Perfect Winter Hat....

Caramel Cap

If you know the knitting basics, you can make this hip and warm Slouchy Hat for yourself, your family members, or as a wonderful gift. All you need is a couple of hours, knitting needles and yarn of your choice.

Eye-catching but not distracting, it’s the perfect addition to a funky outfit. You bring your individuality and style, and will bring texture and warmth. The thick cables on this hat will keep your ears extra warm during cold winter days.

Abbreviations::

• k: knit
• p: purl
• p2tog: purl two stitches together

For the large cable, slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle and keep it in the           back of your work. Knit the following 4 stitches. Now knit the 4 stitches              from the cable needle.(repeat the part between the two * until you reach the end of round 1. This         applies to the instruction for the following rounds as well.)

• k2tog: knit two stitches together

• SSK: slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches individually as if to knit, then insert the left needle from the left through both stitches and knit them through the back.

• Right Twist:

 K2tog, but do not slip the stitches from the left needel; insert right needle          tip between the two stitches just worked and knit the first stitch again, slip          both stitches off the left needle.In the pattern, Right Twist is abbreviated as “RT“.

• Cable

 In the pattern, this is abbreviated as “C4B“.In the decrease section, the                         cable will gradually become smaller. If the pattern states C3B, put only 3                        stitches on the cable needle, knit the next 3 stitches, then the 3 stitches  from                  the cable needle. For the C2B, do the same with 2 stitches on the  cable needle.   

Instructions::

Cast on 126  stitches with 3.5 mm needles (US 4). Divide stitches onto three or four needles (whichever you prefer) and join to knit in the round. Mark the beginning of the round.

• round 1: *k2, p1*

• round 2: *4x(k2, p1), RT, p1, k2, p1*  .

            Repeat rounds 1 and 2 four more times. (=10 rounds)

• round 11, 13, 15 and 17: *k8, p4, k2, p4*

• round 12: *C4B, p4, RT, p4*

•  round 14, 16 and 18: *k8, p4, RT, p4*

          Repeat rounds 11 through 18 three more times (=42 rounds total)

• round 43: *k8 , p2tog , p2, k2, p2, p2tog* (=112 stitches)

• round 44: *C4B, p3, RT, p3*

• round 45, 47 and 49: *k8, p3, k2; p3*

• round 46, 48 and 50: *k8, p3, RT, p3*

• round 51: *k2 , SSK, k2tog , k2, p3, k2, p3* (=98 stitches)

• round 52: *C3B, p3, RT, p3*

• round 53 and 55: *k6, p3, k2, p3*

• round 54 and 56: *k6, p3, RT, p3*

• round 57: *k6, p2tog , p1, k2, p1, p2tog* (=84 stitches)

• round 58: *C3B, p2, RT, p2*

• round 59 and 61: *k6, p2, k2, p2*

• round 60 and 62: *k6, p2, RT, p2*

• round 63: *k1 , SSK, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p2* (=70 stitches)

• round 64: *C2B, p2, RT, p2*

• round 65: *k4, p2, k2, p2*

• round 66: *k4, p2, RT , p2*

• round 67: *k4, p2tog , k2tog , p2tog* (=49 stitches)

• round 68: *C2B, p1, k1, p1*

• round 69: *k4, p1, k1, p1*

• round 70: k1, *k2tog* (=25 stitches)

• round 71: k1, *k2tog* (=13 stitches)

Finishing::

Break the yarn, leaving a tail of approx. 8 inches. Thread the yarn through the remaining 13 stitches. Pull the yarn tightly, and weave in the end on the inside of the hat.Weave in all other ends.

   !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!         Happy Knitting      !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    

Baby Blanket Done!!!!!!!

I love crocheting this pattern, its relatively simple, rhythmic and soothing, but playing with colours in this way is also energising, exciting and a lot of fun. Well to me it is any road. there's something magical and mesmerising about the way the ripple effect makes the colours sing and dance next to each other, and it's a pattern I can see myself coming back to time after time.

This  baby blanket has a ripple chevron pattern and has pretty finished edge which finishes it off very nicely. This baby Afghan can be used as a carriage blanket, stroller blanket, crib blanket or car seat blanket. Gender neutral, perfect for a new baby girl or baby boy.

Truthfully I always think crochet patterns look and sound far too complex, more than the actually need to be. And I have so wanted to write a tutorial for a ripple chevron pattern that would be easy to understand for beginners and would eliminate certain niggles. 

So what I've done here for you is to write my own pattern with Picture.

ch 100.

Row 1: dc in the third chain from the hook. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Dc2tog, dc 2 tog. Dc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 2 dc into the next 2 stitches. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Dc2tog, dc2tog. Dc in the next 4 stitches.* End with 2 dc in the last chain. Ch 2, turn.

Row 2: dc in the first st (your ch 2 and your first dc are worked in the same stitch) and in the next 4 stitches. dc2tog, dc2tog. Dc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 2 dc into the next 2 stitches. dc in the next 4 stitches. dc2tog, dc2tog. dc in the next 4 stitches.* End with 2 dc in the last stitch. Ch 2, turn.

NOTE: you will have 2 dc in the first and last stitch of each row (ch 2 counts as dc).

Repeat row 2 for length required.

                       Well........GOOD LUCK!!!!!! HAVE SOME CROCHET RIPPLY FUN!!!!!!!!

Popcorn Square

I was looking for some bedspread patterns  and found this particular motif irresistible. You got to love the popcorn stitches in there, it takes too much time to make, but is worth the effort.

 It is a classic square and there exist a lot of very similar patterns. I made 20 squares for this plaid, then I ran out of yarn. Ha! I used a 1.30 mm hook. 

The square::

To begin: ch 8, close with a sl st to first sc.

Round 1[dc3tog, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3] 3 times, dc3tog, ch 2 dc3tog, chain 1, 1 dc (this is to close the round in the top stitch of the first 3dctog of this round. This way you begin your next round just on the right spot and you don't have to cut your yarn!)

Round 2dc3tog, *ch 2, 3 dc in ch 2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3, dc3tog in same space to make a corner, repeat from * 2 times, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 1, 1 dc (to close the round)

Round 3dc3tog, *ch 2, 2 dc in ch 2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 3 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3, dc3tog in same space to make a corner, repeat from * 2 times, chain 2, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 3 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 1, 1 dc (to close the round)

Round 4dc3tog, *ch 2, 2 dc in ch 2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3, dc3tog in same space to make a corner, repeat from * 2 times, chain 2, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 1, 1 dc (to close the round)

Round 5 This is the round where the popcorn fun starts!dc3tog, *ch 2, 2 dc in ch 2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, popcorn in next stitch of the previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3, dc3tog in same space to make a corner, repeat from * 2 times, chain 2, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, popcorn, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 1, 1 dc (to close the round)

Round 6 dc3tog, *ch 2, 2 dc in ch 2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, popcorn in next st of the previous round, 3 dc in each next st of the previous round, popcorn, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3, dc3tog in same space to make a corner, repeat from * 2 times, chain 2, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, popcorn in next st of the previous round, 3 dc in each next st of the previous round, popcorn, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 1, 1 dc (to close the round)

Round 7dc3tog, *ch 2, 2 dc in ch 2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, popcorn in next st of the previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches of the previous round, popcorn, 1 dc in of the next 3 next stitches of previous round, popcorn,1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 3, dc3tog in same space to make a corner, repeat from * 2 times, ch 2, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 5 dc of previous round, popcorn in next st of the previous round, 1 dc in each of the next 3 st of the previous round, popcorn, 1 dc in the next 3 stitches, popcorn, 1 dc in each of the next 5 st of previous round, 2 dc in ch2 space of previous round, ch 2, dc3tog, ch 1, 1 dc (to close the round)

Round 8, 9 and 10 are the same as round 7, except that you increase every round with one popcorn following the same increasing scheme as the previous rounds. Which leads to 6 popcorns on each side of your square in round 10.Of course you could make more of less rows, according to your taste (and your amount of yarn!).

Popcorn Square

Chunky Cable Knit Scarf

Chunky Cable Scarf

 This scarf is probably one of the cutest projects I've finished & definitely the coolest pattern I've ever come up with! The chunky wool & US 7 / 4.5 mm needles also make it a relatively quick project to finish. It probably won't take you more than a week :)

The chunky cables of this scarf make it incredibly warm & kind of fun to wear - it's definitely going to be a 'statement' scarf...if that makes any sense.

This was an easy pattern. I'd highly recommend it to those who want something that looks complicated, but is simple to make. I think it's a good beginner pattern for newbies who know how to knit and purl.

It's not too late to knit yourself this stylish and practical winter scarf. Knitted on just 40 stitches using US 7 / 4.5 mm  knitting needles and a simple cable sequence.

Using the US 7 / 4.5 mm needles cast on 40 stitches. Start straight into the pattern.

Worked over 10 stitches

Row 1: p2, k6, p2
Row 2: k2, p6, k2

Row 3:Repeat Row 1.
Row 4: p2, place 3 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p2
Row 5: k2, p6, k2
Repeat rows 1 through 5.

These 5 rows form the pattern. Repeat until desired length is reached or until all 3 balls have been worked. Allow a couple of meters of yarn to cast off with. 

Using the darning needle, work the loose ends into the scarf. Give the scarf a press with a warm steam iron, concentrating on the edges.

If you want a wider scarf, just cast on another 10 stitches (50 in total) and work 5 cable rows .

Happy Knitting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Letter Wall Pocket Hanger

I crocheted these useful hanging storage pockets, in Black yarn, with traditional crochet squares on the pockets. Useful for storingtoys, craft equipment, books, bills or stationery.The Good thing is that you can choose what size the pockets are. What i recommend is to use quite thick yarn here if you want the pockets to somehow maintain their structure when you fill them with stuff.

Cool Sides:

• This is quite a quick project.
• All the socks and mittens are out of your way occupying shelf space.
• You can think ahead and decide which size of pocket would be the best for you and how many pockets you need.

Wall Hanging Pattern:

Letter Wall Pocket Hanger

Back:

Chain 42

Row 1: Double Crochet (DC) in 4 th chain from hook and in each remaining chain across, turn -37 DC

Row 2: Chain 3 (count as first DC), DC in each stitch across, turn -37 DC

Row 3 - Row 35: Repeat row 2.

Edging:

Single Crochet (SC) in each stitch and in  the end of each row around, working 3 SC in each corner; join with slip stitch in first SC.

Finishing:

Sew Three Thick petal Flowers at the top.                                                                   

Thick Petal Flower Pattern:

Row 1: Pull in a chain of 5 and join the troll with a slip stitch.

Row 2: One chain up 6 SC in the round .Finish the bout with a slip stitch to the first not through the chain like usually we manage.

Row 3:Chain 3 treble crochet 3 the same stage 1 now yard over and insert the hook from front to back under the first travel post the yard and tear it up .Repeat it  four more times.
Continue Chain 1 make a slip stitch under each of top loops and land up with a searchthrough the bottom portion of the treble crochet.

Repeat this for four more petals.

Pockets (Make 3):

8 Folded petal Flower:

Row 1: Start with a chain of 6 and join the troll with a slip stitch.

Row 2: 1 Chain up in the round. Make 15 SC finish the round with a slip stitch in the first chain stitch.

Row 3: work  6 chain skip one stitch and through the second stitch make 1 DC. Again make  a chain 3 make a DC through the second stitch. Repeat this till the end of the round.

Row 4: Chain 4 and SC through the DC stitch .Turn the work to back Chain 2 and make 6 DC in the small chain space(Under the 4 Chain).Turn the work to Front and work 5 DC under the chain 3 of previous round(later it will be  DC stitch).Fold the petal  to the left  insert hook through the DC stitch(the stitch we have done a SC through) and make a slip stitch. Repeat this till the end of the round.

8 Folded Petal Flower(Front Side)

Row 5: We have 8 petals and 8 chains on the back. Insert hook under one of that chain, pull up a loop and yarn over and draw through the loop on hook, then continue with a SC with the same chain.

Chain  5 and a SC under the next little chain on the back of the next petal. Continue the same and make the 7 more chain spaces and end with a slip stitch.

Row 6:work in the first chain space make a SC ,Chain 3 ,7  Treble Crochet in the same chain space, chain 3 and make a SC in the same chain space. Repeat till the end of the round.

Row 7: Repeat Row 5.

Row 8: Repeat Row 6.

Row 9: Insert hook under one of that chain,draw up a grommet. Chain 4 carried to the middle and substitute. Repeat till the end of the round.

Row 10: Work corner cluster (3 DC, Chain 2, 3 DC) then 3 Dc, no chain again 3 DC, 2 Chain, 3DC..Continue...

Row 11Row 14: Repeat Row 10.

Assembly:

Pin 1 Pocket in the place across bottom of back as shown in photo.Carefully sew in place. Pin remaining Pocket in place 4"(10 cm) above bottom pocket. Carefully sew in place, making sure bottom pocket is straight.

Happy Crocheting!!!!!!!!!!

Crochet Kingston Cap

Honestly. I wasn't so excited when I started this project. But I was quite happy when It was completed. And I'm sure you're gonna love it too. This is the first time I made such a cap and it turned out over my expectation! I'm soooo excited to show you here! :) 

Pattern::

DC - Double Crochet
CH - Chain
Double Crochet Decrease-

Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert the hook through the stitch. Wrap the yarn over and pull through, wrap the yarn over the pull through 2 loops. Leave the remaining two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert it through the next stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through. Wrap the yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Wrap the yarn over the pull through the remaining 3 loops on the hook.

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook

Steps:Round 1:Chain 4 stitches.

Round 2:Join to make a ring.

Round 3: Ch 1, pull up, *3 DC, CH 1, Work 6 times total from *. Work a single crochet, instead of the chain 1 to join. 

Round 4: CH 1, Pull up, * Work 3DC, CH 1, 3 DC CH 1 in the same space and each space around, Complete 6 times total from * working a single crochet to join. ( 12 sets of 3 double crochet with chain 1 between)

Round 5: CH 1, Pull up, * Work 3DC, CH 1, in each chain 1 space around. Complete 12 times total from * working a single crochet to join. 

Round 6: CH 1, Pull up, *Work 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, Work 3 DC, CH 1, 3 DC CH 1 in the next chain 1 space. Continue around from *. work a single crochet to join.

Round 7: CH 1, Pull up, *Work 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, Work 3 DC, CH 1, 3 DC CH 1 in the next chain 1 space, Work 3 DC, CH 1 in next CH 1 space,. Continue around from *. work a single crochet to join.

Round 8: CH 1, Pull up, in the same space *Work 2 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, work 1 set of 3 DC, CH 1 in each of the next 3 CH 1 spaces. Continue around, work a single crochet to join. )

Round 9-12: CH 1, Pull up, in the same space *Work 3 DC, CH 1 in each space around, work a single crochet to join.

Round 13: CH 1, Pull up, Work 3 DC in each CH 1 space around, join with the beginning stitch. Do not chain 1 between.

Round 14: Work 1 DC, work a double crochet decrease, Continue around. This part can easily be adjusted for a larger or smaller head. Each double crochet decrease will count as 1 stitch. I have found that 60-70 stitches is the approximate amount of stitches for an adult size head. Try the cap on to see how close you are with the fit. If the cap is to small on the band, work less double crochet decreases. If the cap is to large, work more double crochet decreases. This is how you will modify the band to your custom fit.


Band:

Round 15-21: Work 1 SC in each stitch around. Do not join, work in a continual round. To finish off, skip 1 SC and SL ST in the next. Cut the yarn and sew in the tail.

Extra Increase Round: 

This will follow round 8.
CH 1, Pull up, in the same space *Work 2 sets of 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 1 space, work 1 set of 3 DC, CH 1 in each of the next 4 CH 1 spaces. Continue around, work a single crochet to join

After the extra increase round, you will continue for the length of the cap with rounds 9-12. You will work 35 sets of double crochet instead of 30. Work rounds 13 and then 14. Round 14 goes in to details on how to decrease more and approximately how many stitches will work for an average adult size head. This estimate will be different when using a smaller hook and yarn.

 Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rag Rug Time

 

It is summer and the one thing I love about summer is color. Everything is so green and beautiful. It is so hard to be in a bad mood when the world is blossoming.

Another thing I love about summer is the time I have to crochet. I have just started to get into making rugs. I will tell you how you can make a fabulous, warm, and sturdy rug of your own.

First, you need several pairs of old Dresses (I used mine and my friends ). They can be well worn and loved. Cut away all the seams, hems, and pockets so that you just have fabric.

Now, starting at one end, cut a 3/4″ strip until you reach 1/2″ from the opposite end. Now turn your fabric 180 degrees, leave another 3/4″ and start cutting down along parallel.  You don’t need to be exact, where the fabric is wider, I cut wider to use up as much material as I could.   There will be some odd pieces left over that you can’t make use of.

I started off making a chain of 18 stitches (using the largest crochet hook you can find, mine was K+), and then used a single crochet stitch to go around and around. How many stitches you start off with depends on what dimensions you want the finished product to be. 

When you get to the end of one strip of fabric, just make a half inch slit about 3 inches in into both the end of the fabric and the beginning of the next. Pull the ends through the opposite hole to keep them stable and just crochet them in, it won’t be noticeable in the end product.

I didn't use a pattern and just added increases as I went along, as needed.

I know that all of this seems like a lot of work, but it is easier than it looks, and it goes by quite quickly once you get the hang of it. The nice thing about crochet instead of braiding is that there is no sewing involved and you get to see the finished product as you go along, which for me is key. I really need the sense of satisfaction that I just added 5 inches to my rug to keep me going.

Granny Square TableCloth

I love making Granny Squares. There's just something about creating little stacks of them that is hugely satisfying. They are versatile, and easy for beginners to learn because the basic stitches and method of working "in the round" are simple to get to grips with. It's how I first learnt to crochet 7 months ago, and I still get a huge amount of pleasure from making granny squares.

Granny squares are a great beginner crochet project as you only need to be able to chain , slip stitch and U.S. double ( U.K. treble ) crochet.

Basic Granny Square Pattern.

 1:    Chain 4 stitches
2 : Join to make a ring.
 3 : Chain 3 ( counts as first double crochet )..
 4:    work 2 further double crochet( D.C.) into loop.......
5.     this is your first double crochet cluster ......
      chain 2 then make 3 D.C into loop chain 2 .repeat 2 times more and slip stitch into third chain of initial 3chain . this is you first round complete. Can you see how the 2 chains are making the corners of your square .........
6.        Now you can see 4 spaces in between. We are going to crochet our next round in those spaces. Then start round 2 by chaining 3.... 

  7.        and working 2 D.C. into same 2 chain space. In the SAME 2 chain space chain 2 and work 3 D.C. Forms corner of round 2 .........
 8. Work 3 D.C. chain 2, 3 D.C. into next 2 chain space of round 1 ....

 9.Repeat this pattern in the 2 remaining spaces then join to initial 3 chain with a slip stitch.... 

10.    Attach a new colour and are ready to start round 3 . Chain 3 
11.     Work 2 dc in same side space......
 12.     Work corner cluster in the same way as before ( i.e. 3D.C. chain 2 , 3 D.C. )into the 2 chain corner   space of round 2 .........
 13 .  Along the sides work 3 D.C. clusters with NO chain spaces.
 14. Repeat around and finish off or slip stitch along to next space if you are not changing colour........

  So, the pattern is just repeating every round with the addition of extra side clusters ....

            These are some of my Grannys!!!!!!!!!
                               
                                                 

     I join my squares by catching the back loops only . This is not as tricky a it first sounds . The back     loops are at the outer most edge of the squares when you work from the wrong side so it's just case of taking a little time to make sure you only catch these loops.......   


                                   .

     I finally finished my Granny Square TableCloth ……

I think you can see how much fun I've been having with this pattern this year….

With granny squares the permutations of colour and size of square is endless. There are also many different ways to join squares and of course many,many different things you can make . From blankets to bags. Cushions to coasters and so many others I haven't even thought of yet . I think I will always love this pattern and can't really see me ever becoming bored with it's versatile simplicity .

                                                                     Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!