The sedge stitch results in a very textured and interesting pattern. Here I have worked the cowl in the round, making the sedge pattern appear as diagonal rows. On the Ear Warmer, I’ve worked the stitches flat. In that case, the sedge pattern looks more like a boxed waffle. Either way is pretty. This easy pattern works up quickly and makes a great gift.
Wow! If you’ve never tried Frog Jam then you are in for a treat! Contrary to what the fellow at Johnson’s Peaches in Candor, NC. told me, this jam does NOT contain frog legs. It’s actually a medley of figs, raspberries, orange, and ginger. I was skeptical about the ginger because this spice usually packs quite a punch but I was pleasantly surprised to find the flavor very subtle. I’ve never seen this jam around here. We picked it up as we were driving to Lynchburg, VA along a state highway.
I’ve always wanted to make a cornucopia for my Thanksgiving table. Casting around for a nice large horn of plenty, I was disappointed to find that most of those on the market today are too small. Also, they are mainly made of light-colored wicker, a material that does not go well with my home decor. As is often the case, I found something suitable at my local Goodwill store. This cornucopia was also light-colored wicker but was generously sized–large enough to hold a variety of gourds, apples, and corn.
The next step was to paint the cornucopia inside and out. I had a nice craft paint with a metallic gold sheen left over from another project so I started to paint. Alas, the wicker absorbed the paint rapidly and my meager supply was quickly gone. Off to the hardware store for more…only to discover that this brand was being discontinued! But the nice lady at Tru Value came to the rescue with a metallic spray paint that looked very much like the one I had been using.
I don’t have a Michael’s in my area. The next best alternative was to go to the various garden centers and markets around New Freedom to find the gourds, autumn leaves, Indian corn, and mini pumpkins I wanted spilling out of the horn of plenty. In the process, I discovered that Mt. Airy Junction (sorry, no website), a florist and gift shop that normally carried only country-style crafts, had completely changed! To my great surprise and delight, it now features tapestry jackets, jewelry and all kinds of gorgeous scarves. Getting distracted from my project, I immediately purchased the most beautiful scarf in the world!
But I digress… the cornucopia is now ready for another coat of paint and the finishing touches. Stay tuned for the completed project.
On a beautiful fall day this week, Paul and I decided to take a drive to Chambersburg, PA. As we approached Chambersburg we discovered Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium along the side of the road. Mr. Ed’s carries all that old-fashioned penny candy we enjoyed as kids. He also features a museum collection of thousands of elephants in all materials, shapes and sizes. I was especially drawn to the little crocheted elephant languishing on a shelf.
Mr. Ed’s also had a large display of the “poor man’s Dale Chihuly” in the extensive gardens surrounding the emporium.
Our RV at Vacation Inn Resort
Ah, the joys of traveling in the RV! After seven years on the road full-time, settling down in a house has been a bit underwhelming. At first there were a lot of updates to do and improvements to make but now, after 2 years, I’m about ready to hit the road again!
Fortunately, the gods have smiled upon me and Paul and I are headed to our favorite place in West Palm Beach, Vacation Inn Resort. We’ll be visiting my parents and spending some time with my sister and BIL. I can hardly wait to visit some of our favorite restaurants there: Carmine’s, Park Avenue Ribs, and the Sailfish Marina.
It seems ridiculous to work on a heavy winter crochet project while in the sunny tropics so I’m packing my super-lightweight WIP, a lovely scarf worked in sock yarn. The pattern will be available once I have finished.
Annette Petavy has come up with some beautiful published designs. I particularly admired the Leaves Sweater that features crocheted points all along the hem. One day as I was idly browsing through some scarf patterns at Ravelry, I came upon the Violet Points Scarf, a free pattern for Ravelry members. I was smitten. Rooting through my stash, I found some lace weight yarn, Knit Picks Merino Wool and Silk. I had exactly enough yarn for this scarf.
The pattern was surprisingly easy to work and quick to memorize. Because the instructions call for a fairly large hook, the project grew quickly. It only took me three evenings to complete. I had to go to an F hook instead of a G because the loops kept slipping off my hook but I think I still achieved the same airy, breezy look.
I had about 300-400 yards of bamboo yarn left over from another project so I decided to make a cowl. These little collars are really handy. You can pop one on over your coat to keep your neck warm or use it to dress up a plain sweater.
Materials: 300-400 yards bamboo yarn, Size G crochet hook, stitch marker, yarn needle
Gauge: Not important for this pattern
Ch 181, sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch2, sk 2 ch, *sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 chs* Repeat from * to * to end. sc into 1st sc. Mark this st with a stitch marker.
Round 2: Ch 2, sk 2 ch, *sc in next sc, ch 2, sk 2 ch*. Repeat from * to * around to marked st. Sc in marked sc, replace marker in this st. Repeat round 2 67 more times, replacing the marker in the first stitch at the beginning of each round. At last round, sl st into marked st. Ch 1
Edging: sc into sc with join, * 2 sc into ch 2 sp, sc into next sc* Repeat from * to * once around. Join with a sl st to marked sc. Fasten off.
On right side of bottom edge, attach yarn with a sl st at 1st ch. Sc around bottom in same manner a for top edging. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Copyright: Carol Wolf, December 16, 2010
After I finished the Neckwarmer Vest, I had an idea for a different collar and since I had a few skeins of Simply Soft lying around, I decided to make up this alternate design. The collar on this vest hangs down slightly as a small drape over the center front of the neckline. I’ve already worn this vest several times and it is flattering as well as warm.
I needed 9 buttons. When have you ever seen 9 of the same sweater buttons in the same place? Even JoAnn’s only stocks about 6 buttons of each type. So I raided my button box and found 9 silver buttons. Unfortunately, only 2 pair were the same! Okay, I know it’s a bit lame and so 1980′s but I mixed and matched the buttons and used them all. Without further ado, here is the pattern for the Neckwarmer Vest II.
NECKWARMER VEST II
Materials: 6 skeins Caron Simply Soft, 3 oz ea, color Dark Country Blue, crochet hook sizes I and H, (9) 1″ buttons, tapestry needle
Size: Bust and Hips 44″
Gauge: 12 pattern stitches =4″, 13 pattern rows = 4″
Stitches used: Slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, sc 2tog, dc 2 tog Tc2 counts as a stitch.
Body
With I,ch 116, sc in 2nd ch from hook and into ea ch to end (115 scs), ch1, turn.
Row 2: Row 2: Sc into 1st sc, *dc into next sc, sc into next sc*. Repeat from * to * to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc into 1st sc. *dc into next dc, sc into next sc*. Repeat from * to * to end of row. Ch1, turn.
Repeat row 3 until you have 37 rows or until piece measures 13″. End on RS row. Ch 1, turn.
Left Front
Work in pattern for 25 stitches. Ch 1, turn.
Continue to work in pattern over 25 stitches until you have worked 19 rows or until the piece measures 7″ from the beginning of armhole . End on a WS row. Ch 1, turn.
Shape Neck
Work 16 sts in pattern, leaving 9 sts unworked, turn.
Row 2: Sc2tog, work 14 more sts to end, ch1, turn.
Row3: Work even in pattern on 15 sts. Turn.
Row 4: Dc2tog, work 13 more sts to end, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Work even in pattern on 14 sts. Turn.
Row 6: Sc2tog, work 12 more sts to end, ch 1, turn.
Work 4 more rows even or until piece measures 10 “ from beginning of armhole. End on WS row. Fasten off.
Back
On right side, sk 8 sts, Attach yarn with a sl st in 9 th st, ch 2, sc in next sc, follow pattern for 47 more sts (49 total), ch 2, turn.
Next row: Sc in 1st sc, follow pattern to end of row, ch 2, turn.
Repeat until piece measures the same as front. Fasten off.
RightFront
On right side, sk 8 sts, attach yarn as for left front and work in pattern on 25 sts until piece measure 7″. Fasten off.
Shape Neck
Turn. Attach yarn in 10th st, ch 2, sc in next sc. Work in pattern. Ch 1, turn. (16 sts)
Row 2: Work 14 sts in pattern. sc 2tog over last 2 sts. Ch1, turn.
Row 3: Work even in pattern on 15 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Work 13 sts, dc2tog over last 2 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 5: Work even in pattern on 14 sts.Ch 1, turn.
Row 6: Work 12 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts, ch 1, turn.
Work in pattern until piece measures the same as left front. Fasten off.
Joining: With the right sides facing each other, whip stitch or crochet the fronts to the backs. Weave in ends.
Front Bands: On right side,with H , attach yarn to bottom front corner with a sl st. Ch 1, sc in same st. Work 59 more sc along front to neck edge. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Work even in sc to bottom edge, Ch1, turn.
Row 3: Work 2 sc, *ch 2, sk 2 sc, work 9 sc* Repeat from * to * along front to last 3 sts. Ch2, sk 2 sc, sc in last st. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Sc in ea sc. Place 2 sc in ea ch 2 sp. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Work even in sc to end of row. Fasten off.
Work 5 rows sc along left front as for right front, omitting buttonholes.
Armhole Trim: With H, attach yan with a sl st at shoulder. Sc in same st and in ea st around, working 66 sc. Sl st to beginning sc. Ch 1, turn.
Work 2 more rows around armholes. Fasten off.
Note: The armholes on this vest are wide. If you prefer to have them a bit smaller, work a few less sc in the first round, being careful that your fabric does not pucker.
Neck Edge and Scarf: On right side, attach yarn with a sl st at right front neck edge. Sc in same st. Work a total of 69 sc around neck edge. Fasten off. Chain 21, fasten off. With a sl stitch, attach chain to right front neck at 11th st from edge of band. Fasten off. Repeat for left front.
Row 1: On right side, attach yarn to right scarf chain with a sl st. Sc in same st, work in pattern around neck to end of opposite ch on left front. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2 and 3: Work even in pattern.
Row 4: Work 3 sts in pattern, ch 2, sk 2 sts, continue in pattern to end of row.
Row 5: Work in pattern to Ch 2 sp. Work 2 sts in pattern in ch 2 sp. Work in pattern to end of row.
Work a total of 17 rows, making buttonholes on the 9th and 15th rows. Fasten off. Sew buttons opposite buttonholed on the left front band. Cross scarf ends diagonally and sew buttons on left front scarf. Weave in all remaining ends.
I was looking through my downloaded patterns for an interesting stitch to use on my bamboo hooded scarf and came across Sarah’s blog, Blooming Patterns. The stitch pattern on her dishtowel intrigued me. I quickly worked up a swatch and found out that I absolutely detest making a row of slip stitches on top of another row of slip stitches. So I decided to modify the design a little by using single and double crochet stitches instead of slip stitches and half-double crochet. The result looks almost the same. With further experimentation, I decided I could make a row of slip stitches loosely enough that I could use it periodically for additional texture. So, thank you, Sarah for a great idea! Without further ado, here is my pattern for the Bamboo Hooded Scarf.
Bamboo Hooded Scarf PDF Pattern
Bamboo Hooded Scarf
Size: 35″ long from top of head to one end of scarf x 8 1/2″ wide
Materials: About 5 Sk. of Moda Dea Bamboo or other worsted weight yarn, Size I crochet hook, yarn needle
Gauge: 13 st in pattern = 4″, 18 rows in pattern = 4″
Ch 231. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and ea ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in 1st 5 sts. Dc in next 5 sts. *Sc in next 5 sts, dc in next 5 sts*. Repeat from * to * to end of row, ch 2, turn.
Row 3: Dc in next 4 sts. *Sc in next 5 sts, dc in next 5 sts* to end of row, turn.
Row 4: Sl st in ea st to end of row, ch 1, turn.
Repeat rows 2 through 4 ten times.
Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Last row: Sc in ea st to end of row. Fasten off. Weave in all threads.
On right side, attach yarn at one corner and work across rows, placing 32 sc across end of scarf. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in first 7 sts, dc in next 6 sts, * sc in next 6 sts, dc in next 6 sts*, work from * to * to last 7 sts. sc in last 7 sts, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.
Work other end of scarf in the same way. Fasten off.
Fold scarf in half, right sides facing each other. You will be whip stitching the scarf together from the fold down 11″. Weave in ends. I did a little light blocking.
If you would like to make just the scarf, simply omit the step where you sew the sides together.
Copyright Carol A. Wolf, December 2009
I love the Alpine Frost Scarf published in Interweave Crochet. I had made one out of mohair for a red-haired friend but I wanted one for myself made from the yarn that was used in the original. Alas, that yarn is very pricey! Enter Knitpicks, the best value for yarn and natural fibers on the web. I chose a lace weight yarn that is 70% merino wool and 30% silk. I wanted the frosty white color in the pattern but was only able to get an off-white called Bare.
After finishing with the first skein I was surprised to see that my scarf measured 44″! I had ordered 3 skeins according to the yardage required in the pattern instructions. Each skein is 440 yards long. However, to get the open and airy lacy look I had to go up to a size G crochet hook. The pattern calls for a size D. Once the scarf is blocked, the design will really be much more evident. Since the finished scarf is 66″ long, it looks as if I will have enough yarn to make another one! Now, who do I know that would love this scarf? Any ideas?
I’ve never been a fan of stash. I know, I know, this flies in the face of every notion that a fiber fanatic holds dear but I have just never been able to enjoy “old yarn”. By the time I get around to making something with it, I’m sick of looking at it! So…since I had about 2 skeins of Red Heart Collage left over from Paul’s sweater, I decided to make a scarf and rid myself of any potential stash.
This scarf is called “Crunch Scarf” for two reasons: 1) It uses the cunch stitch and 2) I was in a crunch when I made it because I barely had enough yarn to finish it! The crunch stitch is neat because it adds texture and a bit of insulation without looking feminine. I once made a whole sweater using this stitch.
It is also an easy stitch to learn. Any beginner can do it. Because the stitch always shows up on the same side, I added an extra row of single crochet so that the texture would show on both sides of the scarf.
Crunch Scarf
Materials: 2 skeins of Red Heart Collage, J crochet hook, tapestry needle
Gauge: Gauge is unimportant for this project
Size: 6″ X 68″
Ch 202. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea ch to end. Turn. (do not ch 1)
Row 2: sl st in 1st st, * dc in next st, sl st in next st, * Repeat from * to * to end. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in ea st to end of row. Turn.
Row 4: Repeat row 2.
Row 5: Repeat Row 3. Ch 1, turn.
Row 6: Repeat Row 3,
Rows 2 - 6 make up the pattern. Repeat rows 2-6 three more times. Repeat Rows 2-4.
Finishing: I worked 1 row of single crochet across the each end of the scarf but this is optional.
Copyright: Carol Wolf, October 2009
I made a sample of the crunch stitch in non-striping yarn so you can see the texture. The bottom rows are crunch stitch and the top rows are single crochet.
