Saturday, November 13, 2010

Ocean Hat


IMG_5490
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

Here's another bulky yarn project. 1 skein, worked in single crochet.

Bulky Scarf


IMG_5494
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

I'm a fan of bulky yarn right now. This scarf was very quick to make - it's simply rows of DC with fringe on the end.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Baby Bear Hat




Just in time for Halloween, Erio is growing into his hat! Here's a few tests from the past few months.


AliciaSweater1.jpg
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

I'm behind on my new crochet projects - but here's a few prior projects "in action".

Monday, July 05, 2010

Acorn Shrug

This is a free Lion Brand Yarn pattern (download here). The results look nothing like the pattern picture, which presents the shrug as a draped sweater. I'm very pleased with the results, however. It's a simple wide scarf, with the ends partially sewn together to form armholes. You can wear it as a scarf, as a "sweater" using the armholes, or - as shown - put one arm through both openings for a wrap.

I modified the pattern, which is sc only, to have sc borders on the top and bottom, dc rows in the center.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Party Dress

I'm very pleased with the results of this dress. Pattern follows, but it's almost unnecessary to use it. The entire dress is worked in rows of sc or dc, with two increase rows to generate a fuller skirt just below the waistband.


Party Dress:

Materials Needed:
• J Hook (6 mm), H hook (5 mm) or size needed to obtain gage.
• 2 skeins (100 grams) Sport Weight: Lily Chin Gramercy, (color A)
• 1 skein (40 grams) Worsted Weight: Berroco Seduce (color B)

Dimensions: 10 inches total length (minus straps), 18 inches around chest

Fits 6-9 months

Body
Using color A and J hook, ch 65.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch around. Ss to first sc of row. Ch 1, do not turn.

Row 2-11: Sc in each st around. Ss to first sc of row. Ch 1, do not turn.

Fasten off color A. Using color B and H hook:
Row 12-15: Sc in each st around. Ss to first sc of row. Ch 1, do not turn.

Fasten off color B. Using color A and J hook:
Row 16: Dc in each st around. Ss to first dc of row. Ch 3, do not turn.

Row 17: *Dc in next 5 dc. Work 5 dc in next dc. Repeat from * to end. Ss to first dc of row. Ch 3, do not turn.

Row 18: Dc in each st around. Ss to first dc of row. Ch 3, do not turn.

Row 19: Repeat row 17, working 5 dc group directly below center st of previous 5 group.

Row 20-26: Dc in each st around. Ss to first dc of row. Ch 3, do not turn.

Fasten off color A. Using color B and H hook:
Row 27-35: Sc in each st around. Ss to first sc of row. Ch 1, do not turn.

Fasten off, weave in loose ends.

Neckline
Using color B and H hook:
Row 1: Working in unworked loop at top of dress (original chain row), attach yarn and sc in each ch around. Ss to first sc of row. Ch 1, do not turn.

Row 2-3: Sc in each st around. Ss to first sc of row. Ch 1, do not turn.

Row 4: Sc in each st around. Ss to first sc of row. Fasten off, weave in loose ends.

Straps
Using safety pins or stitch markers, mark desired placement of straps on front and back of dress. Using color B and H hook:
Row 1: Attach yarn with ss to desired location. Ch 23, ss to desired location on reverse side of the dress. Sc in next sc along edge of dress. Turn, sc in each chain of strap. SS to join to dress.

Row 2: Sc in next sc along edge of dress. Turn, sc in each st of strap. SS to join to dress.

Row 3: Sc in next sc along edge of dress. Turn, sc in each st of strap. SS to join to dress. Fasten off, weave in loose ends.


Repeat Rows 1-3 for second strap.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Hot Dog (Cat)



This is a gift for my sister's dog, modeled on a very unhappy cat. The buns are lightly stuffed. It's a simple pattern (Hot Dog Coat on ravelry) and perfect for Halloween.

Sunday, April 11, 2010


IMG_4628.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

This sweater is much more attractive in person - it's soft and cozy, and the colors much more muted. The pattern posted online (http://dragonknits.webs.com/patterns.htm) is missing several steps, so I improvised the sleeve lengths and trim. I suspect the sleeves alone should be gathered, but I added a border to the bottom edge and a slight decrease to the neckline. It's a baby bomber jacket?

LIttle Mittens


IMG_4637.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

It's spring, but it doesn't quite feel like it. We've had an inch of rain (so far) today. Here's a quick winter gift that's great for using up scraps of yarn. Search for "sweet little mittens" on ravelry to find the pattern.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Striped Dress

I love how this project came out. I've been making my way through the Make It Yourself library, a 12-volume craft collection packed with great patterns and ideas. This particular pattern is the cover feature for Volume. 6, and originally a knitting project. The pattern below is an adaptation for crochet, in a 3-6 month size. It's a simple pattern, and would be easy to adapt for larger sizes or different decorative treatments.

Striped Baby Dress Pattern
Materials Needed:

  • H hook (5 mm)
  • 2 skeins (140 grams) sport weight yarn, main color (color A)
  • 20 grams each sport weight yarn, 2 additional colors (color B, C)
  • 2 buttons
Yarn tested: Bernat Soy, 70g per skein, 50% soy/50% acrylic
Fits: 6-9 months

Front:
Using color A, ch 40.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc)

Row 2-3: Sc in each sf across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color B:
Row 4-6: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color B.

Using color A:
Row 7-9: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color C:
Row 10-12: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc) Fasten off color C.

Using color A:
Row 13-14: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (39 sc)

Row 15: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (37 sc)

Row 16-19: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (37 sc)

Row 20: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (35 sc)

Row 21-24: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (35 sc)

Row 25: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (33 sc)

Row 26-30: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (33 sc)

Row 31: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (31 sc)

Row 32-44: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (31 sc)

Row 45: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (29 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color B:
Row 46-47: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (27, 25 sc) Fasten off color B.

Using color A:
Row 48-49: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (23, 21 sc) Fasten off color A.

Using color C:
Row 50-51: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (19, 17 sc) Fasten off color C.

Using color A:
Row 52: Dec sc in first two sts. Sc to end of row, dec sc in last two sts. Ch 1, turn. (15 sc)

Row 53-73: Continue working rows of sc, alternating colors in 2-row groups. Fasten off.

Back:
Work rows 1-44 for front. Fasten off.

Finishing:
Sew side seams to waist on either side. Fasten off.

Row 1: Attach yarn with ss to front corner (either one). Ch 6, turn, skip first ch and sc in remaining chains. SS to join to bib, turn.

Row 2: Ch 6, turn, skip first ch and sc in remaining chains. Leaving 1 row of bodice unworked, SS to join to bib, turn.

Repeat row 2, working ribbed edging evenly around to opposite side of bib. At each side of waist, leave 2 rows of bodice unworked to shape corner. Fasten off.

Straps (make 2):
Mark desired placement of straps with safety pins (~ 1 inch from center of back).

Row 1: Attach yarn with ss to one of the desired places. Ch 1, work 1 sc in same st and next 4 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn (5 sc). Repeat row 2 until straps are 11 inches long.

Second-to-last row: Sc in first st. Ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc. Ch 1, turn.

Final row: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.

Weave in any loose ends. Sew buttons to top corners of bib.

Butterfly Hat


IMG_4613.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

Here's a new pattern I found on ravelry (Olivia's Butterfly by Valerie Whitten). It's cute and feminine, and works up quickly. It's also the perfect ponytail hat - worn backwards the gathered stitches help keep the hat from riding up the back of your head.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

The All Shawl



Here's my first Doris Chan pattern (available as a free Ravelry download). It's really bright - I can't decide if this yarn was the wrong choice. It might be perfect over a sundress, though?

It's a quick pattern, but eats yarn - I just barely finished this with 4 skeins. I skipped the final row, which I didn't like the look of (too pointy). A pin of some sort will be needed to keep the shawl on.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Pineapple Sweater

At long last, here's the pineapple sweater. I found a version of this online years ago (it has since been taken down) and loved it, despite the fact that it was very, very small. More of a doll pattern that a baby one. I've made it several times over the years, with varying degrees of success. This version is carefully tested and re-engineered substantially, and should fit 3-6 months. It's worked in a single piece, adding the sleeves after the body is complete.

Materials needed:
- J hook / 6.00 mm
- 120 grams sport weight yarn / 300 yards
- 4 buttonsYarn tested: Lily Chin Gramercy (2 skeins required), Sirdar Snuggly (1.75 skeins required).

Fits 3-6 months

Bodice:
Row 1: Ch 56 loosely. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (55 sc)

Row 2: Sc in each of first 8 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 7 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 17 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 7 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc. Sc in last 8 sc. (63 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Sc in each of first 9 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 9 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 19 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 9 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 9 sc. (71 stitches)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 6: Sc in each of first 10 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 11 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 21 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 11 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 10 sc. (79 stitches)

Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 8: Sc in each of first 11 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 13 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 23 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 13 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 11 sc. (87 stitches)

Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 10: Sc in each of first 12 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 15 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 25 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 15 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 12 sc. (95 stitches)

Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 12: Sc in each of first 13 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 17 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 27 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 17 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 13 sc. (103 stitches)

Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 14: Sc in each of first 14 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 19 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 29 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 19 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 14 sc. (111 stitches)

Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 16: Sc in each of first 15 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 21 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 31 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 21 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 15 sc. (119 stitches)

Row 17: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 18: Sc in each of first 16 sc. Inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 23 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 33 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in next 23 sc, inc in each of the next 2 sc.
Sc in last 16 sc. (127 stitches)

Row 19: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn. (127 sts)

Row 20: Sc in first 18 sc. Ch 7. Skip 27 sc (armhole), sc in next 37 sc. Ch 7, skip 27 sc (armhole). Sc in last 18 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 21: Sc in each sc and in each ch across. Ch 3, turn.

Row 22: Skip first st, dc in next 7 sc. Work pattern: (skip 4 sc, 7 trc in next sc, ch 2, skip 4 sc). Dc in next 13 sc. Work pattern, dc in next 9 sc. Work pattern, dc in next 13 sc. Work pattern. Dc in last 8 sc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 23: Skip first st, dc in next 6 dc. *[Skip dc, sc in first trc, ch 2, [sc, ch2] in sp after 2, 3, 4, and 5th trc. Sc in final trc. Skip first dc, dc in next 11 dc.] Repeat *, adjusting dcs to leave only first and last of each dc group unworked. Dc in last 7 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 24: Skip first st, dc in next 6 dc. Work pattern: (ch 2, 7 trc in the center of the fan, ch 2). Dc in next 11 dc. Work pattern, dc in next 7 sc. Work pattern, dc in next 11 sc. Work pattern. Dc in last 7 sc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 25: Skip first st, dc in next 5 dc. Work pattern: [Skip dc and ch 2 sp. Sc in first trc, ch 2, [sc, ch2] in sp after 2, 3, 4, and 5th trc. Sc in final trc. Skip first dc, dc in next 11 dc.] Work pattern, adjusting dcs to leave only first and last of each dc group unworked. Dc in last 6 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 26: Skip first st, dc in next 4 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern: ch 2. In three central sts of fan pattern (sc in next loop, ch 3) three times. 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in final dc. Work pattern, adjusting dcs to work each dc. Do not work 2 dc in last st. Ch 3, turn.

Row 27: Skip first st, dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Work pat: [Ch 2, sc in ch loop. (Ch 3, sc in next loop) 3 times. Ch 2, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 8 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 5 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 6 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 28: Skip first st, dc in next 6 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pat: [Ch 2, skip first 2 ch loops, sc in ch loop, skip next 2 ch loops, Ch 2, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 11 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 7 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 7 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 29: Skip first st, dc in next 7 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pat: [Ch 2, skip first ch loop, sc in sc, skip next ch loop. Ch 2, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 11 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 13 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 8 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 30: Skip first st, dc in next 8 dc. [Pat: 2 dc in next dc. Skip to next dc, 2 dc in next dc.] Dc in next 15 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 11 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 13 dc. 2 dc in next dc. Work pattern. Dc in next 9 dc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 31: Skip first st, work row in dc. Chain 2, turn.

Row 32: Skip first st, work row in hdc. Chain 1, turn.

Row 33: Sc in each stitch across bottom. 3 sc in corner. 2 sc in each end row to front of bodice. 1 sc in each end row of bodice. 3 sc in end of row 1 (neck corner), 1 sc in each sc of neck. 3 sc in opposite neck edge. Work buttonhole role: *Ch 2, skip next stitch. Sc in next 5 sts.* Repeat from * to * 3 times. Sc in end of each row to corner. Ch 1, turn.

Row 34: Sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch 2 space to neck. Sc in 1st 2 stitches of 3 sc group at corner of neck. Ch 2, hdc in same stitch. Skip next sc. *sl st, ch 2, hdc in same sc, skip next sc*. Repeat from * to * along neck to opposite neck edge. Sl st in 2nd sc of 3sc group at neck edge. Fasten off.

SLEEVES:
Row 1: Attach yarn with sl st to any stitch in armhole. Ch 2. Hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join in top of ch 2. Ch 2, turn.

Row 2-10: Hdc in each stitch around. Sl st to join in top of ch 2. Ch 2, turn.

Row 11: (decrease row) Sc in same stitch. *sc next two stitches together, sc in next stitch* around. Sl st to join.

Row 12: Ch 2, hdc in same stitch. Skip next sc. *sl st, ch 2, hdc in same sc, skip next sc* around. Fasten off.

FINISHING: Weave in any loose ends. Sew buttons on to align with button holes.


Sunday, February 21, 2010


Here's the Syndee Rose Cardigan in action - as I suspected, it's perfect on and nicely sized. Matching dinosaur not included.

Saturday, January 30, 2010


Here's a scarf version of my recently posted pattern. I used a worsted weight yarn (Lily Chin Gramercy, 100% Merino Wool) and an 11 mm hook. I also added two rows of sc around the entire scarf to give it a more finished edge. It's very soft, the edges roll just a bit, and it drapes beautifully.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

The "Morning Fog Mitts" pattern (available on ravelry) is emerging as my holiday gift of choice. Here are a few of the recent versions, all using leftover scraps of yarn.


IMG_4522.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

New Year's Resolution #1 - write more patterns. I'm working on this pineapple sweater right now. One more pass and it should be ready to post.