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Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Stained Glass Pillow Cover - Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Find the Stained Glass Crochet Pillow Cover ad-free PDF on Ravelry (each purchase helps my blog going and my family fed - thank you so much!)

OR Scroll down for the free pattern.


I'm granny square crazy! I can't even count how many different squares I've made.. but this may be my new favorite twist on the granny square!

I'm a sucker for texture so when I swatched up a sample of the bead stitch, I knew I had to make it into a granny square!


Although this stitch is gorgeous, making it in the round in a granny square makes it a bit wonky. The stitch counts and the overall shape is there.. but it needs major blocking if you want to make it as a blanket!

Since I wanted to skip the blocking, I decided to fold it up into a pillow cover without having to block it. Seaming up the sides took care of the kinks!

You can make this granny square as large or as small as you'd like. I had a 16" pillow insert so I chose to make it to fit the pillow. It's very easy to adjust the size as needed, it's just a repeat of the same row! 


MORE FREE CROCHET PATTERNS YOU WILL LOVE!


For this Stained Glass Pillow Cover I used Caron cotton cakes - one of my favorite yarns to work with! I often find color changing cakes a challenge to work with because of the interruption of color changes in the least flattering places, but it works so well with this pattern! 

You can see the color changes in the pillow but you don't see (or easily notice) the abrupt color changes in this pattern. I think it makes such a cool visual pattern with the radiating color and all the texture!


SAVE IT FOR LATER



Pillow Cover Crochet Pattern

Materials

3 skeins Caron Cotton Cakes (Rose Whisper)
H/5.00mm hook
Pillow insert (16” shown)
Tapestry needle & Scissors

Pattern notes

If you will be making this as a afghan, you will need to block once finished.

Special stitch: Bead stitch is worked as follows: dc, *insert hook behind dc just worked (see photo), pull up a loop, repeat from * two more times, YO, pull through 5 loops on hook, YO, pull through last two loops.

Abbreviations (US terms):
Ch = chain, dc = double crochet, st = stitch(es), sl st = slip stitch, sp = space, sk = skip

Pattern

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 3, dc, ch 3, *4dc, ch 3, repeat from * twice, 2dc, join to first ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp
Round 2: (Ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round, [*bead st, sk 1, repeat from * across, (2dc, ch 3, 2dc) in ch 3 sp from previous round] repeat 2 times, *bead st, sk 1, repeat from * across, join to beginning ch 3, sl st into next st and into ch 3 sp from previous row 
Repeat Round 2 until the diagonal measurement of the square (from one corner to the opposite corner) equals the size of your pillow insert.

Pillow Cover Assembly


Lay the pillow insert as pictured. Make sure the corner of the granny squares touch each other when folded inwards onto the pillow. If it is too small/large you will need to make more/take out rows.


Fold corners into each other and sew up the edges. Weave in ends.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Caron Cotton Cakes Basket - Free Crochet Pattern

Caron Cotton Cakes are one of my favorite yarns to work with, and this crochet basket is super easy to make! Find the free pattern below!


Caron Cotton Cakes are anticipated to come back to Michael's Stores this April (2018). I haven't seen any sightings just yet, but we are nearing the end of April so I'm sure they will be on the shelves any day now!

I used the Caron Cotton Cakes in Beach Glass from last summer when they were newly released. I love the blue and gray combination and I love how it worked up double stranded!


As you can see, I made this basket for the newest addition to our family! A cockapoo named Milo, who is now 9 weeks old. I have already started to crochet all the things for this little pup! This basket is for all of his toys and extra blankets.


I had a limited number of skeins to work with for the Caron Cotton Cakes, so I had to add a different cotton yarn to the top. It seemed to work out in my favor, because I love the block of white on the top - perfect to add his name! 

Of course, you can leave it blank or stitch on another word such as "yarn", "toys", your child's name, etc. I didn't do anything fancy for the stitching, just a running stitch. Surface crochet was proven too difficult for me, but that could totally work too!


I used a crab stitch for the very top of the basket, and I think it makes such a nice finishing touch! Along with the rope handles, I think this basket looks pretty legit! The rope handles are optional, but I like to move my baskets often so they will be very useful for me.



After crocheting the basket, it did not stay up on its own.  It kind of just fell over on itself although I doubled up the yarn throughout. I did have to stiffen the fabric, which I dreaded doing.. but it was easier than I thought it would be and it turned out great!

There are many different ways of doing this, but I used water and white glue. Cheap and easy. I'll have tutorial coming up on just how I stiffened this basket to stand up! Although it holds the shape, it is still flexible as you can see when Milo digs into his toys. :)


Are you making this for later?



Pattern

Materials
4 skeins Caron Cakes (Beach Glass)
1 skein I Love this Cotton! (white)
Yarn to sew on name/word (optional)
J/6.00mm hook
1 yard of rope for handles (I got mine at Joann Fabric's)
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Notes

The basket will be made by holding two strands of yarn together throughout. 

*When making the base of the basket, I kept increasing each round until it got wavy. When the circle become ruffled, I added a round of even stitches (no increasing), then continued to increase. The pattern is a bit 'uneven', if you will, but if you come to a point where your circle is completely ruffled, you may need to add more rows with no increases.

Crab stitch: Single crochet into the previous stitch, going the opposite direction you normally would crochet.

Abbreviations (US terms)
Ch = chain, hdc = half double crochet, st = stitch(es), sk = skip

Gauge: 13 st x 10 rows in hdc

Dimensions: 9.5 inches in height, 13 inches in diameter

Start by holding two strands of Caron Cotton Cakes together

Round 1: Magic ring, Ch 2, 12 hdc in ring, join to first hdc
Round 2: Ch 2, 2hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 3: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 4: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 2 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 5: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 3 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 6: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 4 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 8: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 5 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 9: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 10: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 6 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 11: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 12: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 7 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 13: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 14: Ch 2, *2hdc, hdc in next 8 st, repeat from * around, join to first hdc
Round 15: Ch 2, hdc in back loops only in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 16-29: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc

Change to white yarn, holding two strands together

Round 30-35: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 36: Ch 2, *hdc into next 55 st, ch 3, sk 3, hdc into next 14 st, ch 3, sk 3, repeat from *, join to first hdc
Round 37: Ch 2, hdc into each stitch around, making 3 hdc into previous ch 3 spaces, join to first hdc
Round 38:Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join to first hdc
Round 39: Ch 1, crab stitch all the way around, join to first st
Fasten off

Attach rope handles by taking a piece of rope and inserting them in the holes on the top of the basket. Knot the rope on the inside of the basket.

Stiffen basket. Sew on word/name (optional).

There are several methods to stiffening fabric. I will have a tutorial on exactly how I stiffened this basket!


We hope you had a pawesome time making your basket!

If you are making it for later, PIN it to your boards or save it to your Ravelry for safe keeping!

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Thursday, March 8, 2018

Coastal Indoor Rug - Free Crochet Pattern made with Caron Cotton Cakes

The Coastal Indoor Rug is a free crochet pattern that you can easily work up to add some beach vibes to your kitchen or bathroom! Find the pattern below - PDF version is available for free!


First off, can we just appreciate the colors in this beauty? I used Caron cotton cakes in Beach Glass - I even hunted some down after they were discontinued just to ensure I would have enough for a project.

Now they were discontinued last summer, but I got good news. They are coming back this year (2018)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, is that too much excitement?

I really am ecstatic though. I didn't get to them in time last year and only had the small clearance section to pick through. Now my question is, will they come back in the same colorways? Or have they come up with different colorways?


Okay, now that we all know they are coming back, you will want to check out this free pattern I have for you.

I needed a kitchen rug, just big enough for me to have under the sink. I wanted something simple but detailed (that seems to be my jam). I knew the color changes would create great striping and I also added some filets for great texture!


Oh, and the fringe! I had to add some pretty detailed fringe. I think it's one of my favorite aspects of the rug, to be honest.

I have a quick tutorial on how I did the fringe (that you can really add to anything). And I also have added notes below to help you make the rug as large or small as you'd like.




Pattern

Materials

3 skeins Caron Cotton cakes
H/5.00mm hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch Markers (optional)

Pattern notes

Beginning chains count as a stitch. Using stitch markers to mark off the beginning of your rows may help keeping your rows even.

To make the rug larger in width, add to your beginning chain in multiples of 2. Add to the length by repeating the pattern.

Dimensions: 19” x 26.5” without fringe after blocked

Abbreviations (US terms):
Ch = chain, hdc = half double crochet, sk = skip, st = stitch(es), tr = treble crochet


Row 1: Ch 70, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each st across (69)
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as a st),  hdc across, turn
Row 3-14: repeat row 2
Row 15: Ch 5 (counts as stitch), sk 1 st, tr in next st, *ch 1, sk 1, tr in next st, repeat from * , turn
Row 16: Ch 2, *hdc in ch space from previous row, hdc in next st, repeat from * , turn
Rows 17-29: Repeat Row 2
Repeat Rows 15-29   3 times

Fasten off. Weave in ends and block project if necessary.




Add fringe. (See video for visual tutorial.) Cut 15 inch yarn pieces. Take 4 strands at a time, fold in half and loop through stitches every 3-4 spaces.
To add the extra knot, take first tassle and half of second tassle and knot together in the middle. Knot half of the second tassle and half of the third tassle together in the middle. Continue making knots down the row. At the end, take half of the second to last tassle and last tassle and knot together. Trim fringe as necessary.


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Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Quick & Easy Chunky Cowl - Free Crochet Pattern

GET THE FREE PDF DOWNLOAD PATTERN FOR THIS QUICK AND EASY CHUNKY CROCHET COWL THAT USES ONE CARON TEA CAKE DOWN BELOW.


If you've been around, you know I love Caron cakes - especially the bulky weight cakes that they came out with this past summer! I made an easy, chunky cowl using one of the Caron Tea Cakes and it's so incredibly squishy - you're going to love it!

Look at that color. Look at that squish. I used the same stitches I used for my Poppy cardigan and I think the pairing of treble and half-double crochets just make for the perfect texture.















I got the idea of alternating and pairing the treble and half-double stitches together from the grit stitch. The grit stitch is similar as it alternates between two basic stitches - double crochet and single crochet. I love the grit stitch too, but I thought maybe if I paired 'larger' basic stitches, I would get even more texture - and the results definitely delivered!

As for the color of this scarf, it's absolutely perfect. It's a mix of earthy neutrals and will be matching what ever outfit I plan to wear.


As a lover of infinity scarves, I have to say - this cowl might just be my new favorite.  It's now typically chosen over my other infinity scarves when I need something to keep me warm before stepping out the door.

 It's so easy to throw on and I don't have to worry about wrapping it around twice and adjusting it. Just pop it on and go!

GET THE FREE PDF DOWNLOAD HERE.

PIN IT TO YOUR CROCHET BOARD ON PINTEREST


WANT MORE FREE PDF DOWNLOADS? CLICK HERE

Materials
1 skein Caron Tea Cake (English Breakfast)
9.00mm hook
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Pattern notes
Cowl will be made in rows then the short ends will be sewed up.
Beginning chains in row will count as a stitch, so the following st made will not be made
in the same space as ch
Stitch markers will help identify first/last st in the row
Gauge: 4” x 4” = 7 st x 5 rows alternating tr and hdc st
Dimensions: 32” x 8”
Abbreviations (US terms)
Ch = chain, hdc = half-double crochet, tr = triple crochet, st = stitch(es)

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 56, hdc into 5th ch from hook, *tr, hdc, repeat from * across, turn
Row 2-10: Ch 4 (counts as st), hdc, *tr, hdc, repeat from * across, turn
Fasten off and leave a tail to sew up the short sides. Weave in ends

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

16 Crochet Patterns Using Caron Cakes

If you've been following my blog, you know that I have a handful of patterns using Caron cakes. When the Caron cakes first came out sometime last year, I grabbed a few but had no idea what to make with them.  With the cakes being a new, I barely found any patterns using them either.

I left them on the shelf until late summer/early Fall of this year. They came out with a new line of cakes: Tea Cakes, Sprinkle Cakes, Cupcakes, Big Cakes plus a handful of new colors for the regular Caron cakes. So many options!

It's safe to say that I was hooked once those new cakes came out! My favorite are the Tea Cakes which are a super bulky weight and the Big Cakes are my next favorite as they are 100% acrylic, super soft, and has so much yarn in just one skein!

If you haven't picked up a few cakes yet, I 100% recommend it. Grab some cakes and browse the 16 patterns below to start your next project!



















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Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Granny Filet Square Afghan Crochet Pattern

Purchase the ad-free PDF formatted pattern file for this crocheted Granny Filet Square Afghan on Ravelry.
Or find the pattern on my blog below!


Isn't this just the most simple yet perfectly detailed blanket?! I love love love blankets made out of one large granny square, so I made one with a little twist.

For this afghan, I created a large solid granny square with rows of filet to keep it a bit breezy. I love the little detail of the little blocks. I think it makes it look very pretty and delicate.

When I first started this project, I made the little filet squares between only two solid rows but I found that too "hole-y" for my taste. However, that may be right up your alley if you're looking for a very light afghan!

Once you get going on this project, it's a very easy and mindless project that you can do while relaxing and/or watching one of your favorite shows. I worked on this project intermittently between other projects. It was very much my go to project when I wanted to do some mindless stitching.


The best thing about this afghan is that you can make it as large or as small as you'd like. The pattern is a five row repeat and once you get past the first few repeats, you won't need to look at the pattern anymore.

I found that using just two of the regular Caron cakes, it made a nice sized baby blanket. I had 3 Caron cakes in the Blueberry Kiwi  color that is now discontinued, so I used all 3 to make a good sized blanket for my 6 year old son.

When using Caron cakes, the color can change mid-round which may not be favorable but I was okay with that. If do not like your color running together mid-round, I have seen some projects where you cut and attach as needed to make your color changes a little more structured.


Fair warning here - you will have to block your finished project! The larger you make the square, the more it will tend to curl up on the edges and look a bit uneven.

I was told this is the nature of very large squares and although I tried changing up my stitch counts and used different yarns - the verdict was I had to block the project. So keep that in mind!

I know many are not able to use the Caron Cakes because of the wool content in it. However, the line of Caron cakes has expanded and they have included a "Caron Big Cakes".

The Caron Big Cakes are 100% acrylic and have around 600 yards of yarn in just one cake! To me, that sounds like the perfect yarn to make this project!

Want to save it for later?

Add it to your Ravelry queue/favorites

Purchase the PDF ad-free pattern here

PIN it to your Pinterest boards

Pattern notes:

Chain 3 in the beginning of the rounds count as a stitch, when making the next stitch be sure to crochet into the next space and not the same space as the Chain 3.

“Corner” is referring to the chain 2 spaces in each corner of the square.

You may use any type of yarn, just make sure to adjust hook size as needed.

You will need to block your project after completion.

Blanket shown was made with 3 Caron cakes and came out to be approximately 47” x 47” once blocked.
Stitch counts for sides:
*Count your stitches, it may be easy to miss stitches when making a solid granny square especially if you crochet tightly*

Row 1: 3 stitches per side
Row 2: 7 stitches per side
Row 3: 11 stitches per side
Every row after should have 4 stitches more than the last. Filet rows - count DC and chains

Abbreviations:
MR - magic ring
DC - double crochet
Ch - chain

Gauge: 4"x4" ~ 12st x 7rows in DC

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
H/5.0mm hook
Tapestry needle and scissors to fasten off

Pattern:

Round 1: MR, work the following in the ring: Ch3, 2DC, Ch 2, 3DC, Ch 2, 3DC, Ch 2, 3DC, Ch 2, join to beginning Ch 3

Round 2: Ch 3, *DC in each stitch across until you get to the corner, (2DC, Ch 2, 2DC) all in corner, repeat from * , join to beginning ch 3

Round 3-4: Repeat Round 2

Round 5: Chain 4, skip one stitch, DC, *Ch 1, skip one stitch, DC until you get to the corner, (Ch 1, DC, Ch 2, DC, Ch 1) all in corner.
Start next side by working DC into next stitch and then repeat from *
 until you get back to beginning of round, join to the 3rd space up from the beginning chain

Round 6: Ch 3, *DC in each chain space and DC across until you get to corner, (2DC, Ch 2, 2DC) all in corner, repeat from *
DC until you get back to beginning of round, join to 3rd space up from the beginning chain

Repeat Rounds 2-6 until desired size of blanket is acquired.


Here are a few photos to help you along with the filet rows.

In the filet rounds, begin by chaining up 4 and skip one space, DC into the next
You will always end with a DC before you get to a corner

Filet rounds are joined to the 3rd space up from the beginning chain

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Cookie Crumble Shrug Crochet Pattern


I finished my first ever piece of crochet clothing, and I'm happy to finally be able to share it with you!  Like most crocheters, clothing intimidates me.. but I wanted to take the plunge and try something new.

At first, I tried my hand at a cardigan of my own design and it was just not working out.  I opted for something a lot more simple. Like.. crochet a rectangle and sew some sides together simple. That's how easy this shrug is!


You may have seen many other variations of this shrug, and to be honest I wasn't 100% sold on the idea.  How can a square/rectangle possibly be clothing? Once I worked this up with a delicious Caron Big Cake - I was persuaded. Big time. I love the striping of this yarn and how soft it is! (It's even 100% acrylic which is a win for me as I can't wear wool items too long without getting itchy.)

To me, this is perfect lounge wear to cozy up in.  Pair this shrug with a nice cup of something hot, slippers and some yarn or a book - you'll have the perfect little slice of heaven on Earth.


I found the stitch in my one and only stitch dictionary (link below), and it worked up so quickly. The name of the stitch is called "Rope Stitch". I used this stitch for my infinity scarf that I worked up with the Sprinkles Caron cake, which is a super bulky weight. You can see how that worked up and get the free pattern here.

I wanted to use just one Caron Big Cake for this so I did some edging to make it the size I needed. If you make a larger size (which I have instructions on how to make this bigger below) and use the Caron Big Cakes, you will need another cake in order to complete the shrug.


Materials
Caron Big Cake in Cookie Crumble (2 cakes if you are making medium, large, or XL)
Worsted weight yarn in black
I/5.25mm hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Amazon Picks(affiliate links)


Gauge
4" x 4" - 12 stitches x 7 rows in DC

Abbreviations
Ch = Chain, DC = double crochet, st - stitch(es), HDC = Half double crochet

Sizes

The two things that will be different for the sizes are the beginning chain and the number of rows. Below, I have the sizes with the corresponding number of beginning chains and number of rows to complete. Everything else in the pattern will be the same.

Small: Measures 36" from armhole to armhole - Beginning chain 114 ; 48 rows
Medium: Measures 38" from armhole to armhole - Beginning chain 120 ; 48 rows
Large: Measures 40" from armhole to armhole - Beginning chain 126 ; 50 rows
XL: Measures 42" from armhole to armhole - Beginning chain 132 ; 50 rows

Pattern

Row 1: Chain beginning number of chains according to size you are making, DC in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, DC in next ch, *skip 1, DC in next st, ch 1, DC in next st, repeat from * across, DC in last st, turn
Row 2: Ch 3, skip next 2 DC, *(DC, Ch 1, DC) all in ch 1 space from previous row, skip next 2 DC, repeat from * across, skip last DC, DC into ch 3, turn
Repeat Row 2 until you have the number of rows needed for the size you are making

With black yarn, attach anywhere to the rectangle.
Chain 2, HDC around, join to beginning HDC
Repeat until you have 4 rows total
Fasten off

Assembly

1. Lay your rectangle flat. It should be longer horizontally.
2. Fold the rectangle down in half.
3. Starting at the bottom edge of one side, use a tapestry needle and black yarn to sew up the side until you have about 8 inches left. This will be an arm hole. *You can adjust this as needed if you would like a bigger or smaller opening*
4. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Weave in all ends.


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Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Crochet Infinity Scarf using One Caron Sprinkle Cake


Who loves crochet infinity scarves? *raises hand* *waves it in the air* *points to herself*
Infinity scarves are so great to wear AND so easy to make! They take up less yarn than a traditional scarf and usually less time as well when using comfy, cozy, chunky yarn.

I've been loving on the new Caron cakes line and I made this quick infinity scarf with the new Caron Sprinkle Cake. I also made a traditional scarf with a Caron Tea Cake that you can find the free pattern for here.


The stitch I used for this infinity scarf is called a rope stitch that I found in my stitch dictionary (linked below under Amazon Picks). I recently bought this crochet book and I love it! I always shied away from crochet books because I thought - I know how to crochet, I don't need a book. Boy, was I wrong. This stitch dictionary is amazing for learning new stitches! And it's organized very well and even gives details about stitches. (Example, it will tell you what kind of yarn the stitch would work best in and if it 'drapes' well which is good to know when making garments)

The rope stitch that I chose was said to give excellent drape and that is one of the reasons I chose it on top of it being a bit more of an airy stitch - perfect for the changing of season. ;)




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