Round 14: Ch 3, dc in each stitch and chain around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join round.
Round 15: Ch 3, (fpdc in next st, bpdc in following stitch) repeat all the way around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join round.
Round 16: Repeat round 15.

Tie off yarn. Using the needle, weave in all loose ends.

New Pattern: Two Tone Ballet Slippers

2012-10-21T19:40:00.000-04:00

Two Tone Ballet Slippers

Tampa Bay Crochet

Please do not sell this pattern. For more free patterns, visit http://tampabaycrochet.blogspot.com.

You may also download this pattern for free through Craftsy by clicking here.

Sizes (U.S. shoe size):

Small: 5-6

Medium: 7-8

Large: 9-10

x-large: 11-12

Materials:
Needle (for weaving in loose ends).

Size H crochet hook

Worsted weight yarn. For this pattern, I used Redheart Super Saver.

Abbreviations:

Ssc: Same stitch cluster

Tsc: Two stitch cluster

Sc: single crochet

Sl st: slip stitch

St: stitch

Special Stitches:

Same stitch cluster: Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook, yarn over and insert hook in same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook, yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook.

Two stitch cluster: Yarn over, insert hook in the same stitch as the last stitch made, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through first two stitches on hook, yarn over and insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through first two loops on hook, yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Slippers:

Row 1: Ch 4, ssc 7 times in 4^th ch from hook (7 stitches)

Row 2: Ch 3, 2 ssc in each stitch around (14)

Row 3: Ch 3, 1 ssc in each stitch around (14)

Row 4: Ch 3, 2 ssc in next st, 1 ssc in next 3 st, repeat 2 more times, 2 ssc in next st, 1 ssc in next st. Join with a sl st to top of ch 3 (18)

Row 5: Ch 3, tsc in each st around (18)

Row 6: Ch 3, tsc in each st around. (18)

If switching colors, tie off yarn and sl st with new color to join.

Row 7: Ch 3, tsc in each st around (18)

Row 8: Repeat row 7

Row 9: Ch 3 turn, tsc in next 13 sts.

Row 10: Ch 3 turn, tsc in next 13 sts,

Row 11: Repeat row 10 until your slipper reaches your desired length. Check the length of the slipper by folding it in half lengthwise. Next, measure from the tip of the toe to your last completed row.

Here are the desired completed lengths for each size.

For size small: the slipper should now be around 8”

For size medium: the slipper should be around 8.75”

For size large: the slipper should be around 9.25”

For size x-large: the slipper should be around 9.75”

Last Row: Ch 1, hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog 4 times, hdc in last 3 sts. Tie off leaving a 12 inch tail.

To close the heel of the slipper:

Turn slipper inside out. Fold the slipper in half lengthwise. Using a needle and the 12” tail, sew the two sides of the heel of the slipper together.

Finishing:

Turn slipper right side out. Sl st with main yarn toward the heel of the slipper. Ch1, sc evenly around the opening of the slipper. Slip st to ch 1 to join.

Tie off yarn and weave in all loose ends.

You can decorate the slippers with flowers, buttons or appliqués.

Sneak Peek: Free Ballet Slippers Pattern

2012-10-16T23:52:00.002-04:00

Sneak Peek: Free Ballet Slippers Pattern

This past week I have finally had the time to start working on my next free pattern. I decided to make a simple ballet slipper. I used a cluster stitch to give the slippers texture and added warmth. Here is a sneak peak of the slippers (they are still a work in progress).

I am pretty happy with the way these slippers are turning out. They are very comfortable, warm and don't slip off your feet! I hope to have this pattern ready and posted by the end of the week.

Book Review: Learn Bruges Lace by Ellen Gormley

2012-09-28T08:01:00.000-04:00

Review: Learn Bruges Lace by Ellen Gormley

I recently picked up Learn Bruges Lace, the latest book by Ellen Gormley, author of Go Crochet! Afghan Design Workbook.

Bruges lace is a lovely style of crochet that imitates the ornate lace work done on bobbins. For those who are not familiar with the technique, this step by step technique book provides a simple and effective way to learn. After a brief history of Bruges lace, the first half of the book contains 16 pages of easy to follow stitch patterns. There are ten patterns in total, each with a picture tutorial, clearly written instructions and symbol diagram.

The second half of the book contains eight different projects. The variety of patterns include, a bracelet, two scarves, a blanket, three hats and a cowl. Each pattern also includes a symbol diagram as well as a detailed photo of the finished item.

Lastly, readers are also provides a metric conversion chart and stitch guide at the back of the book for reference.

I was very pleased to be introduced to this style of crochet and think that Learn bruges lace is an ideal starting point for any crochet hobbyist. I very much enjoyed the design and variety of patterns, as well as the layout of the instructional information. The photos are visually appealing and detailed enough for a thorough understanding of the stitches.

Learn Bruges Lace is available for purchase through Annie's Crochet in either paper or digital format for $9.95. At only $1.25 per pattern, I think this book is an exceptional value.

For more information on Learn Bruges Lace, or to purchase the book: Click Here

For more information about Ellen's first book, Go Crochet! Afghan Design Workbook: Click Here

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Free and Spooky Halloween Patterns

2012-09-22T13:04:00.000-04:00

Although September has not yet come to an end, Halloween seems to be in full swing in every store. Halloween is by far my favorite holiday of the year. I love dressing up and decorating the house.

To stick with the theme of Halloween, here are some free crochet patterns perfect for the upcoming holiday.

1. Crochet Halloween Treat Basket Pattern: For carrying around all of your candy!

2. Halloween Tombstone Ornament: Great little decoration.

3. Crochet Ghost Ornament: Another great little Halloween decoration.

4. Crochet Halloween Spider and Web

5. Crochet Panda Bear Hat: Could be the perfect accessory for a panda themed costume!

6. Crochet Spooky Cup Cozies: Great for home or the office.

7. Crochet Witch Hat

Giveaway Now Open. Lots of Great Prizes!

2012-09-05T17:35:00.000-04:00

Did you remember to enter the latest giveaway from Crochet by Rae? I joined as a sponsor and one lucky winner will receive my newborn baby bear hat and diaper cover. Make sure to "like" Crochet by Rae before entering. To enter, click here

Some of the other great prizes up for grabs:

$15 Gift certificate toward a custom hat from The Robin's Nest

This eco-friendly face scrubbie set from Cozy Corner Crochets for $2 (normally retails for $10)

One crochet pattern of the winner's choice from the photo below by Simply Carrie

A pair of tatted earrings from Geeks with Scissors

And lots more!!!!

New Giveaway - Enter To Win My Crochet Baby Bear Hat & Diaper Set

2012-09-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Crochet By Rae just launched a new giveaway to help them reach 2,000 Facebook Fans. I donated my crochet baby bear hat and diaper set pictured below to the giveaway.

There are lots of great prizes that you can enter to win. To enter: Click Here

$200 Fall Event: Have it Your Way Giveaway, Blogger Opportunity

2012-08-30T10:36:00.001-04:00

Jenn's Blah Blah Blog, Diva Fabulosa and Simply Shawn & Jenn are bringing you an awesome FREE Blogger Opportunity! They will be giving away $200, in their Have it your way event! How will this work? Whatever the winner wants, the winner will get! Kindle Fire, PayPal Cash, Amazing, Wal-Mart, Target! Who cares, they get just what they want! Blogger get FREE Facebook link with the option to purchase additional links! Jenn's Blah Blah Blog had a giveaway just like this called the Sizzling Summer Giveaway that was fabulous, so were going to bring it back over and over and over again! This time Simply Shawn & Jenn has decided to join in the fun to celebrate reaching over 10K fans! About the event

Prize: Whatever you want up to $200 (shipping included) Do you want a Kindle Fire? Maybe an iPod, hummm maybe gift card to Target, oh wait Paypal cash? We don't care we want you to have it your way! So let the games begin, and let's have some fun with this one!
Event will run from Sept 20th until Oct 20th.
Free Facebook
Additional likes $2
Daily Votes $3
Co-host spots $10. (with this you will receive your blog mentioned all blogs posts, FREE Facebook, and FREE Twitter! If you choose this please be sure to add your links in the assigned spots on the form below)

You can sign up for this event, HERE

Free Fall Crochet Patterns

2012-08-30T09:44:00.001-04:00

Free Fall Crochet Patterns

One thing I miss about living in the Midwest is the fall. I love going for hikes once the weather cools and the leaves begin to change colors. Here are some free crochet patterns I found that are inspired by fall.

1. Baby Pumpkin Crochet Beanie

2. Amigurumi Pumpkin

3. Autumn Leaves

4. Crochet Beret

Help Me Choose My Next Free Pattern!

2012-08-28T16:54:00.001-04:00

Help Me Choose My Next Free Pattern!

I am having a really hard time deciding on what I would like my next free crochet pattern to be. I thought the easiest way to decide would be to ask my readers. Below is a poll with a few items that I have been thinking about making. Pick what you like the best or if you have an idea that isn't listed below, feel free to add it!

My next free pattern should be for what item?

Crocheting Projects and New Newsletter!

2012-08-27T15:54:00.000-04:00

Crocheting Projects

The past month has been pretty hectic around my house. We went on a mini vacation with the in-laws, helped my brother-in-law, whose in the army, ready to leave for South Korea and had to ready our house in case Isaac came our way.

Luckily, Isaac missed our area and all we have gotten is rain. This, has given me some time to stay indoors and work on a few crochet projects. I just finished this Cleveland Indians themed tissue box holder for my mom. She asked if I could make one with Chief Wahoo for a friend of hers that is obsessed with the Indians.

Never will I attempt this again! I think Chief Wahoo came out alright but it took days of playing around with yarn and trying new things to get his face just the way I wanted it. I know the photo isn't the best quality, it came from my cell phone.

The next project I made was this baby bear hat and diaper cover set in oatmeal. I absolutely love this yarn and thought the color suited the bear set. The yarn is oatmeal in color but has flecks of blue, black and gray through it.

Tampa Bay Crochet Newsletter

I will be starting a Tampa Bay Crochet e-mail newsletter. You can sign up by entering your name and e-mail address in the form on the right sidebar of my blog. The newsletter will include new pattern notifications, upcoming patterns, projects, sales and crochet advice. Sign up to stay up to date on everything related to Tampa Bay Crochet :)

Fall Crafts Using Burlap from Gina at FabricStreet.com!

2012-08-25T08:19:00.001-04:00

Burlap is a great versatile fabric that can add some autumnal flair to your home without too much effort.

And since during the fall parties go from being porch centered to more living room and kitchen centered, there are a number of things you can do with burlap to add unique touches to your home that will have people asking you where you got them.

Burlap pillows are really simple to make and much cheaper than buying one. I’ve seen burlap pillows for as much as $60 when I know the materials cost less than half that.

Burlap is a pretty porous fabric so you don’t want to simply make the pillow out of the burlap. The best way is to make a plain pillow using a color similar to the color burlap you’ve bought, or you can choose a complementary colored fabric that will just bleed through the holes a little bit to give it another dimension. Plus, if you want to keep the pillows on your couch year-round you can make the pillow form out of a color that matches the rest of the room and re-make the outer covering depending on the time of the year.

You’ll need

· Pillow form fabric cut into 12 1/2” by 20 ½”

· Burlap fabric cut into 23” by 15”

· Pillow filling

You stitch around the outside of the fabric, leaving an opening for turning and stuffing it. Once stuffed you sew the opening closed.

Stitch 1½ inches around three sides of the burlap fabric, insert the pillow form in the open side. Stitch shut.

For a frayed look you can just pull threads from the outside edge of the pillow, or if you’re looking for a more sleek pillow turn the burlap pillow form inside out before inserting the stuffed pillow.

If you want to add some lettering or a image, like in the image shown above, you simply create the banner panel on a third kind of fabric and then sew it in place on the burlap, making sure it’s on the side of the fabric you’ve chosen to be the outside.

Another easy thing to do with burlap is use it to cover a bulletin board or as the backing on a photo collage or frame. Obviously, this is really simple to do. Just get a corkboard or piece of cardboard in the size that you want and cover it with the burlap. You can then make a border with buttons or even decorative pushpins. The holes won’t show through the burlap so you can move things around as much as you want.

It’s also just as easy to make an earring holder from burlap, if you want to do something just for your bedroom. Simply stretch the burlap over a circle or square frame and secure it in place. Depending on the thickness of the burlap you’ve chosen and how heavy your earrings are, you might want to put 2 layers of burlap up.

If you just want to find something to do with those extra pieces of burlap you have lying around from the above projects, burlap tags are a really cute and simple way to use up those scraps.

Just cut the scraps into the sizes you want, spray then with fabric stiffener, wait for them to dry, draw or sew whatever you want on to the scraps and then glue them on to the dowels.These are perfect for a garden, window box, or kitchen window herb garden.

You can use the same method without the dowels to label picture collages. They look great with autumn themed collages, for example Halloween costume pictures or maybe a Thanksgiving family photo collage.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, the garden labels can also easily be used to help label dishes during Thanksgiving or any party. All you need to find is some kind of base for the dowel rod so that it stands up. It might be a good use for the kids old Play doh that needs to be thrown away anyway! I would make sure to also wrap the base in burlap as well and tie it off with a piece of twine or other thin piece of fabric.

FabricStreet.com has some great affordable fabrics, including burlap.

For more project ideas and great deals on Fabric visit, Fabric Street. You can also find them on Facebook.

Free Back To School Crochet Patterns

2012-08-18T09:45:00.001-04:00

Summer is coming to an end and the new school year is about to begin. Here are some great free crochet patterns for the new school year.

1. Roll-Up Pencil Case by Kim Kotary

2. Adjustable Book Cover

3. Lunch Bag from Crochet Uncut

4. Spring Petals Backpack by Susan Gator

Getting Ready for Fall: Free Crochet Patterns

2012-08-03T08:42:00.000-04:00

The past few days I have been getting a start on preparing my Etsy shop for the upcoming Fall and Halloween. I decided to try a few new patterns I found on Ravelry and thought I would share my favorites with you.

The first pattern I tried was for this newborn pumpkin hat. The pattern is by Danyel Pink and it was listed on FaveCrafts.com. The hat came out just like it looked in the picture. I only made a few little tweaks to the pattern. I added a row of single crochets to the bottom brim of the hat just because I thought it gave the brim a more finished look. I also added a few more rows of half double crochets to the body of the hat. I found my yarn did not have very much give, so I needed a few extra rows. This pattern is written for a newborn but it is very basic and could easily be modified to fit any size range.

The second pattern I tried was for this amigurumi pumpkin. The pattern is written by June Gilbank from Planet June. June has the best free crochet amigurumi patterns that I have found on the web. This pumpkin came out perfectly without having to make any adjustments to the pattern. I did however decide to use a larger crochet hook and add a few stitches to make a larger version of the pumpkin. It also came out great. These little pumpkins would make great fall/Halloween decorations. I also think they would look absolutely adorable as decorations at your Thanksgiving dinner table.

I have several additional patterns I hope to try this next week as well as a few ideas for new patterns of my own. Stay tuned :)

Free Crochet Pattern: Chunky Twist Torsade Necklace

2012-07-23T18:16:00.000-04:00

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Chunky Twist Torsade Necklace

Tampa Bay Crochet

*This pattern may not be resold or copied. Finished items however, may be sold.

About the Design

Chunky necklaces are a huge trend this summer so I wanted to create a simple crochet version. This necklace pattern can be easily customized by adding more colors and adjusting the length of your chains. You could also crochet longer chains and turn it into a belt. The pattern is written in steps rather than rounds or rows. This is because there are several steps that do not involve crocheting (ex. twisting the strands of the necklace). I hope you enjoy this pattern!

Materials:

Hook Size G

Worsted weight yarn ( I use two colors in this example but you can use as many as you like)

Needle - for sewing in ends and attaching the button

Button

Abbreviations:

Sc = Single Crochet

Sl St = slip stitch

Ch = chain

Sts = stitches

St = stitch

Instructions:

Step 1: Ch 115 and tie off. When laid flat your chain should measure around 25”. Gauge is not very important in this project as long as all of your chains are nearly the same length. You may decide to crochet shorter or longer chains depending on the desired length of the necklace.

Step 2: Repeat the first step 3 more times until you have a total of four chains of the same color.

Step 3: With your second color, Ch 115 and tie off. Repeat three more times until you have a total of 4 chains with your second color.

Step 4: Lay all 8 chains side by side and tape one end of them to a flat surface.

Step 5: Divide the chains up by color and begin to lightly twist them by placing one color over the other until you reach the end.

Now, you will begin connecting the chains together by slip stitching.

Step 6: Take your crochet hook and either color yarn and slip stitch through the end of the first chain, then ch 1. Slip stitch through the end of the next closest chain and ch 1 again. Do this until you reach the last chain. Slip stitch through the last chain, ch 1 and turn.

Step 7: Sc in each stitch across, ch 1 and turn.

Step 8: Sc in each stitch across, tie off yarn leaving a 6 inch tail.

Step 9: Using the tail, sew a button to the center of the end of the necklace.

Un-tape the opposite side of the necklace.

You will now use the same process to finish the opposite side of the necklace.

Step 10: Slip stitch through the end of the first chain and ch 1. Do this with each chain across. Once you have slip stitched through the last chain, ch 1 and turn.

Step 11: Sc through each slip stitch and chain across. Ch 1 turn.

This next row creates the loop to hook around the button.

Step 12: Single crochet through first 6 sts, chain 6, skip the next st and sc in the following stitch and in each stitch across. Tie off yarn.

Step 13: Finally, using a needle, sew in all of your loose ends.

The Big Etsy Contest Featured Item: Sock Monkey Set

2012-07-21T07:40:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone. Today I received an e-mail from The Big Etsy contest letting me know that my sock monkey hat and diaper cover set is being featured today. If you have a chance today, head over to the contest and vote for me :) It would be greatly appreciated!

Vote for my Sock Monkey Set

Links for 2012-03-17 [Digg]

2012-03-18T00:00:00-07:00

Spring Giveaway!!
Spruce up your spring wardrobe. Enter to win our spring contest at Tampa Bay Crochet.

Links for 2012-03-04 [Digg]

2012-03-05T00:00:00-08:00

Simple iPhone or iPod touch cozy
This free easy crochet pattern is for a simple iPod touch or iPhone cozy. The finished cozy measures approximately 3”wide by 5” tall. There are two versions to the cozy. The f
Tampa Bay Crochet: Free Easy Crochet Purse Pattern
This free easy crochet pattern is for a stylish bag with optional flower. Great free crochet pattern for spring.

Tampa Bay Crochet

Results of the Holiday Hat Pattern Giveaway!

Winner Announcement!

Holiday Crochet Pattern Giveaway. Enter to Win!

Holiday Crochet Pattern Giveaway. Enter to Win!

Where I Buy Craft Supplies

Where I Buy Craft Supplies

Free Patterns To Spruce Up Your Christmas Tree

Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

Cyber Monday Pattern Sale!

Cyber Monday Pattern Sale

Tampa Bay Crochet on Craftsy

New Holiday Pattern Release: Reindeer, Santa & Grinch Hat

New Holiday Pattern Release

Santa Claus, Reindeer and Little Grinch Hat

For a limited time, I am offering all three patterns for $5.99.

You can also purchase the patterns individually on both sites.

Wool and the Gang: DIY Fashion and High Quality Wool Yarns

Wool and the Gang: High Quality Peruvian Wool Yarns and Knitting Kits and Ready to Wear Items.

Tutorial: How To Make A Yarn Pom Pom

Tutorial: How to Make a Yarn Pom Pom

Sneak Peak of Upcoming Holiday Patterns

Free Crochet Pattern Release: Ribbed Cuff Fingerless Gloves

Free Crochet Pattern Release: Ribbed Cuff Fingerless Gloves

New Pattern: Two Tone Ballet Slippers

Sneak Peek: Free Ballet Slippers Pattern

Sneak Peek: Free Ballet Slippers Pattern

Book Review: Learn Bruges Lace by Ellen Gormley

Review: Learn Bruges Lace by Ellen Gormley

I recently picked up Learn Bruges Lace, the latest book by Ellen Gormley, author of Go Crochet! Afghan Design Workbook.

Free and Spooky Halloween Patterns

Giveaway Now Open. Lots of Great Prizes!

New Giveaway - Enter To Win My Crochet Baby Bear Hat & Diaper Set

$200 Fall Event: Have it Your Way Giveaway, Blogger Opportunity

Free Fall Crochet Patterns

Free Fall Crochet Patterns

Help Me Choose My Next Free Pattern!

Help Me Choose My Next Free Pattern!

Crocheting Projects and New Newsletter!

Fall Crafts Using Burlap from Gina at FabricStreet.com!

Free Back To School Crochet Patterns

Getting Ready for Fall: Free Crochet Patterns

Free Crochet Pattern: Chunky Twist Torsade Necklace

The Big Etsy Contest Featured Item: Sock Monkey Set

Links for 2012-03-17 [Digg]

Links for 2012-03-04 [Digg]

Winner

Announcement!