Fall is Coming ...

I can feel it in the air every morning. Fall Is Coming! 

I have two dogs that think they need to get up at 5 am, yikes!

And when I do get up to take them out (not at 5 am btw) it is so crisp and cool outside. I even notice that the leaves are starting to change on some of the trees. I just love this time of year ... and start to think about all the woolly things I'm going to wear in the next month or two.


Crispin Poncho would be a great accessory for Fall. Not only is it cozy, but the leafy structure of this design paired with a wool and acrylic blend yarn gives it breathability and warmth at the same time. 

Crispin Poncho in I Like Crochet, October 2018 Issue

Buttons on Poncho Neckline

Buttons on the poncho neck allow one to wear Crispin with or without the hood depending on how crisp the weather may be. One could also permanently attach the hood to the poncho, leaving off the buttons and buttonholes.


The leaf design is created with a front-post and back-post with a shell in between. After working the 6 row repeat a few times it becomes much easier and I found I could even memorize it so I didn't have to keep consulting the pattern.

Crispin Poncho in I Like Crochet

Some details about the pattern ...

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size: 30″ from shoulder to hem x 40″ wide

Gauge: 14 sts and 8 rows = 4.25″ 11 cm in dc; 20 sts and 8 rows = 3.75″ 9.5 cm in leaf pattern after wet blocking

Yarn: Berroco Vintage (52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon; 217 yards 198 meters/100 grams): 5175 Fennel (13 balls)

Hook: US size I/9 (5.5 mm)

Notions: Removable markers, tapestry needle, eight 3/4” buttons, sewing needle, thread to match buttons

I Like Crochet, October 2018

There are some other really great patterns in the October Issue of I Like Crochet so go check out the magazine!

I especially like ...

Macoun Leaf Shawl by Angèle Lumière

McIntosh Sweater by Tian Connaughton

Allspice Tote by Debra Arch

Until next time, 

Happy Crocheting!!

Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links.
When you purchase something using these links a small amount of the sales price goes to me to help keep this site, and the patterns on it free. You do not pay any extra for the item you purchase. 

Kaitlyn Cowl Crochet Pattern

This cowl has been published on Ravelry for quite some time. Hope those who don't use Ravelry enjoy this free crochet pattern.

Buttons on the Kaitlyn Cowl allow it to be worn in a multiple of ways. Twist the cowl once and button to make a moebius. Leave out the twist to make an infinity scarf. Leave off the buttons and wrap as desired. Three simple stitch patterns work up quickly and look elegant in a kettle dyed fingering weight yarn.

Kaitlyn Cowl

YARN REQUIREMENTS

420 yards of fingering weight yarn

Kaitlyn Cowl

SKILLS REQUIRED

Single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, chain

FINISHED SIZE
Width of 6”

Length of 60”

Measured after blocking

GAUGE

6 sc in 1” using hook size E (3.5mm)

HOOK SIZE

Size E (3.5mm) and F (3.75mm)

OTHER MATERIALS

3 –1” buttons

Tapesty needle

ABBREVIATIONS 

ch	Chain
sc	Single Crochet
hdc	Half-double Crochet
dc	Double crochet
st	Stitch
sk	Skip
Vst	Hdc, ch1, hdc in same st

STITCHES

Begonia Stitch

Row 1: Using hook size F (3.75mm) ch2, *sk2 sc, Vst in next sc, sk1 sc, Vst in next sc, sk1 sc, Vst in next sc; Repeat from * 3 more times (6 sc left unworked); sk2 sc, Vst in next sc, sk1 sc, Vst in next sc, hdc in last sc, turn (Total of 14 Vst)

Row 2: Ch2, *Vst in ch1 space; Repeat from * across, hdc in top of ch2, turn

Repeat Row 2.

Spaced Iris

Row 1: Using hook size F (3.75mm) ch3, 1 dc in next sc, sk2, *5dc in next sc, sk2, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in next sc, sk2; Repeat from * to last sc, 3dc in last sc, turn

Row 2: ch3, 1dc in 2^nd dc, *(1dc, ch1, 1dc) in ch1 space, 1dc in each of the 3 dc at center of 5dc group; Repeat from * to ch3, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in top of ch3, turn

Row 3: ch3, 2dc in ch1 space, *(1dc, ch1, 1dc) in center of 3dc group, 5dc in ch1 space; Repeat from * to ch3, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in top of ch3, turn

Row 4: ch3, 1dc in ch1 space, *3dc in center of 5dc group, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in ch1 space; Repeat from * to last dc, 1dc in last dc, dc in top of ch3, turn

Row 5: ch3, 1dc in next dc, *5dc in ch1 space, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in center of 3dc group; Repeat from * to ch3, 3dc in top of ch3, turn

Repeat Rows 2 to 5.

Palm Leaves

Row 1: Using hook size F (3.75mm) ch1, *sc, ch2, sk2; Repeat from * to last sc; sc, turn

Row 2: ch3, 1dc in next sc, *3dc in next sc; Repeat from * to last sc; 2dc in sc, turn

Row 3: ch1, sc in next dc, *ch2, sc in middle dc of group; Repeat from * to beginning ch3; ch2, sc in top of ch3

Repeat Rows 2 and 3

KAITLYN COWL INSTRUCTIONS

Using hook size E (3.5mm), chain 35

Row 1: Sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn (34 sc)

Row 2: Ch1, sc in each sc across, turn

Repeat Row 2 ~ 7 more times (8 rows of sc worked)

MAIN PATTERN

Choose a stitch pattern from above and follow instructions until cowl is as long as desired. Leave about 20 yards of yarn for the buttonhole band.

Kaitlyn Cowl 

BUTTONHOLE BAND

Setup Row: Using hook size E (3.5mm) ch1, work 34 sc evenly across the row, turn.

Row 1: Ch1, sc in each st across, turn

Repeat Row 1 ~ 3 more times (4 rows of sc worked)

Row 5: Ch1, sc in each of the next 5 sc, ch3, sk3 sc, sc in each of the next 8 sc, ch3, sk3 sc, sc in each of the next 8 sc, ch3, sk3 sc, sc in each of the next 5 sc, turn (3 buttonholes worked)

Row 6: Ch1, sc in each st across, turn (34 sc)

Repeat Row 6 ~ 3 more times

FINISHING 

Fasten off yarn.

Weave in ends.

Wet block your cowl.

When cowl is dry, sew on buttons spaced to match the buttonholes.



Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links.
When you purchase something using these links a small amount of the sales price goes to me to help keep this site, and the patterns on it free. You do not pay any extra for the item you purchase. 

Crochet Projects - Part 2

Currently I'm having a little vacation in San Francisco with my wonderful husband. Doing some touristy things and enjoying time away together.

SF MOMA

As promised, two more shawl patterns available now on Ravelry. First is Stordal Shawl.This shawl is a little unique because the two colored main part of the shawl is worked from one end to the other and then the natural colored border is worked afterwards along the curved edge. I'm really happy with how this turned out and I love the colors that Caroline used in her shawl.

Stordal Shawl

Stordal Shawl

Next is Salhas Shawl. When I saw Artistic Lilly's gorgeous hand dyed yarn combination she posted on Instagram, I just new I had to make something with them. 

Artistic Lilly's Versatile Fingering sock yarn

These three skeins are sock weight yarns in colors Saddle Up, Calamity Jane, and Buffalo Trail. You can always go check her website to see if she has them in stock!

Salhas Shawl is a right angle triangle shape with stripes in two distinct crochet patterns. It is worked from the narrow point up to the wide edge and ends up being approximately 34" deep and 82" wingspan. A good sized shawl.

Salhas Shawl

Salhas Shawl 

I am now off to enjoy San Francisco for a few more days. Happy Crocheting and Knitting!
~Cheryl

Crochet Projects

I've really been enjoying crochet projects lately. No ... I haven't given up knitting completely, but I am finding so much inspiration with crochet. So much to learn and try! And with back-to-school coming up so quickly, what better time to get the hooks/needles out and start a new project.

In the last few months I've released four new crochet patterns. Three shawls and one scarf.

First up is Askoy Scarf which is worked from one end to the other using three colors of fingering weight yarn. It's worked on the bias and stripes are used to transition from one color to the next. Easily adjustable in width, though the pattern is written to create a 10" wide scarf.

Askoy Scarf Crochet Pattern

Askoy Scarf Crochet Pattern

Next up is Harvest Shawl which is a triangle shaped shawl worked from the neck down to the point and has dramatic shells that look like sunflower petals and the multi-colored yarn to represent the seeds. You can find this pattern available on the I Like Crochet website in the August 2018 issue.

Harvest Shawl - I Like Crochet August 2018

Harvest Shawl - I Like Crochet August 2018

I will post about the other two crochet patterns next week, so stay tuned. 

Also, I am hoping to start posting FREE PATTERNS on here every 1 to 2 months. With limited sizes and options and a paid pattern on Ravelry with charts and more sizing options. 

Until next time, Happy Crocheting and Knitting!

~Cheryl

What's New?

I had a wonderful summer ... the weather was so warm and sunny and my family took a vacation to Europe. So much to see in Italy, I can't wait to go back and spend more time in Rome. It's now November and reality is setting in that Thanksgiving (here in the USA) is next week and Christmas will follow quickly on it's heals. 

I've been busy creating new designs for you to knit and crochet over the last few months.

Yorkshire Throw is a crocheted blanket available from I Like Crochet, an online magazine with many wonderful designs available every 2 months. There's a yearly subscription fee, but you get so many patterns and articles for that small price.

Yorkshire Throw from I Like Crochet

 This blanket is worked with Cascade 220 100% wool yarn in colors Yakima Heather (11 balls) and Antiqued Heather (3 balls) using hook size 7 (4.5mm).

Pattypan is part of a collaboration of talented designers and available exclusively on Ravelry through Stranded Magazine. 

©Andi Satterlund -  Pattypan

The asymmetrical pattern of Pattypan is inspired by the spokes of a ferris wheel. The intricate stitch pattern is balanced by stockinette stitch making this sport-weight cardigan the ideal combination of simple and complex knitting.


Finally, just released this week, is Grand Forks Pullover. Available in Interweave Knits Winter 2018 magazine on the Interweave website or through your local yarn store.

©Harper Point Photography - Grand Forks Pullover

This stranded colorwork pullover is worked with 3 colors of Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair and US8 (5.0mm) needles, top down and in the round. 

And one last note .... the 5th annual Indie Design Gift-A-Long starts on November 21st at 8pm EST. I'm participating again this year and I hope you will join all the very talented designers for heaps of friendly chatter, hundreds of prizes, and beautiful projects. Find out more on Ravelry.

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Hope & Happiness Make-A-Long

The Hope and Happiness Make-A-Long is a 6 week knit and crochet event starting today (June 1st) and hosted on Ravelry. 10 designers and 5 indie dyers from around the world came together and created 14 inspiring summer projects for you to create. 

Below is the look-book of all the designs and yarn used in this collection. Each pattern is available on Ravelry from the individual designer and yarn can be ordered from the indie dyer's websites.

Komfort Stole is a crochet pattern created using Sweet Paprika's Grazioso lace weight yarn in colour Spring. The stole is created in two halves worked from the center out to the edges. It features crossed double crochets, picots and shells. 

Komfort Stole - photography © Paulo Chow

Komfort Stole - photography © Cheryl Chow

I hope you will join us on Ravelry for this make-a-long!

5 Tips for Choosing Yarn Colours

If you are planning on knitting/crocheting a garment or accessory that uses more than one colour of yarn, how do you go about choosing which colours go together? I find it much easier to choose if there are only two colurs in my project. Complicated fair-isle or stranded colourwork patterns can seem very daunting unless you work with the exact colours used in the sample.

Here are some tips to help you choose yarn for your next stranded colourwork project.

1. Use a colour wheel

One way to choose colours is to use a colour wheel. On the wheel you can choose whether you want bright, paste., or a more grey colour palette (shade, tint, tone).

Use a colour wheel

Once you've decided on shade, tint, or tone, choose the colour combination you would like. Often technical words like complementary, split-complementary, analogous, and triadic are used when choosing colours. You can use these methods for color choice (and I think it's good to know what they mean), but there's an easier way to choose.


2. Use your favourite shirt

I really like to use fabrics to choose colours. Someone has already done the hard work for me and I can choose fabrics that appeal to me.

Use fabric to choose yarn colours

Take a look at your clothing. I'm sure you have a favourite patterned shirt or skirt. What colours are in it? Can you seehow they work together?

The next time you are out shopping, be sure to look at the patterns and colours of the clothes you like. Maybe even take a few photos to analyze later when you are stuck on which colours of yarn to combine.

Use photos from pinterest

Alternately, look online (specifically pinterest) for those colour charts where the colours are taken out of a picture and combined for you. Harrisville yarn company does a fantastic job at this.


3. Add some drama

Colours on opposite sides of the wheel are complimentary and often cause drama or tension in you project. Choosing two colours that have one colour separating them (like green and blue) and then adding in their compliment (red-orange) makes for an exciting knitting garment. This is called split-complimentary. 

Add a pop of colour

This fair isle sweater is a good example with green, blue and white as the main colours and peachy/pink which is opposite on the colour wheel from the green and blue. Adds just a bit of pop to the design.


4. Vary the values

Vary the values of the colours you choose. If you use all dark colours they just blend together and the pattern doesn't stand out. By choosing a light, medium, and dark colour you are really able to see the 3 colours of yarn work together to make a pattern. You can also add white and/or black to the colour mix.

Vary the values

5. Take a black and white photo

Finally, to see if you have enough contrast between your yarns, take a photo and convert it to black and white. If all the yarns are a similar shade of grey you know that the yarn choice needs to be altered a bit. Try adding a darker or lighter yarn and retake the photo.

Use a black and white photo

In the photo to the right, the teal and peach yarns are similar in shade (as seen in the black and white photo). They work in this design though because they are opposite in colour. That is, they are complimentary or opposite on the colour wheel.

If you are looking for a small knit project to try out these tips you can check out my Stranded Flower Hat knitting pattern.

Stranded Flower Hat knit pattern

Or a crochet pattern to try could be Falling Leaves Baby Blanket which uses 4 colours of yarn.

Falling Leaves Baby Blanket

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

5 Reasons to Join I Like Crochet

Have you looked at the I Like Crochet online magazine? It's packed full of crochet patterns for everything under the sun. 

© Prime Publishing LLC

Here are five reasons why you should go check them out ...

1. Six issues are published every year. Approximately 190 projects and 42 tutorials yearly. That's a lot of content for one magazine. 

2. Each issue has at least 30 projects and 7 tutorials. From beginner to advanced, home, baby, garments, accessories, there's something for everyone in each issue. The latest issue is February 2016.

3. Back issues are available once you have a subscription. This magazine started in April 2014 and you have access to all those patterns too. 

4. Famous designers have published patterns that are available to you. You can find patterns by Dora Ohrenstein, Roseanna Beck, Amy Gunderson, Darleen Hopkins, and so many more.

5. My designs are available there. 

© Prime Publishing LLC

What's holding you back? Head over the I Like Crochet and check them out. I know you won't be disappointed!

Happy Crocheting!

Crochet Hooks

Do you crochet? What is your favourite brand/style of hook to use?

I have a variety of hooks that I've used over the years.

From left to right ... Boye plastic, Boye aluminum, Addi Comfort Grip, Clover Soft Touch, Knitters Pride Aluminum.

You've probably used the Boye hooks as these seem to be the most readily available in most big box craft stores. I don't really like them for large projects or extended use. They just aren't that comfortable.

The Addi Comfort Grip hook is not one of my favourites either. The grooves on the hard plastic handle tend to rub on my hand and I don't seem to be able to get into a rhythm with it. Not sure what it is about the hook, but it seems to get caught on every couple of stitches.

That leaves the last 2 ... Clover Soft Touch and Knitters Pride Aluminum. I love both of these hooks. 

The handle on the Clover Soft Touch is hard plastic with a soft thumb grip. The shape of the handle is comfortable. The handle on the Knitters Pride is also plastic but has a "soft" feel to it. The shaft is aluminum so the stitches slide easily.   

One more bonus of both the Clover and Knitters Pride hooks is that the size (both US and metric) are printed right on the handle in large font. Easy to find which size hook I need.

Happy Crocheting!

New Crochet Designs

I'm so excited to let you know that I have 2 new crochet designs published in the October Issue of I Like Crochet.

© I Like Crochet

Japanese Maple Pillow is worked with 4 colours of Cascade 220 yarn using Spike Stitch to create the "leaves". Buttons on the back flap allow the pillow form to be removed for washing. By combining any 4 colours of yarn, this pillow could be made for any season.

© I Like Crochet

This pillow finished to 18" square.

© I Like Crochet

Falling Leaves Baby Blanket is my second pattern available at I Like Crochet. Also worked with 4 colours of yarn, I used Berroco Vintage wool/acrylic yarn. Machine washable which is a bonus for baby stuff. 

Use red, pink, purple and white for a more feminine blanket or blues, purple and white for the little boys in your life.

© I Like Crochet

This blanket finishes at 36" square but can be easily made larger or smaller.

Find the entire October Issue on the I Like Crochet website!

Happy Crocheting!

Cascade Yarns Anthem

I have another design accepted into the I Like Crochet online magazine for February 2017. Yeah!! It's a throw/lap blanket worked with 3 colors of worsted weight yarn. This time around I chose Cascade Yarns newer offering, Anthem. It's 100% acrylic so perfect for baby and kids stuff. 

Nature has the best colour palettes 

Cascade Yarns Anthem; 100% Acrylic; 186 yards [170 meters]/100 grams

Comes in 33 beautiful colours and it's soft and definitely not acrylic like. No squeaking on the hook when I use it.

Size I/9 (5.5mm) hook makes a nice drapy fabric. I'm getting 13 double crochets in 4 inches.

Cascade Yarns Anthem

Colours are Emerald 032, Cockatoo 033, and Apricot Blush 001.

I'll let you know how it washes up, but I'm thinking it will look just like it does before washing.

Don't forget to sign up for your subscription to I Like Crochet which is on sale from August 29th through September 4th for $19.97. 

I Like Crochet

For that price you get 6 issues (one year) with at least 30 patterns per issue and all the back issues (16 of them). That's a lot of patterns for $19.97.

Happy Crocheting!