Fiber Flux...Adventures in Stitching

Free Crochet Pattern... One Round Leaf (Stemless)

2013-05-24T08:46:00.000-04:00

Crochet this cute little leaf to add some green to a yarny flower bouquet! Completed in just one round, you can work them up in no time. If you'd like a stem on your leaf, click here for pattern.

One Round Leaf (Stemless)
By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

H (5.0 mm) hook
Worsted weight yarn scraps of your choice
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

(Note: I used a H hook and worsted weight, but feel free to experiment with a variety of sizes and yarn weights)

Sizing:

Leaves shown are about 1 inch wide. However, experimenting with different hooks and yarn will make lots of different and interesting looking leaves.

Instructions:

Foundation: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: In the center of the ring, work 6 dc, 4 sc, 1 tr, 4 sc. Join with a slip stitch to close leaf and fasten off.

Here it is in column format, if you prefer:

Ch 4, join with a sl st
6 dc
4 sc
1 tr
4 sc
Join with a slip stitch to close leaf and fasten off.

Finishing:
Weave in ends and you're all finished! Shape a bit with your hands if needed.

To make a flower to go with your leaf, click here...

© Jennifer Dickerson 2013
Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only. In addition, if you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog (including other languages). Thank you!

Tissue Paper Flowers & A New Cross Stitch Project

2013-05-22T15:47:00.000-04:00

I've been a homebody lately, puttering around the house soaking up the sunshine and happy things. I've been dabbling with needle and thread (more about this in a bit) and had a little flower making extravaganza to add some cheerful goodness to our home. They are beautiful to have some extra on hand to put on top of a gift too.

To make a tissue paper flower, all you'll need is:

Tissue Paper
Scissors
Pipe Cleaners

I got the mega pack of tissue in the gift wrap aisle...isn't it happy and colorful?

Select a piece...I cut mine in half, now fold in half,

If you like, you can fold it again to make a smaller flower, or a above for a larger flower.

Now fold into a zig zag/accordion,

Fold the accordion and a pipe cleaner in half,

Secure the pipe cleaner around the tissue accordion as shown below with a tight twist to keep in place,

You can skip the next step if you like, but I wanted mine to have a little leaf. To make the leaf, bend the pipe cleaner as shown below,

Wrap it around,

And bend it down.

Twist at the base of the leaf to secure.

Bend the leaf apart to make it more "leafy" looking.

Trim the edges of the accordion at the top to give it more of a flower shape. Try experimenting with both pointy tipped petals and rounded petals for a variety of different looking flowers.

Gently pull apart the paper and it fluff up. I found that the less I handled the paper the crisper and less crumpled they looked.

Pretty...plus they'll never wilt!

And onto the cross stitch,

I'm in the very beginning stages of a cross stitch sampler. It is for a wedding, with the names and dates to be put on later. It is very traditional in its layout...geometric with different borders, edges, and block letters.

The rectangular shape will eventually be a lovely 3-tiered cake. Can you tell by looking at it that I like to jump around from area to area? I'm not sure that is the "proper" way to go about doing it, but it's how I like to work on it. It keep things interesting.

However you are making your stitches today dear readers, whether with a needles or a hook, enjoy!

Ground Cover Public Art Project

2013-05-20T08:33:00.000-04:00

Photos contained in the packet are ©Ann Morton

I recently discovered a really interesting community project called the Ground Cover Public Art Project. Based in Phoenix, Arizona and conceptualized and ran by artist Ann Morton, its aim is to create a large ground covering made up of 300 knitted, crocheted, and quilted blankets. They will form a giant image of a desert flower that will cover an entire empty lot! After that, each of the 300 blankets will be distributed to homeless people--just in time for the cold months.

Photos contained in the packet are ©Ann Morton

While I don't live anywhere Arizona, this project really spoke to me and I just had to get involved. It is a wonderful concept that reaches out to a community in need, but also promotes awareness and pro-activity by informing and involving the community. Being an art lover and stitcher, I immediately signed up for one of the blanket sections and received this wonderful packet, everything is incredibly organized and straightforward. I immediately ran out and got the yarn my section called for. I am planning on updating when I complete the blanket. See that dark brown in the color chart? That is what I'm working with right now.

Photos contained in the packet are ©Ann Morton

Check out what the finished image will look like in the photo above! So pretty! I just checked this morning and all of the blanket sections have been assigned, however there is a waiting list (with many spots available as of this morning) in case someone who has signed up is unable to make or complete their blanket. If you live in the area, check and see if they might need volunteers for other things. Below are links to the main site and the Ravelry community group. So exciting to be part of this project!

Check out Ground Cover's website here

Here is the Ravelry group for Ground Cover

Free Crochet Pattern...Berry Season Blanket

2013-05-16T13:56:00.000-04:00

This sweet blanket celebrates berries in season. It is crocheted in rounds with pretty shades of strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry in an easy to follow granny square pattern. Make a tiny one for a dolly, a small one for a special baby, a medium one for a throw. Or, try making a very large one for a lovely full size afghan or bed covering. The number of rounds will determine the size.

Berry Season Blanket
By Jennifer Dickerson

Yarn for a medium to larger sized blanket (for a dolly or baby blanket, you'll use less, for a very large blanket, you may need more):

1 Skein Red Heart Super Saver, Shocking Pink (Color A)
1 Skein Red Heart Super Saver, White (Color B)
1 Skein Red Heart Super Saver, Orchid (Color C)
2 Skeins Vanna's Choice Baby, Pink Poodle (Color D)
1 Skein Red Heart Super Saver, Lavender (Color E)

Other Materials:

H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Instructions:

This blanket is a classic granny square with a simple color pattern. Here is a photo tutorial to guide that may help you when making your granny square:

Here is a photo tutorial on how to make a basic granny square

Color sequence as shown (this is one full repeat of the color pattern, repeat this as many times as you like for preferred sizing):

3 Rounds Color A
1 Round Color B
3 Rounds Color C
1 Round Color B
3 Rounds Color D
1 Round Color B
3 Rounds Color E
1 Round Color B

Chain 4, join into a ring with a slip stitch.

Round 1: Chain 4, work (3 dc into center of ring, chain 1) 3 times, then 2 dc into center of ring. Join to close with a slip stitch.

Round 2: To work the corner of round 2, first chain 4, then 2 dc in same space, then chain 1, then 3 dc in the same space...first corner done!
Then chain 1, then work the next corner by working 3 dc in next space, chain 1, then 3 dc in same space, chain 1, repeat two more times to complete the round.

Round 3: Work the corner in the same manner as the previous round: chain 4, 2 dc in same space, chain 1, 3 dc in same space, chain 1. To work the sides, simply work 3 dc in the next space then chain 1...repeat until you reach a corner again.

Keep working in this manner, with two clusters in the corners and one cluster on the sides until you finish the round. Just be sure there is a ch 1 in between each grouping of 3 dc as you work each round. That is what gives you those pretty spaces in between each cluster and keeps it nice and flat.

Repeat round 3 as many times as you want to achieve the desired size.

A note about making multicolored rounds:

To begin a new round in the same color, simply slip stitch until you reach a ch1 at the corner and keep going.
To begin a new round in a new/different color, cut yarn, leaving a tail, and fasten it with a slip stitch. Join the new yarn at one of the corners as shown and tie securely.

Finishing:
Weave in any ends.

© Jennifer Dickerson 2013
Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only. In addition, if you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog (including other languages). Thank you!

How To SKP (Slip, Knit, Pass)

2013-05-14T16:42:00.000-04:00

SKP (slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) is a left-leaning decrease in knitting. It is also can shown in patterns like this:

sl 1, k 1, psso (psso meaning "pass slipped stitch over")

To work the SKP in your project, knit to the area in which you'd like to work the stitch,

Next, slip the stitch as if to knit,

Knit the next stitch,

Now pass the slipped stitch over with your left needle. This step is similar to when you bind off your knitting project.

All finished! Here's what it will look like when you are done:

How to Slip Stitch Two Things Together (Outside Loops)

2013-05-10T14:18:00.000-04:00

Here is one way to join two pieces together using the slip stitch on the outside loops, whether it is pieces of a garment, granny squares, or anything else that needs to be joined together with a seam. This one is one of my favorite ways because it produces an invisible seam on the "right" side and because it works the outside loops, it makes your pieces look like they are sitting side by side. Plus, you don't even have to put your crochet hook down and it is super fast...always a bonus!

I'll be showing you how to join two ends of a green scarf using purple yarn to make everything stand out. Normally I would use the same color, but this will make it easier to see.

Begin by facing the "right" side of both pieces inward so that the "wrong" sides are facing out. If you just finished your piece instead of snipping the yarn, just keep going. Otherwise secure another piece of yarn to the end.

Next, insert the hook into the outside loops of both pieces,

Wrap yarn around hook,

and pull through both loops. Now we can begin working across.

Next, insert the hook into the next two outside loops and wrap yarn around hook.

Pull through the first two loops (the green ones in this case). It should now look like the photo below:

Now pull that loop through the other loop.

There should be one loop left on the hook. Keep repeating all the way across...

until you reach the end. Fasten off and weave ends if needed.

Here is what the seam will look like on the "wrong" side,

And here it is on the outside, or "right side" I love how it disappears, even with the contrasting yarn.

How to Slip Stitch

2013-05-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

The slip stitch, or "sl st" as it is commonly abbreviated, is one of the most basic stitches in crochet. It can be used to work a row without adding any height, to close or complete a round, or to join to pieces (such as granny squares together). It is simple to do and can be worked quickly.

Here we'll work our slip stitch on a row. Begin by inserting your hook into a stitch as shown below,

Wrap the yarn around the hook,

Pull through the first loop in the hook, it will now look like the photo below:

And finish by pulling that loop through the other loop, it should now look like the photo below:

There you have it, the slip stitch!

12 Stitchy Projects to Celebrate Mothers!

2013-05-06T11:31:00.000-04:00

Aren't handmade gifts wonderful? With Mother's Day right around the corner, here are some quick and pretty gifts that you can stitch up in no time.

Crochet a beautiful brooch to wear,
Layered Ruffle Flower

or a springy lacy wrap,
Flower Patch Wrap

Knit this pretty little throw pillow,

Embroidered Daisy Pillow

or crochet this super fast and pretty scarf,

Arugula Scarf

Try knitting these to make any suitcase fabulous,

Luggage Blossoms

Here's a pretty shawl she'll love,

Kristen Shawl

Try tucking these in with your gift or card, or scatter them across a table to make it extra festive,

One Round Flowers

Here's an infinity scarf to use with a special skein of yarn,

Gelato Infinity Scarf

A scarf with a lovely scallop edge,

Ocean Air Scarf

Or a scarf with a lacy picot edge,

Ingrid Scarf

Add a little extra something to the kitchen,

Kitchen Lovelies

Or show off your skills with this cowl,

Crochet Class Cowl

Happy stitching!

How To Make Fabric Covered Buttons

2013-05-03T09:41:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present my newest obsession...fabric covered buttons! Aren't they fabulous? I simply cannot stop making them, I just can't. I use buttons constantly, and I'm excited to have some new and unique ones to add to my button collection. If you'd like to make your own too, here's how you can do it in just a few minutes.

Here's what you'll need:

Small pieces or scraps of fabric
2 piece button (button front and back with shank)
Button tool (They usually come in a small kit along with the button parts like the one in the picture below)
Scissors
Template

Start by selecting the size button and fabric you'd like. Solids and smaller prints work well. I find that cotton quilting fabric has an ideal thickness too.

Start by cutting a circle of fabric twice the diameter of the button. You could make your circles several different ways...you could use a die cutter or circle cutter tool to make your own, you could use a template (sometimes one is provided in the button kit, mine didn't have one), or you could make your own template out of a piece of heavy paper or cardboard. Another super simple way to make the fabric circle is to put two of the button tops side by side (making it twice the diameter) and cut your circle that way, like this:

Next you'll want to get your tools ready. I like to line them up in order of operations,

First take the bottom (white) part of the button tool and place the fabric in it. Be sure the outside is facing down, because that will be the outside of the button. Next, place the metal button top (sometimes called the "shell") as shown below:

Fold the fabric inward,

And place the button backing (also called the shank) like this,

Place the blue part of the tool on top and press down and squeeze it together firmly. I was able to get a sufficiently tight fit with my hands, but if you need to tap it in with hammer, that's OK too. I found that picking it up and squeezing made it easier.

Now remove the blue part,

And pop the button out,

Perfect! Super cute handmade buttons!

Here's what the finished backs look like too...

Free Crochet Pattern...One Round Cloud

2013-04-30T07:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a little cloud you can crochet in just a few minutes. Using fluffy pillow-like baby yarn, the result is a soft and squishy cloud that you can use as an applique or other decoration.

One Round Cloud
By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

J (6.0 mm) hook (the hook on the yarn label called for a "K" hook, but I went down a hook size to make mine extra squishy)
White yarn (yarn used for the cloud shown is called "Baby's First" by Lion Brand in the "Pixie Dust" colorway)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Sizing:

The cloud is about 2 inches wide (5 cm). However, feel free to experiment with different hooks and yarn to make a variety of different clouds...perhaps an entire sky of them is in order!

Instructions:

Foundation: Chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1:
(I wrote round 1 written in column format to make it easier to follow along)

All stitches worked into center of ring:
2 dc,
sl st,
1 dc,
2 tr,
1 dc,
sl st,
2 dc,
sl st,
1 dc,
2 tr,
1 dc,
sl st,
3 dc

...join with a slip stitch to close your cloud and fasten off.

Finishing:
Weave in ends and you're all finished! Shape a bit with your hands if needed.

CAL: Show it off!

2013-04-26T07:57:00.000-04:00

Good morning and a very happy Friday to you!

I have been looking forward to this all week...our CAL gallery! Yippee! I received some lovely pictures from several of you and here they are!

Check out Pam's beautiful ruby red cowl:

And how about Tawana's blue cowl...I love that Robin's egg blue color don't you?

And Kathy's cowl in a gorgeous tangerine! She even added some pretty beads to hers...awesome!

Carrie made hers in white, looks like a fabulous and cozy cloud! She blogged about it here.

Robin used a lovely seafoam color...so pretty and springy!

Oh, and here are my two...the first one I made in green when I wrote the pattern and the orchid one is from the tutorials...I'm really happy with how they turned out!

Thanks to all of you who participated and thanks to those too who were willing to share their pictures, I hope all you have had as much fun crocheting together as I have. Have a very happy weekend folks!

Free Crochet Pattern...Layered Ruffle Flower

2013-04-24T13:06:00.000-04:00

This beautiful blossom adds a little springy cheer anywhere you place it. Put a pin on the back and wear it as a brooch (as shown) or sew it to a purse or garment.

Crocheted quickly in two layers and sewn together, the color possibilities are endless. Top it off with a special button and add some optional leaves if you like.

Click here for leaf pattern!

Layered Ruffle Flower
By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

I (5.5 mm) Crochet Hook
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors of your choice
Button
Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)

Instructions:

Bottom Layer (shown in purple):
Foundation: Chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Work 12 double crochet into center of ring then join with a slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 3 and work 6 double crochet in each space around the entire edge to give it its ruffled appearance. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Top Layer (shown in pink):
Foundation: Chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Work 12 double crochet into center of ring then join with a slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 2 and work 6 single crochet in each space around the entire edge to give it its ruffled appearance. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Finishing:

Weave in all ends. Stack the bottom layer, then the top layer, and the button on top of them both and sew all three together. Add leaves if desired by stitching them to the back.Click here for leaf pattern!

Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only.

If you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog.

Happy Earth Day!

2013-04-22T14:11:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth Day to you! On this lovely day, I'm here rummaging through my yarn and enjoying the sunshine streaming in through my windows. In the spirit of reducing waste, I've gathered lots of fun things you can do with your yarn scraps, that will yield some beautiful little projects.

I have to admit I'm somewhat of a pack rat when it comes to my yarn, not only do I tend to hoard it, but I never throw away yarn when I'm finished a project...ever! If I have enough left from my skein, I'll make something else from it. If I have just a few inches, the teeny tiny pieces will go in a bag and be used for later like the photo below, and are perfect for stuffing toys, pillows, etc:

Here are some knitting and crochet patterns that use just a bit of yarn too, so that all of your scraps will be have a pretty use (just click on the link for the pattern):

Classic Granny Squares (Crochet)

Baby Doll Hats (Knitting)

Kitchen Lovelies (Crochet)

Play Kitchen Pot Holders (Knitting)

Modern Circles Garland (Crochet)

Tiny One Round Hearts (Crochet)

Fabulous Fish Dishcloth (Crochet)

Luggage Blossoms (Knitting)

Granny Berry Dishcloths (Crochet)

One Round Leaf (Crochet)

One Round Flowers (Crochet)

Little Raindrops (Crochet)

CAL: Finish work and how to Weave in Ends

2013-04-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

It's Friday, it's Friday! Time to get back to our CAL, I hope you are having as much fun as I am. We have reached the last day of crocheting our cowls together...my how time flies. Next week I will be creating a gallery post on Friday to share with you all of the beautiful photos that have been coming in...so pretty! Please be sure to send us a photo of yours too when you are finished if you haven't already:

Ravelry Project Page
Fiber Flux Facebook Page
Or, if you get this post in you email inbox, simply reply and attach a photo to it.

Today we'll be sharing some ideas on finishing your piece. Often (I am totally guilty of this), we'll finish crocheting (or knitting), tie it off and it feels complete. However, there are still a few little things to make it look its best. It is important to take the needed time on this step, because it really makes a huge difference when taking just a bit of time to make the ends and seams nice and neat.

If you desire, you can block your project. If you used a synthetic yarn such as acrylic, it probably won't make much of a difference but a natural fiber like wool for example, it might benefit from a little straightening out. However, the stitches we used for this cowl lay nice and flat, but it is totally up to you. Click here for a photo tutorial on how to block your work.

Here's a little tip too...no need for expensive blocking mats, click here and use these instead.

Now it's time to seam the cowl and weave in in the ends. You can do these steps in any order you want, it's up to you. To weave in the ends, begin with your tail and a tapestry needle,

Now run the needle through a few of the stitches along the bottom edge. Be sure to flip it over during this step and peek to be sure it is uniformly being woven on the other side too. Pull the needle all the way through.

Next, run the needle back the other way through the stitches...and pull the needle all the way through.

Snip the remaining yarn (I like to give it a very slight and gentle tug first),

See that little end peeking out below? Give it another (very) gentle tug in both directions and it will disappear.

Perfect!!

And for the seaming part...

Because the cowl is crocheted flat, we'll have to seam up the cowl. Again, you can do this step prior to weaving in the other ends if you like. You can do this one of two ways:

You could crochet the two pieces together using the slip stitch. Or you can sew them together using the whip stitch. Click here to learn how to whip stitch your project step by step.

Once you're finished, you'll have to weave in those ends too...sometimes I like to save all of the weaving for last. All finished! Now throw it around your neck and go show it off!

Please share your beautiful work:

Fiber Flux Facebook Page
Ravelry Project Page
If you received this post in your email, you could also reply to the email with a photo.

Have a lovely weekend, stitchers!

Free Crochet Pattern...Ocean Air Scarf

2013-04-18T07:42:00.000-04:00

The Ocean Air Scarf is a medium to lighter weight scarf that celebrates the soothing sounds and gentle breezes of the sea.

Inspired by the Arugula Scarf pattern, this scarf is quick to work up lengthwise and finished with a lovely scallop edging, reminiscent of ocean waves.

Ocean Air Scarf

By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

J (6.0 mm) Crochet Hook
1.2 Skeins Wool of the Andes Tweeds (worsted weight, "Thirst Heather" colorway
Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)

Sizing:

Width: 3 inches at the widest part of scallop
Length: 60 inches

Instructions:

Ch 156

Foundation Row: In the 4th chain from the hook, work a dc, then work one dc in each ch to the end of the row.

Row 1: Turn, ch 3 and work 1 dc in the first stitch and in each stitch to the end of row.

Repeat this row two more times.

Scallop Row: Turn, ch 3 and work 4 dc into the first st. In the next st, work a slip stitch. Skip the next st. In the next st work 5 dc, slip stitch in the next st, skip the next st. Continue working this sequence (5 dc, sl st in next st, skip next st) until reaching the end of the row, ending on a scallop (5 dc). Work one more sl st in that same stitch that you worked the 5 dc to finish off the last scallop. This will round it off and make it look more finished.

Finishing:

Weave in all ends. Block if needed.

Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only.

If you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog. Thank you!

Free Crochet Pattern...One Round Leaf (With Stem)

2013-04-15T08:09:00.001-04:00

Crochet this cute little leaf to compliment a flower or create a whole tree of them! Completed in just one round, you can work this up in no time.

One Round Leaf (With Stem)
By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

H (5.0 mm) hook
Worsted weight yarn scraps of your choice
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

(Note: I used a H hook and worsted weight, but feel free to experiment with a variety of sizes and yarn weights)

Sizing:

Leaves shown are about 1 inch wide. However, experimenting with different hooks and yarn will make lots of different and interesting looking leaves.

Instructions:

Foundation: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: In center of ring, work 3 dc, 1 sc, then chain 3 to make the stem. Slip stitch in the second chain from the hook, then slip stitch in the next chain. Finish the stem by working one more slip stitch into the stitch at the base of the stem. Now in the center of the ring, work 3 dc, 4 sc, 1 tr, 4 sc. Join with a slip stitch to close leaf and fasten off.

Here it is in column format, if you prefer:

Ch 4, join with a sl st
3 dc,
1 sc,
Ch 3 for stem, sl st in the second chain from the hook, then slip stitch in the next chain. Finish the stem by working one more slip stitch into the stitch at the base of the stem.
3 dc
4 sc
1 tr
4 sc
Join with a slip stitch to close leaf and fasten off.

CAL: Repeats and Length Choices

2013-04-12T07:18:00.000-04:00

Good morning lovelies and a very happy Friday to you! Can you believe we're in the home stretch of our cowls? Let's take a minute to recap...so far we've:

We've been busy bees! Today I want to share some ideas to make your cowl the length you want. I've chosen to make my cowl exactly like the one in the pattern. However, if you'd like to make yours a little longer or shorter, I would like to encourage you to make your project exactly how you want it. I believe that with any pattern, it is always helpful to be able to change things a bit if you need to. This is your project and you should have it exactly the way you want! This cowl pattern is very flexible in the sense that it can be easily customized for a variety of sizes...here are some ideas:

Make yours shorter for a neck hugging cowl
Make it as pictured for a medium length, more loose cowl (as pictured on the pattern)
If you are tall and need a bit more length, or you would like it to be longer, simply work more repeats until you get it to your desired length
You could also double up the length to make it a very long infinity scarf, allowing you to wrap it around your neck twice.

Here's the pattern link too, for handy reference

The best tool is to use a tape measure...you could use a ruler or yard stick, but the tape measure is flexible and allows you to wrap it around your neck, etc. I have a inexpensive retractable one that I love because I don't have to wind it back up when I'm finished.

Each panel of the cowl is six inches long, and there are three sections, single, double, and treble. To get the finished length shown in the picture (36 inches), work single, double, treble...then repeat that sequence one more time, 6 total panels X 6 inches per panel = 36 total inches.

Perhaps it is the artist in me and not the mathematician but I tend to work a length until it suits me by trying it on here and there to see what I like best. I do like to have the measurement guidelines a a reference, but I definitely want to see how it will look while wearing it too. In other words, you could determine measurement and crochet your piece using your tape measure as a guide, or you can toss it around your neck from time to time to check it. I do a combination of both.

I would like to ask you dear readers...are you crocheting your cowl to the length of the pattern, or are you venturing into new lengths? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas, Any questions are welcome, and I will try to answer them as quickly as I can.

As always, please be sure to share your ideas and pictures:

Several of you have finished and shared your beautiful pictures...keep them coming! At the end of our CAL, I'll be creating and sharing a gallery of everyone's work...can't wait!

Next week is the last day of our CAL, all about the finish work...a super important part of a project. And the following week we'll show them off! Yippee!!! Have a lovely weekend folks!

Free Crochet Pattern...One Round Flowers

2013-04-10T08:03:00.000-04:00

With spring making its entrance, suddenly I want to be surrounded by flowers and lots of them! Here is a sweet little flower you can make in just minutes. A great way to use up odds and ends of any weight yarn and makes a cute applique too.

One Round Flowers
By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

J (6.0 mm) hook
Worsted weight yarn scraps of your choice
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

(Note: I used a J hook and worsted weight, but feel free to experiment with a variety of sizes and yarn weights)

Sizing:
Flowers shown are about 1.5 inches wide. However, experimenting with different hooks and yarn will make all kinds of pretty varieties! A great stash buster...

Instructions:

Foundation: Chain 5 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Work (3 dc, sl st) into center of ring five times, then join with a slip stitch to close flower and fasten off.

To make a flower with six petals, simply work the (3 dc, sl st) into the center of the ring six times.

Finishing:
Weave in ends and you're all finished! Shape a bit with your hands if needed.

Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only. In addition, if you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog (including other languages). Thank you!

CAL: The Treble Crochet Section

2013-04-05T14:50:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday! Can you believe it is April already? Today we are working on the treble crochet section of our cowl. It is the last section, then each section (single, double, treble) will be repeated one more time. Some of you have completed yours already, and they are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your work.

Before we start, if you need to learn the treble crochet stitch or need a bit of a refresher, here's a helpful photo tutorial:

How to Treble Crochet

The very top photo shows where we left off last Friday on the double crochet portion, so for the treble crochet section, begin by chaining three,

and turn,

Then work one treble crochet into the first stitch,

...and in each stitch all the way across.

Let's do the next row...chain three,

turn,

and work a treble crochet in the first stitch and in each stitch all the way across until the section measures about six inches, and for a total of 18 inches from where you first began. This section will grow so fast because treble stitches are so tall, you'll be done in no time!

Be sure to join us next Friday too, we'll be talking about how to wrap things up and if your curious, how to customize your piece if you'd like to play around with the length.

Be sure to share your photos, progress, and ideas:

The pieces I've seen so far have been stunning! Happy crocheting and have a lovely weekend!

A Swatch Fest

2013-04-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

Just working on a few swatches this morning, I think this one is my favorite so far...I just love that color! I really think it would be suitable for all year long, I like how it has a bit of shine to it too. I think I'm on a Caron Simply Soft Eco kick, I found a whole bunch of it in the far reaches of my yarn stash: orchid (using that for the CAL), pink, teal, denim blue, and an orangey rose color.

I think the funniest thing is that I remember having it all, but I have no idea when and where...oh well. I suppose I'm inspired to use it this month, with Earth Day and everything, but also April is when I like to streamline things a bit and organize.

If you are feeling that way too, here are some ideas for spring cleaning for knitters and crocheters:

Spring Cleaning for Knitters and Crocheters

I would love to hear any ideas you have too, I could stand for a bit of clutter control!

Free Crochet Pattern...Little Raindrops

2013-04-01T06:53:00.002-04:00

Hello there April! Crochet these cute little raindrops in just one round to celebrate April showers and May flowers. These are perfect for springtime or a baby shower too.

Little Raindrops
By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

H (5.0 mm) hook

Blue cotton yarn (Yarn shown here is Pisgah Peaches & Creme in "Peacock")

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Sizing:

Raindrops are about an inch wide (2.5 cm). However, feel free to experiment with different hooks and yarn to make a variety of different drops! A great stash buster...

Instructions:

Foundation: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Work 4 dc, 2 sc, 1 tr, 2 sc into center of ring, then join with a slip stitch to close raindrop and fasten off.

(If you prefer, here is round 1 written in column format so that you won't lose your place.

4 dc,

2 sc,

1 tr,

2 sc

...join with a slip stitch to close raindrop and fasten off.

Finishing:
Weave in ends and you're all finished! Shape a bit with your hands if needed. I found that giving the top a little pinch made it look extra pointy too.

Just a few more eggs...

2013-03-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

I crocheted a few extra eggs today because I wanted a few more to make my home look super springy this weekend for all of our family festivities.

As I was stitching the last two up, my mind started thinking of all of the things you could use these for:

Use with stickers, erasers, or small toys for candy-free egg fillers for an egg hunt
Appliques
Scatter on a springy table setting
Hang a bunch of them in a window
Make an egg mobile
Tie several to a gift bag or basket handle

Click here for One Round Baby Eggs Pattern

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

CAL: The Double Crochet Section

2013-03-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning and happy Friday to you lovelies! It's CAL time...yay! Today we'll be working on the double crochet portion of our pretty cowls.

I have to start off by saying that I got a great comment last week from a lovely reader because she noticed that mine looked kind of wide...yikes! I went back and yes, it was super wide! Important crochet (or knitting or any crafty endeavor), if it looks odd or "off" it most likely is! To make a long story short, I ended up frogging what I had so far and started over...much better! The cowl in progress you see in these pictures is the new and improved (correct) version.

So, last week we worked on the beginning chain and single crochet section, and today we'll do the double crochet portion.

If you're new to the double crochet stitch, here's an easy to follow photo tutorial to help you out:

How to Double Crochet

Let's go! In the picture below, we've come to the final row of our single crochet section, so at the end of the row,

Chain two,

and turn.

Work one double crochet into the first stitch,

and in each stitch across the row.

At the end of the row, chain two,

turn,

and work a double crochet into the first stitch, and in each stitch across the row. Keep repeating this same row for six inches and the double crochet section will be complete and ready for the treble section next week. Easy and fun!

Be sure to share photos , progress, and ideas:

Happy crocheting and have a lovely weekend!

A Bag and A Book Too!

2013-03-28T06:43:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to share this with you for quite some time...a while back I made this little tote bag. I sewed it as a gift to a little someone to carry their shoes to and from dance class. I got the ballerina fabric and the sheer fabric from the fabric store...I think I spent about four dollars on this project total! The ric rac trim I had already. I didn't use a pattern, just started cutting away and after an afternoon at my machine, voila! A cute little bag. When I was putting it together, I thought the pink ruffle was a necessity, like a tutu. The hardest part was finding the ballerina fabric...I finally found these sweet little ballerina monkeys and all was well. So much fun!

Oh and another thing...one of my patterns (Fabulous Fish Dishcloth) has been featured in an ebook, "Crochet In Color: 11 Colorful Crochet Patterns" by All Free Crochet.

Do you remember this one? You can download the ebook for free here by clicking on the link:

Crochet In Color: 11 Colorful Crochet Patterns

Thank you to the nice folks at All Free Crochet for including me in their ebook!

One last thing...be sure to get your hooks ready for tomorrows CAL! Can't wait!

Cross Stitch Eggs

2013-03-27T07:16:00.001-04:00

I made a few of these yesterday...I was experimenting with different ways to decorate eggs and I wanted to add a stitchy twist to some of them...cross stitch eggs! I had to share this one, I thought they were fun to make.

To make cross stitch eggs, all you need are some eggs (brown or white), a pencil, and some fine tipped permanent markers.

I used the Sharpie "Ultra Fine Point" marker:

Start by drawing a grid on your egg, be sure to draw it as lightly as possible. I drew mine a little heavy so you would be able to see it. Mine was freehand too...but you could use a tape measure or masking tape for a straight edge if you choose.

Then for the most fun part...drawing on the stitches! Be sure the eggs don't have any condensation on them from being in the refrigerator, that will make the ink smudge.

My grid and cross stitches are extra big so you can see them, but if you're after more detail, just make your grid lines closer together. I ended up covering the egg with this design...you can do this on a plain egg or eggs that you have already dyed too...fun!