Thursday, January 19, 2017

Great Grit Stitch Scarf

I make a lot of scarves, and today I've yet another one to share with you. Scarves are a great accessory, and fun and easy to work up and also warm in the colder months. I was recently hit with a yucky stomach flu and I took a day off work to rest and that day I was feeling better so as I was resting in front of the TV I whipped up this scarf and learned a new stitch too! One I am using again because it creates a bit of a stretchy fabric if you use a larger hook and a nice lace like look too.


I adore the grape punch colour I picked up. It's bright and it's just what I need in these grey winter months. I've now got a few brightly coloured pieces to brighten up my winter day and I love them all! Not used the grit stitch before? Never fear, it's super simple and if you can single crochet, it's as easy as that. The video will show you exactly how to create this wonderful stitch. This is perfect for scarves, blankets, shawls too I think--in fact I'm working on one using this stitch--and would a lot to any piece you creating. It'd be interesting to see a sweater using this stitch. Maybe one day!



Hope the video is useful--I love Hopeful Honey's video's because she takes her time and gives easy to follow instructions. She has a wide selection of stitches you can learn as well which is great in my books!

Happy Hooking,

Jewels


Monday, January 9, 2017

Slouchy Crochet Hat

I've only made a few hats in my crocheting days, and each has been a learning experience and also, quite fun. I had made three beanies and decided it was time to tackle a slouchy hat. I found a great pattern, and started hooking it up, counting as I went along since counting makes a hat in crochet.


I have to say, I think the hat turned out quite well. The colour is especially bright and happy and fits the causal look of the hat I think. I found the pattern on Ravelry. I had never really used Ravelry much till recently and I am becoming quite indebted to the creators of crochet patterns that share their patterns for free on Ravelry. This pattern was easy to follow, and even when I thought it wouldn't work, it totally did. I did make the band a little less wider than is pictured in the pattern, but I think I was needlessly worried about it being too big as the design of the band keeps the hat snug on your head.

If you'd like a slouchy hat, this pattern would work for any crocheter.

Happy Hooking,
Jewels

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Double Single Crochet Infinity Scarf

I had bought a beautiful yellow yarn and had decided to make a braided earwarmer out of it, but in the end I decided to make yet another scarf. I wanted a big, bulky one for the winter and the bright yellow seemed to fit the kind of project I had in mind. I turned my big yellow scarf into a big yellow infinity scarf. I adore it.


To create this scarf, I used a 6.00mm hook, and a stitch I found that I thought both simple (as in even a beginner can do it) and pretty. The combination of the stitch and the larger hook created a chunkier look even though I used a worsted yarn.

The stitch I used is known as the Double Single Crochet and I loved working it up. I found it via Hopeful Honey's video, which I'm sharing with you so you can see how the stitch is done yourself. It's super easy and fun!


I made the scarf quiet wide and long enough that I could stitch into an infinity scarf. I wanted something bulky for the winter and I wanted it to stand out among the blacks and greys most people sport during the colder months. The yellow seemed to quite stand out. The scarf is warm, and wraps even around my head acting as a sort of hood if I fancy it to, and it's one of my more eye catching accessories.

I've a vast collection of scarves now, and this one is currently one of my favourites. The bright, happy colour brightens up a winter day, and it certainly keeps out a frosty wind so it's no wonder I'm currently loving it.


Happy Hooking,
Jewels

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Two Stitch Crochet Pot Holder

Happy New Year! I've meant to share with you a new stitch and lovely project for a while but the holidays have been busy. I'm here to share with you today a quick project I worked up today. It'was inspired by a lot of holiday cooking! A pot holder! For this project, I used a cotton yarn and two simple stitches, the single crochet and half double crochet.


To be honest, the pattern is my own making. It is simple, tightly woven and will serve well to hold a hot pot or pan in the kitchen when your stove top is full. I think I will be using this quite often. Want the pattern? I'm willing to share. 

Chain a length appropriate for your pots/pans with a cotton wrosted yarn and a 4.25mm hook.

Row 1: Half double crochet in the ridge of each chain. Ch 1, turn. 

Row 2: Single crochet in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn. 

Row 3-4: Repeat row 2. 

Row 5: Repeat row 5. 

Continue the pattern until the pot holder is an appropriate size. Fasten off, weave in ends. Finish with a single crochet edging in each stitch around. 

Easy peasy and useful! I hope you try this quick project. Let me know how it turns out in the comments section. 

Happy Hooking,
Jewels