How to Crochet A Curlicue

Crocheting culicues are one of the most simple and fun things I've made in a while...oh and they are addicting too!


For this I'm using an H hook and some worsted weight yarn I had laying around (here's a hat pattern for you I made a while back with this yarn)

To begin, make a chain as long as you would like your curlicue to be plus 3 chains (the one shown here is 20+3),

Then make one dc in the 4th chain from the hook,

In the same chain, make another dc...

Now make 3 dc in each chain until you get to the end (here is how it looks about halfway through),

See the curlicue starting to emerge?  Now keep going until you reach the end!

Love it!  Now you can put your curlicues on blankets, as an alternative to fringe on a garment, and one Fiber Flux reader said she even put a few on top of a child's hat...super cute!

Hard Working Dishcloths...

A few years ago, I made these:

After scrubbing, wiping, being washed, going through the dishwasher (yes you can do this!) they are looking a bit worn, OK a lot worn.  While still functional and perfectly usable...I tend to keep things well past their prime, can anyone relate?  Nevertheless, it is amazing to see their transformation.

I love handmade dishcloths!  They are tough, pretty, and all of those lovely stitches make really effective "scrubbies" for cleaning...crochet and knitting alike.  Plus I need to be surrounded by handmade things at all times...there's a warmth and comfort in it, you know what I mean?

Ravellenic Games 2012: Project 1

Here's my first project for the Ravellenic Games 2012...I began these a while ago and have never finished them.


They are knitted in Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran weight wool on US 7 DPNs.  I have one mitten complete minus thumb and the beginnings of another right up to the thumb gusset.


While the yarn is one of the most buttery soft, squishiest stuff I have ever used, I will be sadly frogging them as part of the "frogging trampoline" event.  I have made these once more and they just feel too snug!  Perhaps I will re-knit them with a size 8 next time?


I love the simplicity of them and the soft wasabi green is so lovely, but it just didn't work out this time!  On to other things!


PS this is the "before" picture...when I get up the courage to pull them apart, I'll show you and "after" picture.  Is it odd I like to take pictures of and look at pictures of piles of unruly yarn? ;)

Cheers for the Ravellenic Games 2012!!

Calling all stitchers...the Ravellenic Games begin today!  For those of you who are not familiar with this (extremely) fun and engaging event, the Ravellenic Games (newly renamed) is something Ravelry has created for Ravellers to knit and/or crochet (or spin if that's your thing) alongside the 2012 Summer Olympics being held in London this year.


There is a mass cast on during the Opening Ceremonies and you can join a team and participate in 32 events such as:


Afghan Marathon
Cowl Jump
Sock Put,
and 
Single Skein Sprint to name a few!  Such clever names...be sure to check them all out.


This year I plan on frogging two projects for the "frogging trampoline" event, the beginnings of a sock and a pair of mittens almost completed...I love them both but I have different plans for the sock yarn, and the mittens are just a bit too snug for my liking...so sad to frog things, but hey, sometimes things just don't work out!


For the "WIP Wrestling" event...even though I have so, so many unfinished things laying around, I plan on finishing a scarf that I started long ago and matching mittens in a pretty brown tweed.


I'm going to snap some photos of all this later this morning when the sun makes her debut...

Definitely check out the Ravellenic Games, here's the link to the informational page they have set up, loaded with instructions on how to participate, the different events, and lots more:


Ravellenic Games 2012

How to Crochet Mitered Squares

Crocheting mitered squares is a simple way to make a square that is a bit different from your usual crocheted square. Worked from the bottom left corner and upwards, it is a striking way to add interest to blankets, scarves and lots more!



It can be worked in single crochet like the purple square shown in the tutorial below, or double crochet like the variegated squares above. Try working a square in treble crochet too!

Here's the pattern for you to have it all together, but we'll go step by step too:



ch 2
3 sc in second ch from hook
ch 1, turn, sc, 3 sc, sc
ch 1, turn, sc 2, 3 sc in same space, sc 2
ch1, turn, sc 3, 3 sc in the same space, sc 3
...and so it goes in this sequence...
So the next two rows would look like this:
ch1, turn, sc 4, 3 sc in the same space, sc 4
ch1, turn, sc 5, 3 sc in the same space, sc 5

Keep going as long as you wish, until your square is as big as you want it to be...that's it!

So let's go through each step together now...

(By the way, I'm using an H crochet hook and some worsted weight yarn)

Begin by making 2 chains...



Work 3 single crochet in the second chain from hook,



Then chain 1, turn and single crochet in the first space, work 3 single crochets in the next space, then a single crochet in the next space.



Chain 1, turn, single crochet in the first space, single crochet in the next space, 3 single crochet in the next space, single crochet in the next space, single crochet in the last space.



As you can see, we are starting to form a predictable sequence for our little square, so for this row, chain 1, turn, one single crochet in each of the next three spaces, 3 single crochet in the next space, then one single crochet in the last three spaces...



and here it is with a few more rows finished to show you what it will look like.



There you have it! These look especially pretty done in variegated or hand painted yarns, and you could join some together to make a lovely blanket or scarf.

Summer Stitching Round Up!

With all the heat, I'm not quite ready to get going on super bulky things...just yet....With the last few weeks (more or less depending on where you live) of hot temperatures ahead, here are some projects that are either made with cool cotton or are small and portable for road trips or sipping lemonade on the porch.

These will add some summery cheer to any kitchen...
Kitchen Lovelies (Crochet)

As well as this guy...
Fabulous Fish Dishcloth (Crochet)

Too hot to play outside? Stay in and play with these instead!
Play Kitchen Potholders (Knitting)

Knitted in cool organic cotton, this is the perfect hat for warm weather babies...
Baby Bear Newborn or Preemie Hat (Knitting)

And for your fabulous summer travels...
Luggage Blossoms (Knitting)

Too hot for yarn? Make some stitch markers to gear up for cool weather knitting...
Recycled Stitch Markers (For Knitting or Crochet)

These are so tiny and fast, your hands won't have time to get hot!
Tiny One Round Hearts (Crochet)

Nothing is more portable and fun than a granny square, a great way to make a blanket in the summer...stitch now and join the squares later when it's cooler outside!
Classic Granny Square (Crochet)

More knitting patterns here!


More crochet patterns here!

Free Crochet Pattern...Blueberry Pie Scarf!

The Blueberry Pie scarf is an easy and quick to crochet project that gives a nod to a fabulous summery dessert.  The color evokes rich purpley-blue pie filling, while the design is similar to a classic lattice pie top.  Perfect project for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike!

Blueberry Pie Scarf
By Jennifer Dickerson

Sizing:

• Width: 4.5 inches
• Length: as long as you want...the scarf pictured here is 60 inches long

Materials:

• K Crochet Hook (6.5 mm)
• 1-2 Skeins of Lion Brand "Tweed Stripes" yarn in the Orchid colorway (or similar weight yarn) Note: the scarf shown is 60 inches long and used exactly one skein of the yarn.  If you desire a longer scarf, use more than one skein.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Instructions:

Ch 15

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, ch1, 1 dc in next ch, *skip 1 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch, rpt from * to last two chains, skip next ch, 1 dc in last ch, turn.

Row 2: ch 3, skip first dc, *1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in ch 1 space, skip 2 dc, rpt from * skip last dc, 1 dc in 3 ch (turning chain). Turn.

Repeat row 2 until desired length.

© Jennifer Dickerson 2013
Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only.  In addition, if you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog (including other languages).  Thank you!

Free Crochet Pattern...Kitchen Lovelies!

Are they trivets? Coasters? Dishcloths? Yes, yes, and yes!  These pretty and functional little numbers will be your go-to item in the kitchen, whether you grab a few to protect your table or use to fabulously wipe up a spill, they are hardworking yet beautiful accessories for any kitchen that needs a little handmade loveliness!

This pattern includes instructions for a basic round with four different and easy to stitch edgings.

Kitchen Lovelies

By Jennifer Dickerson

Materials:

• H Crochet Hook (5.0 mm)
• Small amounts of cotton yarn 
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Sizing:

• 6.5 and 7 inches

To begin, start with a basic round:
Foundation: Chain 6 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
Round 1: Make 12 dc into center of ring, join with a sl st to join round.
Round 2: Ch 2, *2 dc into the next stitch, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: Ch 2, *1 dc into next stitch, ch 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: Ch 2 *2 dc into the next stitch, repeat from * to end of round.
Fasten off...now on to the edgings!



Open Picot Points Edging...

Round 1 (shown here in pink): Tie on a new color and in each space, sc around the whole circle in each space.  Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Round 2 (shown here in purple): Tie on a new color and ch 4, skip the next 2 spaces, then in the next space, sc and ch 4, skip 2 more spaces, and in the next space, sc and ch 4.  Continue in this manner all around until you reach the end and  join with a slip stitch.  

Round 3: With the same color as round 2, in one of the loops you've just made and in that space sc, sc, sc, ch 2, sc, sc.  Repeat this step in each loop space all around.  Join with a sl st, fasten off and weave in any ends.

Soft Waves Edging...

Round 1 (shown here in purple): Tie on a new color and in each space, sc around the whole circle in each space.  Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Round 2 (shown here in pink): Tie on a new color and in the first space, ch 2, dc, sc all in the same space *and in the next space sc, next space sc, next space sc, then in the next space sc, dc, sc all in the same space* Repeat from * all around.  Join with a slip stitch, fasten off and weave in any ends.

Pointy Ruffles Edging...

Round 1 (shown here in blue): Tie on a new color and in each space, sc around the whole circle in each space.  Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Round 2: (shown here in green):Tie on a new color and in the first space sl st, in the next space sc, ch 3, sc all in the same space.  Repeat this sequence all around the circle.  Join with a slip stitch, fasten off and weave in any ends.

Classic Scallops Edging...

Round 1 (shown here in green): Tie on a new color and in each space, sc around the whole circle in each space.  Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Round 2 (shown here in blue): Tie on a new color and ch 3, 4 dc all in the same space, *skip the next space, in the next space sl st, skip the next space, in the next space 5 dc all in the same space.*  Repeat this sequence from * to the end, all around until you reach the end of the round.  Join with a sl st, fasten off and weave in any ends.

I hope you enjoy these...I made several for a friend for a house warming gift, and I just know that I will be able to crochet some up whenever I need a pretty little gift in a pinch.

© Jennifer Dickerson 2013

Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only.  In addition, if you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog (including other languages).  Thank you!

Giving these as a gift? Here's a quick little tutorial on how to tag and wrap them up!

More free crochet patterns here!