Think Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Prep

It's only the end of august but I'm early for once. The appeal is small projects that can use up the inordinate amount of pink yarn I accumulate for no good reason. A pink ribbon caught my eye and I began looking for projects. All the projects are worked in worsted weight yarn. Mostly red heart super saver and scraps. (D hook)



My first offering I couldn't resist. "Save R Hooters" on the breast of a tiny owl.

The inspiration was a much more elaborate angel with pearl head and golden halo. But I thought the wings were cute and simple. My ribbon was 22chains, 7sc, 6sc2 in each, and 8 sc + slst to finish. The 'wings' are #10 thread with size 4 steel hook. Join in bl, chain 7, slst in 3rd ch from hook, working towards bottom, 2dtr, 2tr, 2dc, skip st on ribbon and slst in bl of next. repeat on other side.

The paperclip was sewn on with the pink tail. I use it to mark my place in my pile of to-do paperwork or to mark my page in my notebook/planner.

The keychain was something I made while trying to work out a pattern for the ribbon in cables. The only thing I saw like it were a granny square you can find on Ravelry and a headband that was horizontal and the cables were doubled and it didn't fit what I wanted. So I made my own. The front was worked in the pink yarn only. It didn't show up well in the lighting of the pics so I used a darker pink and wrapped the yarn around the posts just so you could see it clearly. On the back I used the purple yarn. Purple is for ovarian and cervical cancer. The back was a haphazard of color changes so I sewed them together and got a nice puffy keychain.

This time working the cables in a darker pink I mirrored the design and got this wrist band. A few rows added to one end with a button and loop on the other end made an adequate closure. The work is edged in reverse sc.

I've made up a graph and pattern below. Maybe someone can find a good fundraiser to use it for.

Awareness Ribbon

worsted weight yarn, D hook

Notes:

The design is created by using front post stitches. The stitches are only done while working the 'Right' side of the work (odd rows). The even rows ("Wrong' side) will always be 6 sc. In a single color swatch the stitches behind the post stitches would remain unworked. However if your switching colors for the posts you may want to work these stitches in the MC to hide the AC from the back.

The basic pattern is rows 1-14, a-n is the mirror (reverse) image. To repeat in a continuous upright ribbon , say for a scarf, ignore a-n and repeat the lower grid. (1-14)

MC - main color, AC - alternate post color,  CC - color change

All color changes are worked the same. Do not complete the stitch before the change. With 2 loops remaining on your hook, yo AC and pull through both loops to complete. Work post leaving last two loops and change back to MC.  Color changes are not always reversible works. You can carry the AC over the MC to hide the messy overlaps but depending on color choices there may be show through. The back will also show the AC (You could try the above mentioned filling in of stitches behind the posts) It's best to consider if this impacts your finished product. The two sided keychain has the back sides hidden once sewn together and you need not worry over the wrong side of work. The bookmark in the following pictures shows the back with and without working over the AC. I feel it had little impact on that particular finished item. I almost liked the bit of pink peeking through in starbursts.



** after every row ch1, turn

Ch 7

R1 & R2 sc across (6)

R3 sc, [CC if using AC] fp around st# 2 of R1, [MC] 2 sc, [AC] fp around st# 5 of R1, [MC] sc 

Hold AC along back of work to CC

Pull AC through last 2 loops of previous stitch

Yo AC

First post is made in St #2 of Row 1

Pull first loop of post stitch up to working row

Work to 2 loops on hook

change back to MC

Work middle sc in MC

Your first row of fp will look like this

R4 sc across

R5 sc, fp around 1st fp on R3, 2sc, fp around 2nd fp on R3, sc

After first all fp are worked in the post of previous fp

Back of work without carrying AC

R6 sc across

R7 2 sc, fp [next post in next stitch so no need to CC bewteen], fp, 2sc

Fp diagonally back to post before

Diagonal posts

R8 sc across

R9 sc, fp around opposite side post, 2 sc, fp around previous sides post, sc

Crossover is created by fp in left post from right side

Sc in center stitches

Reach back from left side to right post

R10 sc across

R11 repeat of R5

Continue fp's in same side posts

R12 sc across

R13 repeat of R7

R14 sc across

R14 be sure to pick up only top loops or perhaps even just the back loop of last fps

Completed Pattern 

back of work without carrying AC

Carried AC, color peeks through center stitches

Back of work carrying AC but not filling in empty stitches behind posts

Completed Project

Unusually I liked the back but I will try a swatch with 'filled in' stitches to see if its a noticeable improvement. I even liked the un-edged look, at least for this project. 

The blog is acting funny today. Can't seem to type next to pics. It's annoying!

Courage, Hope, Love, Strength



Boy's crochet camo hat with brim

 While I was searching for beads for owl beaks and purse attachments, of which I found neither, I did get one new skein of yarn . A cushy bunch of Red Heart super saver jumbo in camouflage. It's been jumping from hot to cold weather and I figured I'd pick this up because my youngest is crazy for anything camo these days. Pop still browses through Bass Pro Shop whenever he can and S. can go 2 or 3 days dressed in camo head to foot without re wearing the same item. This hat will be ready when the weather chills again.

 I used the Newsboy Cap Crochet Pattern from beginner-crochet-patterns.com. There is a full list of sizes and the hat worked up nicely with no problems.

As with anything sized Check Your Gauge! I made the adult hat. My 9 yr. old has a 22" head! But I was a bit large on gauge and went to an H hook to adjust. The hat fits perfect. Not too snug but big enough to cover his ears.

I did alter the brim. The pattern calls for dc increases all the way across the brim. It got a little too ruffly for me. I went with doubling the yarn to 2 strands held together and 3 rows of sc with mild increases on the second row. Being sure to bring each row back to the base line stitch and sl st twice to make the transitions from brim to hat smooth. It's thick without being totally stiff and just the right length. He's already set me to looking for fingerless gloves BUT only the thumb and first 2 fingers. I only hope if he becomes a sniper he at least joins the army first. At this point it's a little iffy.

Crochet Hunter - Left4Dead

Back to school surprise gift for my son. Both boys are a little game crazy. They get it honestly though. I had made a minion pencil carrier that S. professed to love. But it never made it to school. This one might not either. Perhaps we'll just start a shelf of them to display his growing interests. So this one is video game based. The Left 4 Dead series is among the boys favorites. His favorite toon(?) is the Hunter. It would be an interesting Halloween costume choice if he were a bit older. I hesitated to make this with the possibility it would go to school and some teacher ask "what is that?" and my son answers. "yeah that's a zombie killer." Le Sigh. The school already thinks he is 'too involved' in video games. Perhaps if I left my boys run the streets so they could drink , do drugs, and become vandals or criminals they'd be more 'normal'. Normal is overrated and I shall back off this overworked topic. S comes to see what I'm doing as I blog about the diamond purse and I show him my latest creation and say, "Isn't it pretty?" S responds with, "everything you make is pretty ma." And so I feel the need to surprise him with something pretty awesome.

I followed the Minion pattern to start and then just changed color for the clothes. When you get to the head, change color and sc only in the back loops around except for the few in front. (neckline). Once the head is complete up to the rim you pick up the dark blue which I never cut and sc around the front loops. I stopped and turned at the open front (face) and turned the work. You add sc increases in the two front ends and after a few rows switch to dc in the back stitches. 4 then a sc row then 6 and so on to grow the back higher then the front.

Once the height is reached add two rows of sc stitches. sc back to center and align sides sc join down the center toward face front. I made one row of sc along the front to even out the edge around hoodie. The arms are a crochet I cord. There are videos on youtube if your unsure how to make one. Sl st join the hand color and ch and sl st back sl st in starting ch to make fingers/claws. The bands around the arms and legs were sewn on cord and now I don't know why I didn't just use thinner pieces of duct tape, which not only would have been easier I wouldn't worry about them staying in place.

The nose was a small puff stitch btw. sc up to the two center stitches,2 dc in stitch in row below without finishing off the stitch, meaning that last pull through it will gain you a loop with each stitch. 2 more dc in row below of next stitch, 5 loops on the hook yo and pull through all. continue sc around.
The flesh color is sealed to can using hot glue. I try to get the top chain stuck in place. It prevents the yarn from snagging. You could use white school glue to keep the top rim stiff but I'm not sure if it would hold it in place as well.

 I know the hood is supposed to cover the eyes, hence it has none. But the hood is high because its the lid of the 'can' and you open it be pulling the hood back. It's attached with a tiny bit of glue to the front rim of the lid but doesn't have to be. If S decides he likes it better with the hood pulled further forward I'll detach it. Possibly cover the yellow lid with "brain like" crochet covering?

Crochet Purse - Celtic Cream

Apparently I'm on a purse kick.  This one really really might end up with my aunt. I have high hopes and grand ideals. I'm a bit stalled until I can come up with purse extras. The ideal was to hit the thrift store and find a purse that I could repurpose the attachments, zipper, and perhaps strap from. I started wanting to do something doily related in a square tote. Its evolved to a Celtic themed bag. The front is a square made from Celtic knot motif. Its a free pattern on Ravelry by Suvi.

My square was done with a H hook (5.00mm) and Carron worsted weight yarn in cream(off-white). With the added border seen in my pic it measures just over 13inches square. I have some black material that is rather thick and almost has a sparkly quality to it. I'll use that as backing for the square and perhaps embroider some leaves in back of the knot. The leaves prompted the design for the back which I was going to make a plain stitch but decided to incorporate a pattern for a doily I liked. The pattern, Blue Rose Doily, will direct you to either of two free pattern sites. They require you 'sign in' with an email address. I suggest your junk address. What? You do have a 'free' email account you use for junk right? So this is the pattern right up until you start with the roses. And I'm not sure I'm going to include them. I was thinking when I finalized the bag dimensions I would make a crochet frame and use gold thread, same as the shimmer and embroidery on front of bag, to attach the vine/leaves to, with the same black backing.

The side panels, and bottom, would be single crochet so I could embroider directly onto the stitches and perhaps do a vine and few leaves. I also am considering crocheting the vine & leaves in cream and attaching it with the gold thread. I'm hoping to find gold d rings, zippers, and maybe a gold chain for part of the strap. I suppose even a light tan leather strap would work. Suvi also has a pattern for a rectangular panel, Book of Kells - Small Celtic Cables , that could make interesting side panels, but they might be too...full and detract from the rest of the bag.

If I can't find the right bag parts I'm considering using this Celtic Triangle from Happyberry as an embellishment to hide the strap joins, a button closure, or maybe as center piece for the back panel lattice work.  It would be in gold thread or floss for the bag, this was just a test of the pattern.

Updates as work progresses.

Crochet Purse - Diamonds in shades of blue and white

I decided on a new project. After searching for "crochet purse" I ran across a blog with some interesting pictures. The blog belongs to Jellina Verhoeff.  Visit in a browser with a translator if you want to do more then check out the photos of her work. She also has a Ravelry account and diamond blanket is the work she made that inspired the purse, diamond bag. (you'll need to sign up but its free and so is the 'pattern')

The pattern links you back to her web site and is very basic. These are diamonds and here is a chart to assemble them basic. I know how things tend to disappear online but I'm wary of posting her actual chart here. If you can't find it through the links please let me know and I'll send it to you and/or make my own reproduction of the bag assembly for this post.

The diamond is pretty simple. It still took me a few tries before I got what I deemed right.
5 diamonds each in 3 colors:

I used an I hook - 5.50 mm

Ch2, turn, sc in second ch from hook(1), ch1, turn, 2 sc in only st (2), ch1, turn, 2 sc in 2 st (4), ch1, turn, sc in each st across (4), ch1, turn, *2sc in first st, sc across, 2 sc in last st (increase by +2 each row), ch1, turn*, **sc across, ch1, turn**.
1=* 2=**  Alternate rows 1 and 2 to grow the diamond. Total of 1 and 2 is 4x. You will have a row of 12 sc at this point. This is your center row.

Then you decrease.
*sc dec2tog first 2 st, sc across, sc dec2tog last 2 st, ch1, turn*, **sc across, ch1, turn**
Repeat decrease 1 and 2 a total of 4x. You'll have 4 sc.
sc dec2tog twice, ch1, turn, sc dec2tog only 2 st, fasten off.
Total of 15 diamonds.

I may have over done explaining that but my diamond took forever to look 'right'.

 Some notes on assembly. First if you don't like to 'sew' you wont like the rest of this project. In the inspiration pictures I could see some of the yarn used to bring the pieces together. It detracts from the clean edges. I considered edging the diamonds in a sc or sl st but that ruined the look for me as well. I didn't consider at the time but perhaps edging in a neutral color and using it to join or (with or without edging) sc the pieces together with the color (most likely black since I used white)  would preserve the cube? The ridge of the join might even add to it. I decided to sew the pieces together with thread. First time I've tried this for overall assembly of a project.

All I had on had on hand was black thread. The pictures show the wrong side of the work. The stitches never went to the 'right' side. This works but only if you keep the stitches tight.








Tada! The finished purse.

The crochet was done in a few hours. The sewing together done the same day. The lining however...
My mother has a sewing machine I borrow when needed. But it's a huge hassle. (you'd think I was going to hurt it) So when it comes to linings, I usually hand sew. I'm not good at hand sewing. I don't do it often. It's a vicious cycle of unskilled procrastination. During the last 'omg I have too many clothes' purge, I set aside a few things to be repurposed. One was a pretty dress that mysteriously got a tear somewhere between the washer and my closet. It made a pretty lining though.

Once again hand stitched with black thread through the wrong side of the work only.


Look there was even a loop, for a tieback, that I used with a clamp for a closure.

 The loop attaching the ring to purse is a sc foundation row plus a single row of sc of the other two colors (12). The ring was made to hang curtains from a rod. That's where the little clamp came from. In a former home I had several windows that used these and now they are just packed away. I have bags of them in this natural color and a dark brown.

The strap/handle is 2 rows of the herringbone stitch in white and a reversed sc along the edges. The lower part in the photo to the left is the right side. I was going to line the strap. But yeah I hate lining. I had the pieces cut out and everything. If I'd had the machine handy, maybe. The reverse single crochet is pretty sturdy and the purse isn't large enough to stuff full of junk so I'm going without. I think it looks better. The lining was a bit dark for the strap.

This was made with my aunt in mind but I'm doubtful it will end up with her. I tend to lose the courage to hand out homemade gifts if I've struggled with the design at all.