Thursday, March 15, 2012

Contest Time!!! Crochet! Techniques. Stitches. Patterns

Crochet! Techniques. Stitches. Patterns
Gifted By
: Sixth and Springs
ISBN: 978-1936096145
Reviewed by: Christine Weiher, editor for AllFreeCrochet.com

From the cover alone, I knew this was going to be a great book with amazing graphics; it looks very artsy. Just by skimming the book you can see large, colorful photos that truly tell you how your project should turn out. Each project provides materials, size, stitches used and skill level. There are over 250 colorful photos, 80 stitches and 20 original designs to choose from.

 Read full review here.

Enter Contest HERE!!

No offense everyone (wink) but I hope I win this one!! Want Want Want!! haha

Contest Time!!! Bernat-Mosaic-Yarn-in-Strange-Magic



 Gotta LOVE it when people and companies have contests, especially when you might get great stuff for FREE!! Woo-Hoo!!Click here to enter to win some great Bernat Yarn!!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

KNITTING!! What?!?!?!




This is my first attempt at knitting. I know the pic isn't great - it was about 5:30a.m. when I took it. The light was horrid! BUT - GREAT pattern! I figured it out with no whining or help :-P hahaha

Here is the link to the original pattern as it is NOT my own: Star Struck Headband.

I had a great time making it.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Cast of Crew - Rep-Tevia Cap Pattern and Links

Photo by Jenna Wingate - Used with Permission


We've been having quite an adventure in our SnB group in Facebook lately with this great cap featured on YouTube by Bobwilson123. She has a two part video set showing how to make this great cap, as well as another video on how to make a standard hat "crown". I have posted links at the bottom of this pattern to her channel and blog! Thanks again Clare for allowing me to post this!

We've had a great time going through the videos but noticed that Clare hadn't ever written out the pattern in whole. I decided to do it for our group and emailed her and got permission not only to post here in my blog and share with SnB, but she will be sharing it as well. *BIG GRIN* And even thanked ME!!! *beams*

Crochet Basic DC Crown
The basic dc crown can be used for the beginning of many hat designs.

The measurements given are an approximate as many yarns will differ from brand to brand. The sample in this write up uses US 4 ply and a 4.00mm hook (US G/6).

Stitches Used:
CH
DC= double crochet
SS= slip stitch

Notes: the beginning ch 3 is counted as a dc.

To begin: Ch 4
Row 1: Work 11 dc into 4th chain from hook, sl st to join in top of ch 3. (12 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, work 1 dc in same place as ch 3, work 2 dc in each dc around, sl st to join in top of ch 3 (24 dc)
Row3:  Ch 3, work 2 dc in next dc, *work 1 dc in next dc, work 2 dc in next dc,* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join in top of ch 3 (36 dc)
Row 4: Ch 3, work 1 dc in next dc, work 2 dc in next dc, *work 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, work 2 dc in next dc,* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join in top of ch 3 (48 dc)
Row 5: Ch 3, work 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, work 2 dc in next dc, *work 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, work 2 dc in next dc,* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join in top of ch 3 (60 dc)
Row 6: Ch 3, work 1 dc in next 3 dc, work 2 dc in next dc, *work 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, work 2 dc in next dc,* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join in top of ch 3 (72 dc)

To determine the size of the hat you want, you can multiply the diameter by pi (Example: 7” x 3.14 = 22”)

You are now ready to work whatever pattern you'd like without increasing.

For the “Cast and Crew” a.k.a. “RepTevia” Cap:

Materials:
G hook
4ply yarn (like RHSS)
2 stitch markers
Scissors
Yarn Needle

After making the above starter crown, continue on here:

Divide stitches into thirds and put stitch markers in the appropriate stitches (i.e. 3/72st = 24). 72/24 is the formula I will use in the pattern. But remember, as long as you can divide the remaining third in the front area by 4 you are good otherwise move stitches in or out to make the front section divisible by 4.

Row 1: ch 3, dc into first (24) stitches to marker; AT the marker, *2dc into the same stitch replacing the stitch marker into that first dc-inc stitch; dc into next 2 st,* repeat * to next marker replacing the second stitch marker into the second dc of the last increase  Then DC in the last 24 st; ss to join.
Row 2: ch 3. dc all the way around, ss to join. Remember to move the stitch markers up as you go passed them.
Row 3: ch 3. Repeat row 1 except increase to 2dc-inc and then 3 dc in next three st (row 1 was 2dc-inc and 2dc) repeat to next marker ending on 2dc in last marker, then 1dc in the rest to end; ss to close.
Row 4: Repeat row 2.
Row 5: Repeat Row 3 however, increase round with 2dc-inc then 4 dc in between markers. SS to close.
Row 6: ch 3. dc into each stitch to marker; 2dctog-dec to next stitch marker (pulls in the front of the cap), 1dc in each to the last, ss to join.
Row 7: ch 3. dc into each stitch to marker; *2dctog-dec, 1 dc in next st,* repeat ** to next stitch marker (pulls in the front of the cap), 1dc in each to the last, ss to join.
Row 8: ch 3. dc in each st all around, ss to join. Remember to move up markers as you reach them.
Row 9: ch 1, sc in each st around, ss to join. Move up markers. Tie off.

BRIM:
Marking 7 stitches from the center front, replace markers just in case they are not even. 7-1-7
Row 1: (Using 2 strands of yarn for the brim with RS facing, attach to first marker, weaving in end as you go.) ch1; 2 sc into the hole/space below the previous row’s sc, *1sc in next 2 sp, 2sc-inc*, repeat** until next marker. Ch1 turn.
Row 2: sc across. Sc down into the next open hole/space as in row 1, then ss into the next two sp; ch1; turn.
Row 3: 2sc-inc, 1 sc into next 2 st, *2sc-inc in next st then 1 sc in next*, repeat** to end then to attach to the base again as in row 1. However, do a hdc into next hole/space below next sc st, then 2 ss into next 2 st, ch1; turn.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2.
Row 5: Repeat Row 3, continuing around the whole hat until the edge of the other side of the brim; ss to join. Tie off and weave in ends.

Finishing:
Flatten hat out and take button and threaded needle, find the center point of the brim, sew the button at the back of the brim close to the inside, attach button to the top of the hat to secure.

Please post any mistakes in comments!! We want to make sure this is as accurate as we can get it to the videos! Any help is much appreciated!
~Mackena

Bobwilson123's YouTube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/bobwilson123?feature=mhee
Her Blog - http://claresaddictedtoyarn.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Holiday Crocheting

I've been doing so much crocheting of hats and scarves for this holiday season. I've got the yarn for most of the projects so given our scary financial situation, I'm hoping those I am making for like what they get.

Here are a few of the projects I've done so far: A hat and scarf set for my niece LM; a Hat and scarf set for my nephew Beau; and well - this isn't a project but a gift given to me to display what I'm making.

I have a couple of other projects in the works as well. I'll post pics of them once they are completed.



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

New Widget!

I added the "Follow by Email" widget to the right. I'm rather lazy about searching all the great pages I follow so I thought it would be nice for all you as well.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

I was reminded last night that I forget this too often...

- - -and then end up getting 'taken advantage of' or just give my wares away to be nice, therefore 'lose money.' So then a friend posted this on her Facebook wall today. I had to laugh. I think the Universe has spoken. (lol) I do definitely have to remember not to "give" so much away :( I think I get lost in the desire to make people happy vs. being honestly compensated for my talent and hard work. How many of the rest of you are like this?

A Gentle Reminder to Myself As Well