scrap yarn ends

From my first knitting project I have been saving all of my tail ends of 2 -12 inches after weaving in.. anything longer gets added into other projects

 

I tie them together and roll in to small balls to be add to the larger one later on.... as the large one now weights a few pounds so I don't keep it in my yarn bag any more.. tried just keeping the scraps in a bag but after tying them for a whole day I thought tying as I am weaving un ends and joining them together later was the way to go lol

This is my second large ball of knotted yarn ends..  the first I used after one year of saving them

I made them into a scrap wrap couple of feet wide and some where near six foot long

 

I would get stopped every time I went out wearing it.. how did I do that where can they find yarn like that.. even offers to buy it..

clearly the photos here are not doing it justice..

after getting stopped so many times it was starting to wear on husbands nerves, who is not a fun person to take shopping at the best of times .. I decided to hang it over one of our windows..

at least we got to sit down when answering the questions this way ;)

 

it stayed in that job for years in one form or other, sometimes on the couch or chair, then back to the window..

until the few scraps of wool caught the eye of a moth.. :(

ate through it in a few places..

I repurposed it into a doggie blanket for it's last few months..

 

 

I still haven't picked a pattern for the next ball but should have enough to cover a rather large window at this point lol

 

 

 

I joined a couple crochet groups on Facebook awhile ago to see what the rest of the crafters were up to..

love it.. the sharing and good spirits of helping each other is so wonderful ..

one of the things I see shared often are crocheted graphs.. over the top amazing works of art

 

Now it has been ages since I knit using a simple graph..

never even tried it with crochet..

also never tried c2c...

 

add on the fact that I was given so much yarn, in the last two years, that were either small amounts of leftovers or very old.. Ok have to go into a side note here.. this could really be a post of it own lol

 

I am a big fan of old acrylic yarns.. they hold up so well, and some make the best scrubbies.. still have a shawl my mother made me over 30 years ago in great shape..

 the yarn that is suitable for scrubbies has been set aside as a rare find these days I am not willing to part with any of it lol

 

check out some of these labels .. we are talking yarn from the 80's

How cool is that :D

on the inside is a date of 87

I haven't even heard of some of these before..

 

I wanted to do something special with these.. someone held on to them for decades keeping them clean and safe..

 

then it hit me I knew what I wanted to make

 

We lost our Chillie last month, just after his 21 birthday..

 

 

I made my first c2c scrapgan in his honor...

he spent the last few years of his life living it his way..

flat out would not come in except when we could forced him to.. he's some how find a way out within a day or so.. he never left the yard, spent most of his time hunting mice in the garden or enjoying the catnip planted for him.. I made him come in during storms if we could catch him.. he would make it easier when he knew the forth of July or New year was coming.. but not Halloween.. and that was a must be in time for a black cat.. this last year he didn't fight came in on his own.. still got out two days later lol...

I'll post the graph and colors later on

 

I got a bit emotional talking about Chill forgot to include why the scrap ends and the graph tied in...

being the first I've made I was learning as I went along..

 not having a real plan in mind other than a shadow of a black cat with some kind of background .. I just grabbed colors and worked it in as I went..

we live on the side of the Organ mts. and sat out there with Chillie watching the moon rise often .. he would sit by one of the trees ( so we couldn't catch him lol )

after all of the switching of colors to get a changing night sky look I had 150 ends to weave in..

I still need to add a border so there will be a few more.. all added to my now even bigger scrap ball

 

give your fur babies a hug for me and Chill   

Another go at textured scarf

I really like the lemon peel stitch.. really gives a nice over all look so easily .. wanted to give it another go.. in the future I am sure this this will be coming up again lol

This scarf is hade using the same amount of stitches ( link to pattern below ) as the last.. I changed the hook to a H8/5.00 mm..
        quick side note so loving my Susan Bates hooks for loose yarn like this especially

I was going through my yarn bins, when I came across a item I had set aside, as it didn't suit the person I was planning on gifting it to.. a bit dishearten, I just set it aside never finishing it.. such pretty yarn needed another go.. took less time to frog than I was expecting..

I love the way it came out.. supper soft .. the drape is so light and flowing.. this stitch was perfect for it.. I used Red Hearts Boutique Unforgettable in Parrot.. the yarn has since been discontinued sadly.. Their new line of Unforgettable is thicker but just as soft.. might give that a go soon..

link to scarf pattern

Textured crochet scarf

 

 

First post of the new year wow time is flying.. as always we have been keeping very busy.. started going to the big farmers and crafts market in town.. about 300 vendors, even on slow days there are hundreds of people shopping.. love the change up.. costs more to set up of course but so far has proven to be worth it.. been crocheting and knitting over 10 hours a day to keep up.. not leaving much time for crafting for myself, writing down the patterns I am making or even blogging updates..

got me a head cold now.. have no choice but to slow down.. so what do I do with my off time.. that's right play with yarn lol

 

 a sale on Premier's Sweet Roll yarns.. less than half price after taxes... lead me to grab a few..

 

I have only used one of the four I picked up at this point, this is what I found...

 

not a foot into it was the first knot, thankfully only one other

 

 

I wasn't really happy with the color change overs.. nothing smooth about it at all..

 

blotches of color through out, only one large one, rest were only a stitch or less long..

 

 the yarn was very easy to work with.. soft but not fraying soft.. no splitting at all.. nice stretch, bounced back well, good thickness, worked up fast, easy to frog if need be ;)

 

over all wasn't real hot on the color changes ups even though I like the colors themselves,

I liked working with the yarn ... minus the knots..

 

 for a first try of the yarn it wasn't anything that would get me to buy more..

however who knows, the next few cakes may hold another story.. never judge a yarn by one skein alone

Right

 

This is the out come, even with the issues I like the feel and fun look of it

 

                                                        

Textured crochet scarf


245 yds. of worsted weight yarn shown in Premier's Sweet Roll color way Pixie Pop *

Size K 10.5/6.50 mm hook *

Gauge is not essential

Size 8 inches wide by 47 inches long

size can be changed by sticking to a even count of foundation chains plus one turning chain, adding as many or few rows as you like

Written using American terms

Worked in the Lemon peel stitch = sc1, dc1 every row ( a known stitch pattern )


Stitches

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet


1) ch 21

2) sc into second chain from hook, dc next stitch continue with sc one, dc one to end 

3) chain 1, *sc 1, dc1* repeat to end of row 

repeat row 3 until you reach the size you want or run out of yarn

fasten off weave in ends


Tips

each sc will have a dc worked in it, as each dc will have a sc worked in it

you will always end row with a dc


*any yarn can be used with corresponding hook size




 

Shortest day of the year... means each day starts to get a bit longer bringing us closer to warm weather... never been a fan of cold.. to help keep ya'll warmer through the upcoming months until the sun kicks up some heat... all of my patterns are now 25% off


Pattern Sale on Raverly 25%

Everything on Etsy 25% off

now through the end of the year... 12/31/2017 midnight mt. time

Best wishes for a wonderful and warm winter

Chain Two headband

Chain Two Headband

Size I/9-5.50mm hook

approximately 47 yards of worsted weight yarn

one button I used 1/2 inch size

gauge = first three rows shown in photo, main body 4 inches wide





Stitches

ch= chain

sc= single crochet



NOTES

Chain one after each row (turning chain) through out pattern, does not count as stitch. Pattern is worked into the sc's only, skipping the chains in between.



chain 4

1) sc into second ch from hook, sc 2

2) sc twice into each ch ( 6 stitches )

3) sc 6

4-6) sc1, *ch1, sc1* to end ( working only in sc's here and through out )



Main body

this section determines the length of the headband. I made mine to fit approximately 23" ... add or subtract rows to adjust size as desired.



7-51) sc1, *ch2, sc1* to end



Decreases

52-54) sc1, *ch1, sc1* to end

55) sc 6 ( remember to skip chain stitches )

56) sc 2 together three times



Button loop

size can be changed to fit the button you are using by adjusting the chains in between sc's

57) sc1, ch3, skip next sc, sc1 in last sc, fasten off, weave in ends, sew on button.

Pattern by Barbra Szabrowicz, items made with this pattern may be sold.

PDF's can be purchased at
Etsy

Texture Stitch Headband free knit pattern

Texture Stitch Headband

Can be made to any size and width you like by sticking to the multiple of 2+1 for width and knit until as long as you want.
Any yarn will work just use appropriate needle size for said yarn, if unsure check label.

The cool thing about this stitch other than it's ease is it is reversible, not sure which side I like better lol

the stitch is as follows
1) right side: purl
2) k1, *yf, sl 1 purl wise, yb, k1* to end

that's it... super easy

I cast on 19 for this one.. didn't pay attention to gauge or yardage just worked until it was the right size for me and cast off..... seamed it wove in ends and good to go.. super fast ...

Stitches
yf= yarn forward
yb= yarn back
sl= slip one
k= knit
 

online tips

Some random crochet tips worth the watch...


no chain dc

Chainless Starting Double Crochet

linked double crochet

how-to-keep-straight-edges-in-crochet/

Alternative to Crocheting in the Top of the Chain 3

Standing Double Crochet Stitch - an alternative joining method

 

Free patterns and hat sale

I love this time of year.. still warm enough that no jacket s needed but night are perfect for cozy shawls and playing with yarn... about the time of year I start wearing my fingerless gloves at night too.. I keep a pair in my car to year round.. great for grabbing a hot steering wheel..
with this in mind here are a couple of patterns to help enjoy this wonderful time of year..
stop by my Etsy shop to take advantage of my hat sale going on now ( sale ends 10/14/17 )

Etsy shop



Now the patterns...

The larger needle size makes these very quick and easy,great for last minute gift. The ribbing gives them enough stretch to fit a wide range of hand sizes. Beads add a bit of flare but are optional. 


1 by 1’s fingerless gloves 

Both gloves are made the same
Size 10 US dpns needles
Gauge 4.5 stitches by 5.5 rows per inch 
50 yards of sport weight yarn ( for both )
26 size 11 clear seed beads
k = knit
m1 = make new stitch by picking up bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
p = purl
1 by 1 ribbing = knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, repeat. Always purling the purl stitches and knitting the knit stitches. Continue in this manner
** repeat instructions to end of round

Cast on 26 stitches using alternating knit one purl one long tail method after placing 13 beads on thumb side off cast on tail sliding beads in place with the purl stitches, join in the round

1 - 7 ) *1 by 1*

8 ) k1, m1, p1, *1 by 1*

9 ) *1 by 1*

10 - 13 ) repeat rows 8 and 9 twice more

14 - 16 ) *1 by 1*

17 ) Bind off 6 stitches in 1 by 1, *1 by 1* turn ( next few rows are knit flat )

18 ) *1 by 1* turn

19 ) *1 by 1* rejoin in the round knitting

20 - 26 ) *1 by 1*

Bind off in 1 by 1, weave in ends






mindless knit shawl

 I used worsted weight yarn as well as some fun fur and other novelty yarns

the needles were a size 11 US

cast on 5 stitches

1) k1, yo, knit to the last stitch, yo, k1

2 ) knit until the center stitch yo, knit center stitch, yo, knit to end

I kept knitting until I liked the size ..... this one was huge, felt like wrapping up in a cozy blanket ... I have since made them in all sizes.. smaller ones double quite well as a scarf                                                        

bind off and weave in ends

I will admit to putting in a bit of thought but not much lol...... I knew I would be using at lot of different yarns so to keep things even ( sort of ) I added the novelty yarns on the "wrong" side as well as the variegated yarn....
by even I mean, not all of the ends of the added in yarns were on the same side, there for the thickness that weaving the ends adds was on both edges.... in my latter shawls I started to join my yarns instead of weaving in.. so much easier and only two ends to deal with :) see post with video on fast way of joining yarn here not my video but love this method used it often. Work the last stitch of a row before yarn change.. cut yarn very close to end of stitch.. remove stitch and join new yarn.. your new yarn should start at the end or middle of the stitch.. done.. no extra weight, join is hidden in stitch... if you don't mind change overs mid row join before you start to knit shawl ... making the change over random can result in some very interesting projects...  

Egg frying pan

 Been seeing these cute little frying pans with an egg on the handle for some time at department stores... as they were dang near as much as a full sized one saw no point in getting one.. Then we came across one at a dollar store... had to grab one now... LOVE it... makes a two egg omelette to perfection super fast.. Jorden was able to make us each one ( 4 plus one made with a goose egg ) in less time than it normally to make one.. even browning, bits of cheese fully melted through out....

Witch Hat for pets knit pattern

Happy October



Every year our little dog gets a new witch hat. This year I made her one. I don't think she was real happy when we put it on the cat though ; )

Not spoiled at all ; )

Witch Hat for pets

 on Ravelry click here to download from ravelry
6 inches wide with brim, 6 inches tall, approximately
Size 6 US dpn needles set of 6
Gauge 5 stitches by 7 rows per inch ( exact gauge is not essential to this project )
42 yards worsted weight yarn

Stitches
K = knit
Kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
P = purl
* * = repeat instructions between as many times as indicated

Cast on 3 stitches

Kf/b all stitches


Place on 3 dpns join in the round, place marker at beginning of round if needed
1) knit 3 rounds
2) ( kf/b, k1 )x 3
3) knit 3 rounds
4) ( kf/b, k2 )x 3
5) knit 3 rounds
6) ( kf/b, k3 )x 3
7) knit 3 rounds
8) ( kf/b, k4 )x 3
9) knit 3 rounds
10) ( kf/b, k5 )x 3
11) knit 3 rounds
12) ( kf/b, k6 )x 3
13) knit 3 rounds
14) * kf/b, k3* to end
15) knit 4 rounds
16) * kf/b, k4* to end
17) knit 2 rounds
18) * kf/b, k5* to end
19) knit 1 round
20) knit into the back bar ( the purl bump ) from the front, of your knit stitch, then knit the stitch itself, pass the first stitch over the one you knit, to end. This helps firm up the brim as well, being decorative.
21) knit to end
22) *kf/b, k6* to end
23) knit to end
24) purl to end
25) *kf/b, k7* to end
26) purl to end
27) *kf/b, k8* to end
28) purl
29) *kf/b, k9* to end
Bind off, weave in ends.

I made a I-cord about 7 ½ inches ( or to fit under chin ) the last inch of the cord I stockinette stitched. I don’t want any of my pets getting chocked with the hat cord, so I put a snap on the flat end of the I-cord and the other snap to the inside of the brim about a inch in, then sewed the other end of the cord to the opposite side of the brim to form the chin strap.