April Edition of I Like Crochet Magazine

This year is just flying by ... March is already here, which means the April edition of I Like Crochet is also available. And what a great line up of patterns. So many cute, spring ideas.

Like Bright and Early Hexagon Pillow by Toni Lipsey and worked in 100% cotton heavy worsted weight yarn. I love these bright colours!

Bright and Early Hexagon Pillow by Toni Lipsey

Maybe you love cardigans ... Brooke Scalloped Cardigan by Quinny Zhang is gorgeous. Crocheted in a cotton/wool blend DK weight yarn. I really want to make this one!.

Brooke Scalloped Cardigan by Quinny Zhang

Brooke Scalloped Cardigan by Quinny Zhang

If you have little ones in your life, why not make Petunia the Pillow Buddy by Debra Arch. She's so adorable and is worked in worsted weight acrylic yarn. 

Petunia the Pillow Buddy by Debra Arch

And finally, a quick project just for you. A light and airy scarf will pair perfectly with your new spring outfit. Abigail Striped Bias Scarf by Cheryl Chow is worked in wool fingering weight yarn. Have fun choosing 3 of your favourite colours!

Abigail Striped Bias Scarf by Cheryl Chow

Abigail Striped Bias Scarf by Cheryl Chow

Find all the patterns on the I Like Crochet website.

Happy Crocheting!

Stord Scarf - Free Crochet Pattern

I've had this yarn in my bin for quite some time, just waiting for the perfect project. It's 100% wool and fingering weight that was hand dyed by Melanie of Baad Mom Yarns. Unfortunately, she doesn't offer this base anymore but there are some other lovely fingering weight yarns on her website.



Stord Scarf is an easy to memorize, two row pattern with a delicate flower edging created with puff stitches. Never created a puff stitch before ... no worries ... you can find my picture tutorial here.

Some particulars for crocheting the scarf ...

SKILLS REQUIRED

Chain

Single Crochet

Double Crochet

V Stitch

Puff Stitch

SIZE

One size approximately 6.5 x 54 inches (17 x 137 cm)

Easily customize to a different width or length

HOOK SIZE

US size 7 (4.5 mm)

GAUGE

18 dc and 10 rows is 4 inches (10cm) though it's not critical. Have fun playing around with different yarn weights and hook sizes.

YARN REQUIREMENTS

420 yards (385 meters) fingering weight yarn

Sample crocheted with

Baad MomYarns Inverness; 100% merino; 250 yards (229 meters) in 50 g (1.76 oz); 2 skeins in color Berries

OTHER MATERIALS

Tapestry needle

NOTES

Written in US Terminology

Pattern is both charted and written
Turn at the end of each row unless indicated otherwise. 

To create a wider or narrower scarf chain a  multiple of 12.

Let's get started ...

Ch 36.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch, [ch 3, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch] 10 times, ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in last ch.

Row 2: Ch 3, sk 1st sc, [Vst in next sc] 11 times, dc in last sc.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in 1st dc, ch 1, sc in ch-sp of Vst, [ch 3, sc in ch-sp of Vst]10 times, ch 1, sc in tc.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until scarf measures 50 inches; 127 cm, ending with row 2.

EDGING

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in first dc, [dc in next dc, dc in ch-sp, dc in next dc] to end, dc in tc. (35 dc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 4, sk 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 5, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 4, sk 3 dc, [(sc in next dc) 2 times, ch 4, sk 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 5, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 4, sk 3 dc] 2 times, sc in tc.

Row 3: Ch 3, [Puff2 in 4 ch-sp, ch 3, (Puff2, ch 5, Puff2) in 5 ch-sp, ch 3, Puff2 in 4 ch-sp, ch 1] 2 times, Puff2 in 4 ch-sp, ch 3, (Puff2, ch 5, Puff2) in 5 ch-sp, ch 3, Puff2 in 4 ch-sp, dc in last sc.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first dc, [3 sc in 3 ch-sp, 5 sc in 5 ch-sp, 3 sc in 3 ch-sp, sc in 1 ch-sp] 2 times, 3 sc in 3 ch-sp, 5 sc in 5 ch-sp, 3 sc in 3 ch-sp, sc in tc.

Row 5: Ch 3, sk 4 sc, (Puff3 in next sc, ch 3) 4 times, Puff3 in next sc, sk 3 sc, dc in next sc, [sk 3 sc, (Puff3 in next sc, ch 3) 4 times, Puff3 in next sc, sk 3 sc, dc in next sc] 2 times, do not turn.

Work 3 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each sc along long edge of scarf to beg-ch.

Row 1: Ch 3, work 35 dc evenly along beg-ch.

Work rows 2 to 5 of EDGING.

Work 3 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each sc along long edge of scarf to first Puff3 stitch. Sl st into top of Puff3 stitch.

Fasten off and break yarn.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Block scarf.


And you will need a list of the abbreviations I've used ...

beg-ch       Beginning chain

ch(s)          Chain(s)

ch-sp         Space formed by chain(s)

cm             centimeters

dc              Double crochet

Puff2          (Yarn over hook, insert hook into specified stitch, yarn over again and draw up a long loop) twice, yarn over hook and pull through all 5 loops on hook, ch 1.

Puff3          Same as Puff2 but work instructions in parentheses 3 times (7 loops on hook)

sc              Single crochet

sk              Skip

sl st            Slip stitch

tc               Turning ch

Vst             (dc, ch 1, dc) in indicated stitch

Enjoy creating your scarf and post a picture of your creation on Instagram and tag me @designsbycherylchow

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 any item you purchase. 

Puff Stitch

I really love the puff stitch ... the smoothness of it compared to the popcorn stitch or "double crochet 5 together in the same stitch" type stitch. The puff stitch stands out from the background and can be really puffy if one pulls up many loops. 

I've used the puff stitch in my Lonicera Scarf 

Lonicera Scarf © Designs By Cheryl Chow, LLC

A 5 loop puff stitch and 7 loop puff stitch  will be used in my upcoming Stord Scarf pattern (soon to be released).

Following is a picture tutorial on how to create this versatile stitch. 

Step 1: Yarn over hook, insert hook into stitch, pull up an elongated loop. I like to make the loop about the height of a double crochet.

Step 2: Yarn over hook, insert hook into the same stitch, pull up another elongated loop. There are now 5 loops on the hook.

For a 5 loop Puff Stitch (Puff2 in the Stord Scarf pattern)

Step 3: Yarn over hook, pull through all 5 loops on the hook.

Step 4: Chain 1. The 5 loop puff stitch is complete.

For a 7 loop Puff Stitch (Puff3 in the Stord Scarf pattern)

Step 3: Yarn over hook, insert hook into the same stitch, pull up another elongated loop. There are now 5 loops on the hook.

Step 4: Yarn over hook, pull through all 7 loops on the hook.

Step 5: Chain 1. The 7 loop puff stitch is complete.

Of course one can always make a puffier puff stitch by pulling up more loops and then working steps 4 and 5 above.

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 any 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

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

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 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!

Finished Objects

It has been quite a long time since I have knit something from someone else's pattern. I have to remember that it is all written down for me and I don't have to figure out for myself what the next step is. 

Have you checked out the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long forum on Ravelry yet? You still have a few more days (until Friday November 27th) to cash in on the 25% off thousands of indie designer patterns. 

Use coupon code giftalong2015 on select patterns. You can find all the participating designers and patterns in the sale on Pinterest.

My first GAL finished project was Collingwood by Carolyn Macpherson. Love the texture on this hat and the fit is perfect.

Collingwood Hat Pattern by Carolyn Macpherson

I've already gotten a start on my second project, Waverleaf by Faye Kennington. This is a gorgeous scarf that uses short rows to create the colorwork design. I love the bright colours with the dark purple.

Waverleaf by Faye Kennington  © UkeeKnits  ~ Used with permission

And one more shout out to Carol E. Herman and her Passport Mitts. These mitts have a beautiful cable running down the backs and are worked in DK weight yarn. I think they would be lovely in a merino silk blend yarn.

Passport Mitts © Carol E. Herman Designs (used with permission) 

So ... what will you be knitting for gifts this year? 

Happy Knitting!