Crochet to Go

IMG_5564
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

Perfect for winter, this pattern was very easy to follow and quite cute. You can find it on Ravelry: Toddler Ankle Boots by Mon Petit Violon ($3.99). There are also a number of other variants online that would be easy modifications - striped versions, ruffle edging at the top, colored sole.

IMG_5572
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

I'm still in my cowl phase. This is the same pattern as before, using a soft acrylic yarn. It's proving very practical - it's perfect for skiing, an extra layer at work, or bunching under your collar to keep your neck warm.

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.

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.

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.

Here's a quick and easy holiday project - a bulky ribbed scarf, or, if you're in a big hurry, a snug cowl.

Materials needed
• Crochet hook: 8 mm
• Yarn needle
For scarf:
• 2 skeins / 200 grams bulky weight yarn
For cowl:
• 3 buttons
• 1/2-3/4 skein / 50-75 grams bulky weight yarn

Gauge
In pattern, 6 sc and 5 rows = 2 inches

Directions
Ch 2, turn.

R1: 2 sc in second ch from hook (2 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R2 and all subsequent rows: work in back loops only.
R2: 2 sc in each st (4 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R3: 2 sc in second st from hook. Sc in each subsequent st. In final st, work 2 sc (6 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R4 - R10: repeat R3 until desired width. Repeating R3 through R10 = width of 5 inches.

Begin R11 (or your prefered width) on the tall side of the triangle:

R11: 2 sc in second st from hook. Sc in each subsequent st. In final 2 sts, work 1 st-dec. Ch 1, turn.

R12: 2 sc in second st from hook. Sc in each subsequent st. In final 2 sts, work 1 st-dec. Ch 1, turn.

R13: In first two sts, work 1 st-dec. Sc in each subsequent st. In final st, work 2 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat rows 12-13 until desired length.

Finishing (Cowl):
Work until the cowl wraps comfortably around your deck. The shorter side should be 19-20 inches. Fasten off, weave in loose ends. Sew buttons on each corner of the triangle end.

Finishing (Scarf):
Work until the longest side is 55-60 inches. Starting on the short side of the triangle:

R1: In first two sts, work 1 st-dec. Sc in each st across. Do not sc in final st of row. Ch 1, turn.

R2: Work 1 st-dec. Sc in each st across. In final 2 sts, work 1 st-dec. Ch 1, turn.

Repeat rows 1-2 until all two sts remain. St-dec together, fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

I am so far behind on crochet this year. I think the crochet holiday gifts are going to be pretty limited, just a few small items. Here's a project I started nearly six months ago, and then had trouble finding enough yarn to complete it.

It's the "Cascade Scarf" by Rebecca Jackson (free pattern available here). This is my second attempt at the pattern - the first attempt went well, but the yarn used was much thicker. This is a very fine mohair (Sublime Yarns Kid Mohair Blend). It still makes for a wider scarf than the pattern pictures let on. The drape is quite nice.

Another take on my bib pattern. I've used a second color for the edging, and limited the scalloped border to the neckline only.

IMG_2904.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

Here's my finished pinwheel bowl, a case for the Springtime Coasters I recently completed (shown upside down). This was made in Red Heart Super Saver. I made a cotton version as well (which I prefer), but it's a bit slimed from my stiffening project. I'll try felting it and see if the ribs are still visible.

The bowl itself is quite stiff and would easily work as a holder for change or keys.

Pattern:
Materials needed
• 1 skein / 1 oz cotton or acrylic worsted weight yarn (I prefer the results with cotton)
• Crochet hook: 3.25 mm
• Yarn needle

Special Stitch:
Front Post Double Crochet [fpdc]: yo (yarn over) your hook; starting from the front, hook around post of the row below by inserting hook to the right of the stitch and back around the front on the left side*, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through last 2 loops.
* Reverse if you’re a lefty

Directions
Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc).

R1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook. Join will sl st to top of beginning ch 4 (12 dc). Do not turn.

R2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), fpdc in same st, (dc, fpdc) in each st around. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3 (24 sts). Do not turn.

R3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st, fpdc in next st, *2 dc in next st, fpdc around post of next fpdc, repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (36 sts). Do not turn.

R4: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st, dc in next st, fpdc around post of next fpdc. *2 dc in next st, dc in next st, fpdc around post of next fpdc, repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (48 sts). Do not turn.

R5: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, fpdc around post of next fpdc. *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, fpdc around post of next fpdc, repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (60 sts). Do not turn.

R6: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Working in front loops only, dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (60 sts). Do not turn.

R7: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in next st. *dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in next st [fpdc will be aligned over fpdc of base], repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (60 sts). Do not turn.

R8-9: Repeat R7.

R10: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), st-dec over next 2 sts, dc in next st, fpdc in next st. *dc in next st, st-dec over next 2 sts, dc in next st, fpdc in next st, repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3 (48 sts). Do not turn.

R11: Ch 3, *st-dec over next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Lid:
Repeat rnds 1-7.

R8: Sc in each st around (60 sc). Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

IMG_2409.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

This pattern was inspired by Andrea’s (gibsongirl @ Ravelry) “Modern Baby Bib” Knit pattern. I worked up a crocheted variant with a simple scalloped edge. I've made a few versions - any machine washable worsted weight yarn will do.

Materials needed
• 1/2 skein / 25 grams cotton or acrylic worsted weight yarn
• Crochet hook: 3.75 mm (F)
• Yarn needle
• 1 button

Gauge
In pattern, 8 sc and 10 rows = 2 inches

Directions
Ch 26, turn.

R1: Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across (25 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R2-28: Sc in each st across (25 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R29: Sc in each st across (25 sc). Ch 48, turn. [Start of neck strap.]

R30: Sc in second ch from hook and each subsequent ch. Continue working sc along side edge of bib. At lower edge, turn.

R31: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), skip first sc, dc into next sc, *ch 1, skip first sc, dc into each of next 2 sc; repeat from * until 2 sc remain. [Note: work dec-dc if needed to ensure that you end on a 2 dc-group.] Ch 3, ss into final sc. Ch 1, turn.

R32: Sc in sl and first 3 ch, sc in first dc, *skip dc, work 5 dc into ch 1 space, skip 2 dc, work 1 sc into next ch 1 space, skip dc; repeat from * to end. Fasten off, weave in loose ends.

Finishing
Sew on button, block if needed.

Here's another project gone amiss that I'm very pleased with. I started with the shoulder shaping and stripe pattern from “Bringing Up Baby”, in the Make It Yourself Library, Volume 5. The pattern had a picture of the yarn weight - apparently my choice wasn't close to their yarn at all. Rather than making a very large cardigan, I improvised a button-front cape with buttoned arm holes. Perfect for cold days and layering!

It's a quick pattern and would work with a variety of fibers (I used cotton: Bernat Princess and Lily Sugar and Cream, 75 grams each).

Baby Cape Pattern:

Materials needed
• 75 gm / 3 oz. cotton worsted weight each for Color A and B (150 gm / 6 oz total)
• Crochet hook: 3.75 mm
• Yarn needle
• 2 buttons

Gauge
In pattern, 16 sc and 13 rows = 4 inches
Size
6-12 months

Directions
Note: color pattern is as follows: R1-2 A, 3-6 B, 7-8 A, then alternating B and A.

Using Color A, ch 45, turn.

R1: Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across (44 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R2: *Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (52 sc), switching to Color B at end of row. Ch 1, turn.

R3: *Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (60 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R4: *Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (68 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R5: *Sc in next 7 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (76 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R6: *Sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (84 sc), switching to Color A at end of row. Ch 1, turn.

R7: *Sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (92 sc). Ch 1, turn.

R8: *Sc in next 10 sc, 2 sc in next sc. Repeat from * across (100 sc), switching to Color A at end of row. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 9-21 are worked in hdc, alternating colors for each row. To avoid cutting the string at the end of each row, always work 2 rows from the right side, and then two rows from the wrong side.

R9-21: Hdc in each stitch across, switching to opposite color at end of row. Ch 2, turn.

R22: Hdc in first 16 sts. Skipping next 15 sts, ch 11, sc in 6th ch from hook (forming button loop), ch 6. Hdc in next 22 sts. Skipping next 17 sts, ch 11, sc in 6th ch from hook (forming button loop), ch 6. Hdc in each st to end, switching to opposite color at end of row. Ch 2, turn.

R23: Hdc in each stitch and ch across , switching to opposite color at end of row. Ch 2, turn.

R24-31: Hdc in each stitch across, switching to opposite color at end of row. Ch 2, turn.

Edging
Working along nearest front edge (not the bottom), evenly space sc. Ch 1, turn, sc along front edge, bottom edge, and opposite front edge (working 2 sc in each corner). Ch 1, turn, sc along front edge, evenly spacing 4 buttonholes (to make a button hole, ch 2, skip 2sc). Ch 1, turn, sc along same edge. Ch 1, turn, work 1 more row of sc on same edge, bottom edge, and opposite front edge.

Fasten off, weave in loose ends. Sew 4 buttons to front edge, 2 buttons to arm openings.

This bracelet is the easiest project I've stumbled across in awhile. You can get through 2 or 3 bracelets over the course of a single movie. I'm fond of this hemp version, and the cotton crochet thread bracelet I started last night is looking pretty good. I plan to move on to necklaces next. The pattern is available here.

IMG_2175.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

This pattern is one of the more popular scarves on ravelry right now. I used a two-strand pink-and-white yarn I picked up at an estate sale a view years ago. It's very pink and girly! I like it as an accent piece.

This is the first pattern I've made from a ravelry find. It's from the Mingling Yarn blog (pattern here). The pattern is simple and works up quickly. I like the finished result as a concept, but it looks really bad on me. I think I'd like a softer, more cowl-like structure, without the point this makes.

There is a printing error on the baby hat pattern in the Crochet to Go Deck (thanks to Andrea for pointing it out). Here is the corrected pattern:

Baby Hat
Warm, soft, secure, and adorable—everything you need in a baby hat. This is a very quick pattern, easy to complete in a weekend.

Level of difficulty: 2

Materials needed

• 40 grams/85 yds light green in medium worsted weight (I used TLC Amore in 3627 Light Thyme)
• 30 grams/65 yds dark green in medium worsted weight (I used TLC Amore in 3628 Dark Thyme)
• Crochet hook size F-5 (3.75 mm)
• Yarn needle
  

Gauge
In pattern, 18 sc and 20 rows = 4 inches

Sizing for 0–3 months, changes are shown in brackets [3-6, 6–12 months].

Directions
With light green, ch 2.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 3: Sc in each st (12 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 4: Sc in first st, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in next st, 2 sc in foll st. Repeat from * around (18 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 5: Repeat rnd 3.

Rnd 6: Sc in each of first 2 sts, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in foll st. Repeat from * around (24 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 7: Repeat rnd 3.

Rnd 8: Sc in each of first 3 sts, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in foll st. Repeat from * around (30 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 9: Repeat rnd 3.

Rnd 10: Sc in each of first 4 sts, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in foll st. Repeat from * around (36 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 11: repeat rnd 3.

Rnd 12: Sc in each of first 5 sts, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in each of next 5 sts, 2 sc in foll st. Repeat from * around (42 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

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[For 3–6 months, work 13A–14A, for 6-12 months, work 13A-16A]
Rnd 13A: Repeat rnd 3.

Rnd 14A: Sc in each of first 6 sts, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in foll st. Repeat from * around (48 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.

Rnd 15A: Repeat rnd 3.

Rnd 16A: Sc in each of first 7 sts, 2 sc in foll st, *sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in foll. Repeat from * around (54 sc). Join with sl st to first st. Ch 1, turn.
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Rnd 13–20 [15-24, 17–26]: Repeat rnd 3. Fasten off light green.

Rnd 21–34 [25-38, 27–40]: Attach dark green to any st, repeat rnd 3. Fasten off dark green.

Ear flaps (optional—make 2)
With dark green, ch 12 [14, 16].

1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (11 sc). Ch 1, turn.

2–4 [2-5, 2-6]: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

5–8 [6-10, 7-12]: Dec sc, to combine 2 sts, at beginning and end of row, sc in all other sts. Ch 1, turn.

9 [11, 13]: Dec sc over 3 remaining sts. Do not fasten off.

Ch 50 to make a cord to tie the flaps with. Fasten off.

Finishing
Sew the flaps to the hat right along the seam between dark and light green. Flaps should be grouped together slightly, not placed 180 degrees apart. Weave in any loose ends.

Finished dimensions
7 1/2 [8 1/2, 9 1/2] inches in diameter.

Thinking of flowers, this is one of the better collections of flower patterns I've seen in awhile. 4 different patterns here, courtesy of Crochet Me.

This was a quick, use-up-some-leftover-yarn project. The pattern is from the 2007 edition of the Crochet Pattern a Day calendar. It's not exactly my taste, but it's a surefire grandmother or mom gift. Even an easy hostess gift. Total production time averaged about 30 minutes.

This pattern (the pink one is the original) was designed to be identical on either side, which translates to 2 sets of petals and a ring of leaves in between. The realist in me found this odd - flowers don't work that way. I streamlined the pattern (yellow) to have a single side and more leaf coverage on the back.

It would be simple to make your own custom pattern from any flower pattern you've already tested - just add a long chain and tassel at the end. If you're looking for inspiration, here's an extensive list of flower patterns.

The hippo was difficult. I made 3 different versions before finally settling on this one. The secret is to make it thinner - the rounder the shape, the less definition the design has. This slimmed-down version inspired the final grid.

Here's a new iPhone cozy design. My first draft (left) was too long, but I'm pleased with the second draft. The pattern (below) is worked in sc using a 3.25 mm hook and worsted weight yarn.

I absolutely love this - I can't wait to make it. A free pattern is available here.