Organizing Yarn

In the past few weeks I have been doing a lot of organizing and developing my ideas for the Home Decorating Challenge. At the beginning of last year I did the Home Organization Challenge and the focus was on decluttering. This year I continue to focus on getting things better organized for my business and my family and I have been improving on how I do things and finding better solutions for organizing and displaying items in my home.

I work from home, and I have several areas of the house that I work from. This helps to keep things organized and allows me to create a separate work space for the different type of activities that I do in my business. This year two of the areas that are at the top of my list are my sewing and craft studios. My sewing studio is on the main floor of the house, just off of the kitchen and my craft studio is in the basement.

One of the things I started with was to reorganize my yarn stash. I have started to collect more yarn than I may have bargained for and it was getting a bit out of hand. I recently purchased a ton of plastic storage boxes ("shoe box" bins) from Walmart and they were just the things I needed to corral the excess yarn. I love these containers and I have used them before in other parts of my home. I love that you can see the contents, the lids are great and they are stackable.  I love labeling, but I can easily see the contents in this case and did not feel it was necessary. I passed on labeling them because I felt they looked cleaner and less busy by leaving them plain. Next time I will share with you what my new yarn cabinet looks like.

How do you organize your yarn?

Crochet Washcloths and Dishcloths

This week I made crochet washcloths for my husband and the boys. I used Bernat Handicrafter 100% Cotton yarn ( off white, white and pale yellow) and made them 8 x 8 inches and 10 x 10 inches square. I did not use a pattern, and most of it was done using single crochet. However, I took the opportunity to improve my tension and to practice the stitch variation that I shared earlier this year in my chunky cowl project.

Crochet washcloths and dishcloths are fun and simple to make. They make a great beginner crochet project. You can try a combination of stitches or practice one particular stitch. They are perfect gifts on their own or can be included with other items to create a gift set.

Here is a list of tutorials for making your own:

Single Crochet Mesh Dishcloth or Washcloth
LuLu B Washcloth Patterns
Spa Washcloth Crochet Pattern
Chunky Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Three Color Simple Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
Gingham Dishcloth
Tunisian Crochet Washcloths

You can also find some great ideas on our Pinterest board:

I Love Granny Squares

I have fallen in love with granny squares and have decided to design my own pattern. I have never done a granny square before, so I have been going through loads of patterns and tutorials. I will like to make a large throw for my bed, but I still have to decide on the final colours.

I have the finished pattern in my mind, and I have found a few patterns that are very close but are just not right. It would be easier to follow an available pattern, but I think I will try a little longer to see what I can come up with.

The pattern I have designed needs some more work and I think it still looks too generic, I will like to add a few more elements to make it a bit more interesting.

The colours I have used for my sample has a very earthy tone (which I like), however I am thinking of using soft spring colours in a monochromatic colour scheme.

What do you think about granny squares?

Chunky Cowl

There has been such a wonderful response to my "Crochet In The Round" post that I have decided to do a follow-up, and to share with you how I created my chunky crochet cowl. As I have mentioned before, writing crochet and knitting patterns is something very new to me. I still have so much to learn, but I enjoy working with yarn and experimenting with different stitches.

I really love the colour combination of the other cowl, but I decided to try two new colours from the same Waverly for Barnet yarn collection. For this piece I used "Butter" and "Gypsy Gold."

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Materials

• 2 - 100g ball Waverly for Bernat (1 ball Butter - 55630, 1 ball Gypsy Gold - 55640) or approx. 180m/197 yards medium weight (#4) acrylic yarn
• US Size 10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook

Gauge
10 sc = 4" (10cm)

Size
One size fits all. The finished size is approx. 10” high and 38” around.

Pattern
Using two strands of yarn, ch 84 (leaving approx. a 4 inch tail). Being careful not to twist join with sl st in the beginning ch.

Round1: ch1, *in back loop of next ch, yarn over and pull through loop, now you have three loops on hook, pull last loop through other two loops and repeat around

Round 2 - 6: repeat from * around

Round 7: sc in back loop of next ch and repeat around

Round 8: **sc through both loops and repeat around

Round 9-12: repeat from ** around

Round 13: *in back loop of next ch, yarn over and pull through loop, now you have three loops on hook, pull last loop through other two loops and repeat around

Round 14-18: repeat from * around

Round 19: sc in back loop of next ch and repeat around

Round 20 – 24: **sc through both loops and repeat around

Finishing
Fasten off. Cut yarn leaving a tail and weave in ends.

Note
For round 1 to 6 and 13 to 18 work as you would to create a half double crochet, but without the last loop.

ch(s) = chain(s)
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

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Here is a printable version of the pattern: Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern.

Please let me know if there are any errors or problems with the instructions. I will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy!

Terms of Use: This pattern and anything made from it may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell anything made from this pattern. You may not resell or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. Derivative works are prohibited. This pattern and items made from it are intended for personal or charity use only. Copyright © 2013 Crafted Spaces | Yvette-Michelle Cottle Darby. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATE:
You can find the finished scarf available for sale on my Etsy Verona Collections shop. Thank you!

Crochet In The Round

I wanted to share one of my most recent crochet projects with you guys. I have been playing with the use of two strand of yarn and for this project I also wanted to combine colours.  The yarn I chose feels nice and is relatively inexpensive; it makes for a great choice as I develop my skills. I bought tons of yarn recently at a Michaels sale and I have several combinations of colours that I will like to try.

I really enjoyed working with the Waverly: Bernat Yarn. The yarn I selected is from there Town and County and Simplicity line. I used a size 6.5 crochet needle and two strands of yarn for this project. The results is a wonderful chunky weave.

What do you think?

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UPDATE
I have been asked by quite a number of people about a pattern for this project. Unfortunately I do not have one at this time and I recently lost my beautiful cowl on a trip. As with many of my knitting and crochet projects, they just evolve as I play with the yarn and as I work on improving my skills. I am however; working on making another one just like it and I will post the instructions when I am finished, so do visit again. Thank you!

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I am so happy I finished the pattern for this cowl, here is a link to the instructions. I hope that you will enjoy.

Making a Hand-Chain Scarf

I recently found this beautifully coloured yarn at Walmart. I love the colours and decided to purchase a ball to add to my ever-growing yarn collection.

The name of the yarn is "Swerve" and it is a product by Red Heart. The colour shown here is called "Barbados" ID#9936. You can visit here for more product information and other colour options.

This is what it looks like when you open out the ball.

You do not need a needle for this project. You are simply chaining the yarn with your hand to form a boa-style scarf. This is a project you can do in less than five minutes and would be a great gift. It is also something that kids can make as a fun project. Supper easy to make and looks pretty stylish too. There is lots of amazing colour combinations to choose from.

Red Heart also provides a printable instruction sheet, as well as this video tutorial on how to use the yarn:

Book Review: Crocodile Stitch Fashions

Crocodile Stitch Fashions by Lianka Azulay

I added this book to my craft library this past summer, but was still trying to wrap my mind around how to do the crocodile crochet stitch. With the completion of my recent cowl project I was able to figure things out.

The book presents a range of fashion accessories using "super fine" to "light" weight yarn. There are eight very beautiful projects featured in the book. All of the projects in the book are listed at an intermediate level. The photos are very clear and the instructions are easy to follow. The author has also included a very handy conversion chart at the back of the book. My personal favourite is the "Triangle Shawl," which is featured on the cover. I'm looking forward to trying the projects and hope to share them with you.

Here are some great videos that I have also found helpful in learning this stitch.

Crocodile Crochet Stitch

In my continued effort to develop my knitting and crochet skills, I have been exploring new stitches. One of my recent projects include the very beautiful "crocodile" or "mermaid" crochet stitch. After knitting the initial piece to about 8"x 24", I added three rows of this stitch to finish it off.  I also added a velvet ribbon to bring things together.

I love combining knitting with crochet, and seeing the wonderful results you can get. I am looking forward to wearing my new cowl this winter and trying more projects with this stitch. I also think that the colour is amazing and looks stunning with my cream wool jacket.

For this project I used a size J/10 (6.00mm) crochet hook and size US 10.5 (6.5mm) knitting needles. I was able to complete the project with one ball of Lion Brand "Homespun" yarn in "Tulips" colour.

A great video tutorial on how to do the crocodile crochet stitch can be found here!

Crochet Cowl With Two Strands Of Yarn

I really enjoy crocheting and over the years have never used patterns, but have created my own designs by combining simple stitches. Recently I have found myself looking at patterns and thinking of new projects to try. I have been learning new stitches and I'm learning more about this beautiful craft.

I had never used two strands of yarn together on a project before and I have seen some great projects that inspired me to try to do so. I usually prefer a lightweight piece, but wanted something on the more chunky side. I therefore decided to make a cowl (also a first) using two strands. I fell in love with the Aqua colour of the" Bernet Satin" yarn (Colour: 04201). It is a medium, 100% acrylic yarn that was easy to work with and feels super soft.

Here are some images from my project.

I was inspired by this tutorial at "Aesthetic Nest" on how to make a crochet cowl. However, my finished cowl is larger and I did not really follow the instructions very well and ended-up doing my own thing. I love the size of the one I made, because it gives great versatility for wearing in a number of ways. I think the next cowl I make, will be even larger so that it can be worn over the head, which will be wonderful for next winter. However my thoughts are on spring and the cool evenings off the lake.

My finished cowl measures 11" high and 36" around and I used a USK10.5/6.50 mm crochet hook. I crocheted in the round and added a cord with a flower on one end and a leaf on the other. The cord is piped through and brings the cowl in nicely at the neck. However, I see myself wearing my new spring cowl more often as shown in option #2.

Felt Book Jacket

I have wanted to share this great little project for some time now. It was a lot of fun and is super cute and easy to make. You can modify the dimensions for any size book, journal or binder. There are countless ways that you can embellish this project. I have attached a handmade crochet pin from the upcoming Verona Collections spring collection.

I used a heavy weight felt and did a machine stitch using the same colour as my flower; which added a bit of detail over the chocolate brown felt. You can also add a button or ribbon closure if you like.

Download the FREE instructions on how to make this project.

Learning to Knit

Knitting is among the list of things I will like to learn this year. When my eight-year-old son Matthew was born I started knitting a baby blue sweater for him, but I never completed the sweater. I learnt to crochet when I was little, and was always fascinated with knitting. Since picking up my crochet needle over the holidays, I have therefore decided to teach myself how to knit.

Armed with my knitting needles in hand and a vague recollection of what I had to do, I was determined to start and finish a project. I decided to use this wonderful Lion Brand yarn that I had left over from making my mom a crochet hat. With the almost overwhelming amount of information available at the library and online, I was able to figure things out. I now have my first knitted project.

{ lots of ways it can be worn }

When I was finished with the flat knitted piece, I felt like it needed something more, so I added a scalloped crochet edge and further embellished with crochet flowers and leaves. The flowers and leaves double as my closure. I cannot, by any stretch of the imagination call myself a knitter now; however, I did enjoy creating this project and will love to work on some more projects. I did not use a pattern, but instead created as I went along. Perhaps my next step should be to learn a pattern or two. A cheer to those who create wonderful knitwear designs!

The Love of Crochet

Over the years I have enjoyed the art of crocheting. I remember all the great little baby items that my grandmother had made for me, and I think I still have a piece or two stored away. With the birth of each of her new grand child my grandmother has patiently and lovingly created a new baby blanket along with other great goodies.

Even now my children, the first of the great grand children have received their special blankets, booties and coats. Today I spent some time just sitting with my grandmother, each of us holding our crochet needle and working on our respective projects. I felt a true connection with her and the memory of her showing me my first crochet stitches as a child came to mind. I was truly happy to have the time to spend with her.

I had not crochet in several years, but decided that I wanted to make my baby something special. It is amazing how once you learn something you love doing; it can all come back to you no matter how long you stepped away from it. I even ventured to make a hat for my mom and husband.

Crochet: The Complete Guide by Jane Davis is a gift from my husband and a new addition to my resource library. It is a great book for beginner to advance alike, and both my grandmother and me are having fun learning and refreshing our skills.