FO 2012 Q1: 11 crochet items

In the first quarter of 2012, I finished 11 crochet projects. Most of these were samples for the yarn shop I work for on weekends. I did learn one new stitch: the linked double crochet stitch, used to make a great little washcloth.

For the shawl and blanket samples, I used one skein of yarn and determined how much yarn you would need to complete the project. This is more efficient than making a full model, and it gives people enough information to judge the whole project. It’s not a gauge swatch, but 1/3 or 1/4 of the final project, depending on yarn requirements. And I did enjoy the calculations and the process of figuring it out.

Other project highlights: The Mobius Cowl was a birthday gift for a friend. The Shell Edge Dishcloth was made to show Crochet 101 students what single crochet looks like. The two hats are looking for homes: I like them, but I don’t think they’ll stay with me.

Brigitte’s Mobius Cowl
Mini Baby Blanket
Shell Edge Dishcloth
Sample: Chunky Yarn Blanket
Sample: Lattice Shawl
Sample: Unisex Scarf
Sample: Simple V-Stitch Shawl
A/C Metrical Hat
Waffle Cone Hat
Linked Doubles Dishcloth

Not shown: Finishing job for a client: Add a border to hairpin lace blanket

Projects in August 2011

These are my completed knitting and crochet projects for August 2011, 13 in all, including the flower embellishment. I’m working diligently to create warm items for the “12 Days of Christmas” charity project in Baltimore. The “All-American” hats went to my friend E for his birthday. The rose hat I’m keeping. All the remaining hats here are going to the charity.

Projects in July 2011

I’m going to try something new, starting with July 2011. Instead of posting all my finished objects (knit and crochet) here, I’m posting them on Ravelry, where the people who care most can find them.

I’ll put pictures here, for my non-yarny friends who still like to see photos of my work.

Here’s the gallery for July 2011:

Amigurumi Owl

Crochet, project 305. Completed 7/18/2011

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions from the awesome “Owls Two Ways” (knit or crochet) pattern by Ana

SIZE
About 5″ tall and 10″ around

MATERIALS
Yarn:
Main color: 1.2 oz, 61.7 yds worsted yarn

•     1 ball Kraemer Yarns: Tatamy Tweed Worsted (40% Cotton 60% Acrylic), 3.5 oz / 100 g, 180 yds / 165 m. Color: 1202, Walnut Tweed. About $6.25

White yarn for eyes: 0.05 oz, 3.1 yds yarn

•     1 ball Plymouth Yarn Company: Jeannee Worsted (51% Cotton, 49% Acrylic), 1.75 oz / 50 g, 110 yds. Color: 00008, White. About $3.99

Yellow yarn for beak: Small amount (less than 2 yds) worsted weight yarn

•     Partial ball: 3.3 oz from Cascade 220 Superwash (100% superwash wool), 3.5 oz / 100 g, 220 yds. Color: 824, Pale Yellow.

Crochet Hook: US Size G-6 (4 mm)

Other: 100% polyester fiberfill for stuffing. Safety eyes (as shown: a pair of 15 mm “doll joints”) or buttons. Stitch marker, yarn needle, and scissors.

NOTES
You could make almost 3 owls from 1 ball of the brown yarn (the third might be a little shorter).

For children under 3, do not use buttons or safety eyes, which could be a choking hazard. Use sewn-on eyes instead.

304. My Heart Washcloth

Crochet, project 304. Completed 7/14/2011

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions by Janelle Schlossman, 1989, archived pattern

Picot border: Instructions in knitty

SIZE
About 8″ tall by 10″ wide

MATERIALS

• Main: 0.9 oz, 45 yds yarn: 1 ball Lily Sugar’n Cream (100% cotton). 3 oz / 85 g. 150 yds / 138 m. Color: 19535, Damask Ombre.

• Border: 0.4 oz, 20 yds yarn: 1 ball Lily Sugar’n Cream (100% cotton). 4 oz / 113 g. 200 yds / 184 m. Color: 18046, Rose Pink.

Crochet Hook – US Size F-6 (4 mm)

NOTES
Added a picot border. About a 1.5-hour project. Very clever shaping on the heart!

303. Flower Pearl Necklace

Crochet, project 303. Completed 7/10/2011

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions by creative yarn
Flower is adapted from instructions by the wood between the worlds

SIZE
To fit: Teen or Adult

MATERIALS
Yarn: 0.45 oz, 36.3 yds worsted weight yarn
1 ball Berroco Glint (80% Cotton, 12% Nylon, 8% Metallic), 1.75 oz / 50 g, 141 yds / 129 m. Color: 2901: Goddess (pink and silver)

Crochet Hook: US Size G-7 (4.5 mm)

Button to be used for clasp
Small button for center of flower

NOTES: Each ball of yarn can make at least 3 necklaces with this flower.

301. Shell Triangle Scarf

Crochet, project 301. Completed 5/15/2011

So lovely after blocking

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions by Chriss Smith, “A Bit of Lace Hemp Triangle Scarf” (paid pattern)

SIZE
45.5″ across and 12″ deep after blocking

MATERIALS
Yarn: Pattern calls for 165 yds worsted weight yarn. I used 141 yds / 2 oz sport weight yarn

• MC = main color. 1.5 oz, 106 yds

Solitude Wool Suffolk & Dorset (70% Wool, 30% Nylon), 1.7 oz /48 g, 120 yds. Color: Red (Paprika).

• CC = coordinating color. 0.5 oz, 35 yds

1.1 oz / 75.4yds. Leftovers from 1 ball Solitude Wool Suffolk & Dorset (70% Wool, 30% Nylon), 3.5 oz /99 g, 240 yds. Color: Color Study Rust.

Crochet Hook: US Size N-15 (10 mm)

NOTES
As author Chriss Smith says, “Using the extra-large hook to explode the lace really changes the look and feel. You can make this scarf larger or smaller by simply increasing or decreasing chains by a multiple of 6.”

300. Crochet Club: Remix Bag

Crochet, project 300. Completed 1-May-2011 (crochet work done). Lining with pocket completed on 14-May-2011.

Designed and crocheted this purse as a shop sample.

PATTERN
Original pattern by Carrie Cooper

MADE FOR
Purls Tucson Crochet Club

SIZE
14″ wide across top. 10″ across bottom. 9″ tall.
GAUGE: About 4 sc per inch

MATERIALS
4.8 oz, 300 yds worsted weight yarn

• 2 balls Berroco Remix (100% recycled fibers: 30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen). 3.5 oz / 100 g. 216 yds / 198 m. Color: 3960, Strawberry.

Crochet Hook — US Size G-6 (4 mm) — using a smaller hook than recommended to get a tighter fabric.

Other materials:

• 1/2 yard cotton fabric for lining
• 2 sheets ultra-stiff/7-mesh clear plastic canvas (10.5” x 13.5”)
• 1 spool thread to match yarn color (such as Coats & Clark “Dual Duty” thread for both hand and machine sewing).

298. Single Crochet Diagonal Utility Cloth

Crochet, project 298. Completed 22-Apr-2011

Satisfying one-skein project

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions by Lion Brand Yarn for a blanket, the “Diagonal Stripe Throw” (must join the site to view the pattern)

MADE FOR
Myself

SIZE
9.5 inches square

GAUGE: Not important. Work in pattern until piece measures 8″ along one side

MATERIALS
1.75 oz, 87.5 yds worsted weight yarn

• 1 ball JarboGarn Soft Cotton (100% cotton). 1.75 oz / 50 g. 87.5 yds / 80 m.

Crochet Hook – US Size G-7 (4.5 mm)
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and scissors

NOTES
A square washcloth, crocheted corner-to-corner. This project uses one small ball of cotton yarn with almost no leftovers.

297. Textured Stripes Roll-Brim Hat

Crochet, project 297. Completed 6-Apr-2011

PATTERN
Adapted from instructions by Lisa Gentry, published in Leisure Arts #75358, Crochet Celebrity Slouchy Beanies for the Family. I like the roll brim look. You can also unroll the brim and wear it like a, well, slouchy beanie hat.

MADE FOR
Adult male

SIZE
Adult L; worked top until it was 7″ diameter, should fit 22 to 23″ around. 8″ length minimum

MATERIALS
Yarn: 152 yds / 2.2 oz worsted weight yarn

MC = main color. 1.7 oz, 116.6 yds worsted weight yarn

• Suffolk & Dorset Solitude Wool (70% Wool, 30% Nylon). 3.5 oz / 99 g. 240 yds. Color: Handpainted Blue.

CC = coordinating color. 0.5 oz, 35 yds worsted weight yarn

• Suffolk & Dorset Solitude Wool (70% Wool, 30% Nylon). 1.7 oz / 48 g. 120 yds. Color: Speckled White.

Crochet Hook: US Size H-8 (5mm)
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and scissors