Tuesday, September 6, 2016

LET THERE BE LACE

LET THERE BE LACE



Designing has become quite the passion with me lately.  Maybe it's because I've wanted to for so long but lacked confidence.  Maybe it's because I've been working with Indie dyed yarn almost exclusively.  Maybe it's because there aren't enough crochet patterns out there that require the use of fine yarn, Indie dyed or not.  Whatever the reason, ideas have been flowing.

I recently sent a pattern up to my test group, a simple crochet lace scarf called Let There Be Lace.


All three of the designs above use a dk or sport weight yarn.  I will say, I designed this for a wool or wool blend, so it may be blocked to open up the lacework.From left to right:

So any dk or sport weight will do.  In fact, you could probably use worsted, but will need more yarn. One of my testers did hers in fingering.  Very lacey indeed!

Whichever you choose, I hope you love it!    And, I'm making it a free pattern!  Yes!  Free!!  Enjoy!!!

What you’ll need:

(1) 100-gram skein DK weight yarn. I used Sueno by HiKoo, 100 grams, 255 yards
Hook size 5.5mm (I)
Needle to weave in ends

Stitches and abbreviations used:

ch        chain 
yo        yarn over
sc        single crochet
dc        double crochet
cl         3 double crochet cluster
st         stitch
sl st     slip stitch

Special Stitches  

3 Double Crochet Cluster:  YO, insert hook into indicated stitch. YO, draw through stitch, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook.  *YO, insert hook into same stitch, YO, draw through stitch, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook*.  Repeat * to* once more. 4 loops remain on hook.  YO, draw through all 4 loops.

Shell: (DC, ch 1, DC, ch-1, DC) in indicated stitch.

Notes:  

This pattern is worked as 2 separate sides.  I wanted the lace stitch to flow the same way on both sides.  
When selecting yarn, the skein yardage will determine how many rows you make on each side.  One suggestion would be to wind 2, 50-gram skeins to ensure you have enough for each side.  Or you may want a longer scarf, in which you might need more than 1 skein.  If you work with worsted weight, you will definitely need at least a skein and ½.   Just as an example, I made another scarf using dk single ply, 240 yards, and instead of 28 rows on each side, I only got 24 2 row repeats, and the length was 60 inches before blocking.  Worked with the Sueno yarn, I got 28 2 row repeats with a length of 72 inches before blocking.    Keep in mind, blocking will open up the lace and lengthen the scarf.


Begin Pattern:

FIRST SIDE:

Starting Chain: Ch 34. (FSC will not work with this pattern).

Foundation Row: (Right side of work) Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1, skip 3 ch.  Make Shell in next ch. Ch 1, skip 3 chs, sc in next ch. *Ch 1, skip 3 ch, Make Shell. Ch 1, skip 3 chs, sc in next ch*. Repeat from * to * 2 more times.  (4 shells and 5 sc).  turn.

Row 1: Ch 6 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3). Skip 1 dc, SC in next dc (top of middle dc of shell in row below).  *Ch 3, work cl in sc of row below, ch 3, SC in next dc (top of middle dc of shell in row below) *.  Repeat from * to * 2 more times.  Ch 3, dc in final sc at end of row. Turn. 

Row 2:  Ch 1, sc in first dc.  *ch 1, work shell in first sc, ch 1, sc in top of cl* Repeat from * to * to end.  Ch 1, sc in 3dd ch of ch-6 sp. Turn 

Rows 3 to 56:  Repeat rows 1 and 2, 26 times.  Fasten off.

SECOND SIDE

Set Up Row:  This row is worked into the opposite side of the starting chain.  Holding right side facing, join yarn to first sc with a sl st.  ch 1, sc in same st.  Ch 1. Skip 3 ch, work Shell in next ch (should be using same ch used for opposite shell).  *Ch 1, sc in next ch as next sc, ch 1, work shell in same ch as next shell*. Repeat from * to * 2 more times.  Ch 1, sc in last sc. Turn.

Rows 1 – 56:  Repeat as for side 1 ending with the same number of rows.  Fasten off.

Block and weave in ends!  Enjoy!

Designed and written by Kim Simpson.  All rights reserved.  Do not copy or distribute this pattern without express written permission from the designer.  You may sell items made from this pattern, however please provide credit to the designer in any listing. © 2016


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Welcome Back

Good Morning!  I've been missing in action for quite awhile.  Life took a different direction for me, but I'm back and committed to providing high quality and frequent posts.

I'd be very interested in suggestions!  Tell me what you want to see, what you want to learn about, what you want to discuss.  I am still in the process of developing this blog, so ALL suggestions are welcome!  I want you, the reader, to be involved, enlightened, entertained, educated, and most of all, to become friends!

As a gift for my long hiatus, I will be posting a link to a free crochet basket pattern.  This has been posted before, but has been revised and updated.  It will also introduce you to my Ravelry store!  I have begun designing again, and I sincerely hope you like what you see!

So grab a hook, wind some yarn, and kick back with me on this new journey!



UTILITY BASKET