I Love Smiley’s.com!

Can you believe that Smiley’s was having a 99 cents per skein sale on Filatura Lanarota Fashion Tweed?  I’ve been looking for nice tweed yarn for a while and this was just too good to be true!  This is an acrylic/wool blend with 95 yards per skein. I bought 19 skeins, thinking I might try that Ipanema sweater pattern again.

And while I was over there, I thought I’d pick up some yarn for a summer project.  Smiley’s has a minimum order requirement of $50.  I found a beautiful acrylic/cotton blend sport yarn, also by Filatura Lanarota called Cool Cotton with 136 yards per skein.

And last but not least, another sport weight yarn, pure wool by Rowan called Purelife.

At least there’s no danger of getting bored!  I’m still working on a small summer sweater done in ecru cotton thread that I found at Goodwill.  Hopefully I’ll have this done a nd written up before the week is over.

 

Violet Points Scarf

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.

 

Men’s Bike Chain Hat and Scarf

 

I developed a stitch recently that I have been using in designing a car coat.  I am sure that this stitch is not original but I have decided to call it the “bike chain pattern”.  My car coat is about half finished but it will take me some time yet to get it just right.  In the meantime, I thought I’d make up a scarf and hat for Paul.  This pattern is very rugged looking and is perfect for any male accessories.  The texture traps air and makes for a particularly warm garment.  I used Paton’s Classic Wool in dark grey because I happened to have a few skeins hanging around and it went well with the bike chain theme.  In addition, this is a very easy pattern to do.  It only took me four evenings to make both the hat and the scarf.  Alternately, this set would work well for the ladies too.  A bright color yarn will really make those textured stitches stand out!

 

Bike Chain Hat

This hat looks flat in the photo but it actually comes down to cover the ears.

Measurements: Will fit head circimference 22″ to 26″  Materials: About 223 yards of worsted weight yarn.  I used  one skein of Paton’s Classic Wool in dark grey, Crochet hook size I, yarn needle.  Gauge: In pattern, 14 sts and 15 rows equal 4″.

Crown

Chain 5.  Join into a ring with a sl st in first ch.  Ch 2, ch2 counts as a st throughout pattern.work 15 dc into ring.  Join with a sl st into 2nd ch of beginning ch2. Ch1, turn.

Round 2:     Sc into same st as joining. *Front post single crochet ( fpsc) around post of next dc, sc into top of next dc* and work from * to * around until 16 sts have been worked. Join with a sl st to first sc. Ch 2, turn. Mark this side as the right side.

Round 3:     2 dc  in 1st sc and into ea sc around. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. Ch 1, turn. (32 dc)

Round 4:     Sc into first dc, *fpsc into next dc, sc into top of next dc* and work from * to * around until 32 sc have been worked , join with a sl st, ch2, turn.

Round 5:      Dc in 1st sc, * 2 dc into next sc, dc into next sc*, around until 48 dc have been worked.  Join, ch 1, turn.

Round 6:     Sc into 1st dc, *fpsc into next dc, sc into next dc*, work from * to * around. Join, ch 2, turn.

Round 7:     Dc in first 2 sc, *2 dc in next sc,  dc in next 2 sc* around until you have worked 64 dc. Join, ch 1, turn.

Round 8:     Work round 6.

Round 9:     Work a double crochet round by placing 2 dc into each 4th st. Join, ch 1, turn. (80 dc)

Round 10 through round 25: Work even on 80 stitches by alternating the (sc, fpsc,sc, etc) round and the dc round,  End with the dc row.

Hat Band

Round 1:     Sc into back loops only of ea dc around. Join, ch 2, turn.

Round 2:     Dc into both loops of ea st around, join, ch 1. Do not turn.

Round 3:     Work  round 6 from crown.

Work 5 more rounds, alternating dc and sc rounds. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

 

Bike Chain Scarf

Measurements: 54″ x 7″

Materials:  About 340 yards of worsted weight yarn.  I used 1.5 skeins of  Paton’s Classic Wool in dark grey. Crochet hook size I, yarn needle. Gauge: In pattern, 14 sts and 15 rows equal 4″

The ch 2 at the beginning of ea row counts as a stitch throughout pattern.

Ch 193. Dc into 2nd ch from hook and into ea ch across.  Ch 1, turn. (191 dc)

Row 2:     Sc into1st dc, *front post sc ( fpsc) around post of next dc, sc into top of next dc* across row to last 2 dc. Fpsc around next dc, sc into top of tc. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3:     Dc into ea st across.  Ch 1, turn.

Rows 4- 21 ( or until scarf measures about 7″) repeat rows 2 and 3 ending with row 2. Fasten off.

Attach yarn on wrong side of first dc row of scarf. Work row 2 across. Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Because the nature of this pattern causes the fabric to slant slightly, I blocked it by pinning it to shape and misting it lightly with water.  Dry overnight.

Copyright Carol Wolf, September 2010

 

Neckwarmer Vest

 

I love the idea of a vest with a scarf attached.  Most of us have at least one, if not several, jackets that are lightweight.  When the weather gets cold, it’s sometimes a good idea to dress in layers.  For instance, I have a rain jacket that is quite thin.  By adding a vest with a scarf, I can transform my jacket into a garment that I can wear in the snow and rain.  If I want to be more comfortable while driving, I can ditch the jacket and just wear the vest.  The attached scarf does not get lost or fall into puddles or slush.

When I started this vest, I was just looking for a simple project to take up a bit of time.  I had ordered some yarn to make a beautiful throw for our living room and was waiting for it to arrive.  With that end in mind, I picked up 6 skeins of Vanna’s yarn at JoAnn’s.  I like being able to machine wash my crocheted items so I figured that the acrylic would be  just fine.  Now that I’ve finished the project, I’m sorry that I didn’t use better yarn.  It really turned out well.

If you would like to try this pattern, You can use any worsted weight yarn.  Vanna’s yarn is a bit heavy so stick to something with a similar heft.  Caron Simply Soft is too lightweight.  The scarf can be tied in front or wrapped around the neck.

 

 

Just a note here:  One of the gals over at Crochetville was commenting that she thought the armholes were too big.  If you prefer, you can either reduce the length of the armhole or reduce the width at the underarm.  To do this, simply do not leave as many stitches unworked when you are beginning your right front  and back sections.  Make sure to reduce the number of unworked underarm stitches on the other side too.

NECKWARMER VEST

Materials:  6 sk. Vanna’s Choice 3 oz. 145 yds, color: Purple Print

                       Size L crochet hook, size K crochet hook, size D crochet hook

                       (6)   3/4″ buttons

                       Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Size:              44″ bust and hip

Gauge:         10 sts and 10 rows in pattern = 4 inches with L hook

This vest is worked in one piece from hem to shoulder.  The shoulder seams will be crocheted together and then the front bands, collar, and armhole trim will be added. The turning chain counts as a stitch for dc stitches.

Stitches Used:  Sl st, sc, dc, sc2tog, dc2tog

With L, ch 96.  Sc into 2nd ch from hook and into ea ch across. (95 sc) ch 1, turn.

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 piece measures 13″.  End on a wrong side row.

Right Front

Row 1:  Work 20 stitches in pattern, ch 2, turn.

Row 2:  Sc in 1st sc.  Follow pattern to turning ch at end of row. Dc into tc. Ch 2, turn.

Repeat row 2 until right front measures 7″.  End on a wrong side row. Fasten off. Turn.

Shape Neck

Row 1:  Sk 1st 5 sts. Attach yarn with a sl st on 6th st. Ch 2. Work row in pattern to end. ch 2, turn.

Row 2:  Work 12 sts in pattern. Sc2tog over last 2 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3:  Work even in pattern.  Ch2, turn.

Row 4:  Sc in 1st sc. Work in pattern to last 2 sts. Dc2tog over last 2 sts. Ch 2, turn.

Row 5:  Sc in 1st sc. Work in pattern to end of row. Ch2, turn.

Row 6:  Sc in 1st sc, work in pattern to last st and tc. Sc2tog over last st and tc. Fasten off or work until right fron measures 10″ from beginning of armhole.

Back

On right side, sk 8 sts. Attach yarn with a sl st in 9th st. Ch 1, sc in 1st sc. Work in pattern until you have worked 39 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Work even in pattern until back measures 10″, ending on a wrong side row. Fasten off.

Left Front

On right side, sk 8 sts.  Attach yarn in 9th st with sl st. Ch 2, work in pattern to end of row.  Work in pattern until piece measures 7″ from beginning of armhole, ending on wrong side row.

Shape neck

Row 1:  Work 15 sts. (Tc counts as 1 st) Sk last 5 sts, ch 1, turn.

Row 2:  Sc2tog over 1st 2 sts, work to end of row, placing last dc into top of tc. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3:  Work even in pattern. Turn.

Row 4:  Sk 1st sc, dc in next dc…work in pattern to end of row.

Row 5: Work even in pattern, ch 1, turn.

Row 6:  Sc2tog, work to end of row (12 sts).  Fasten off or work even in pattern until left front measures same as right front (10″ from beginning of armhole).

Joining

Cut two 36″ lengths of yarn.  Split yarn in half.  Knot lengths end to end.  Trim ends of knots. With size D hook, crochet shoulder seams together taking up 12 sts on fronts and back at shoulders.  Place 2 sts of sc into ea shoulder stitch on body of vest. Make sure seam lies flat. Fasten off.  Weave in all ends.

Front Bands

With K  hook,on outside, attach yarn with a sl st at bottom right front corner.   Sc in same st.  Work 49 sc along front, working in ends of rows. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Work 49 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3:  Sc in 1st 2 scs. *Ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in next 8 sc* Repeat from * to * 5 times. Ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Sc in ea sc and in ea ch 1 space. Ch 1, turn.

Row 5:  Work one row sc over 49 sts. Fasten off.

For left front band, work 5 rows of sc over 49 sts. Fasten off.

Collar and Scarf

On fronts, mark the 5th st from the inside edge of the band at neck with a stitch marker.

With K hook, make 2 chains of 56. Fasten off. Set aside.

On outside, with K  hook, attach yarn at center front corner of right front and work a row of sc around neck edge. At corner of left front, fasten off.  Attach previous chain made to right front at marked stitch at neck edge with a sl st.  Attach other chain on left front at marked stitch.  Attach yarn on wrong side of chain at left front with a sl st.  Sc in same st and in ea chain, across neck, and along opposite chain. Ch 2, turn.

Row 2:  Work in dc from beginning to end of row. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3: Work in sc from beginning to end of row.  Ch2, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 four more times.  Fasten off.

Armhole Trim:

On inside, with K hook attach yarn to stitch at shoulder seam.  Ch 1, sc around armhole , working about 57 sts.  Sl st into 1st sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2:  Sc around armhole.  Sl st into beginning sc. Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Finishing

Sew button opposite buttonhole at neck edge.  Sew button opposite buttonhole at bottom edge.  Measue 4″ from ea button and place a marker.  Measure 4″ from ea marker and place a marker.  Sew remaining buttons at markers.

I did a little light blocking to straighten the scarf and collar.  Be careful not to overblock.

 

Canary Yellow Mohair

A few years ago a dear friend gifted me  some beautiful yellow mohair, a half -finished knitted sweater, and all kinds of stitch holders and knitting needles.  Because we spent most of our time in warm climates, I had put the yarn into my stash.  Now that we are going to winter in Pennsylvania, I decided to  work up a project using the mohair.  Alas, I haven’t learned to knit so I unraveled the half-finished sweater.  I ended up with enough yarn to make two projects.

My first project  is the One-Stitch Sweater.   Because the neckline looked a bit plain to me, I worked several rows of front and back post stitches around the edge until I ended up with a turtleneck collar.  I also left the last few inches of side seam free to make vents at the bottom.  This pattern is one of my favorites and I’ve made several versions of it over the years.  I love the way the sleeves grow from the body, cutting down on the amount of seaming that has to be done in the end.  I’ve almost finished it.  All I need are a few buttons.  Stay tuned for the end result…