Greetings fellow hookers!  It's a beautiful day in Nashville today and I'm way too excited about releasing a couple new patterns.  I've been working with Shannah Harding of Honey Girl Farms (you can find her here>>> https://www.sheepandhoney.com/) on some designs using her fabulous indie dyed yarn and concentrating on designs for both the Outlander and the Game of Thrones series.  Todays releases were for Game of Thrones, and featured yarn from Shannah's House Stark Collection.

I can't decide which is my favorite, so I'll just share them in random order.

The Arya Vest, a bohemian little number designed to be open and flowy.  This pattern calls for 4 to 5 100 gram skeins of Heavy DK/Worsted Weight Yarn in 100 gram skeins.  It is sized from xs to 4xl.  I used the vest worn by Arya Stark (see the photo) as inspiration.  The stitch design imitates the laced together pieces of her vest.  I made it longer to give it that fresh boho look for today's fashions.

You can find the link for the pattern on Ravelry here >>>  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arya-vest

Or if you prefer to purchase from Etsy, the link is here >>> 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/609117869/arya-vest-pattern-only-crochet-pattern

Next up is the Lanna Bolero.  The inspiration for this design is Arya as Lanna in the Fish Market.  Worked in fingering weight yarn, it is light weight and appropriate to be worn in any season.  The pattern calls for 2 to 3 100-gram skeins of yarn, depending on the size you choose and it's sized from xs to 4xl.  

The Pattern link for purchase in Ravelry is here >>>>

 https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lanna-bolero

And to purchase in Etsy, you may do so here >>>>

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/609118887/the-lanna-bolero-pattern-only-crochet

I hope you enjoy making these patterns as much as I enjoyed designing!

Feel free to join our CAL on Facebook.  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/164236950783878/

Or join my Facebook group where you get early access to patterns, and recruit testers!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/135172507207959/

FINE PRINT

All photographs are used as inspiration for the designs and are not owned by myself and belong to the franchise/character in which they represent. None of the designs belong to or are affiliated with any of the fandoms, franchises, or characters for which it is inspired from.

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 2^nd 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

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

It's been almost ALMOST 3 years since I posted anything.  Really does show that as we get older, time really does fly!!! 

Longaberger inspiration baskets

Crochet Earrings

It's been a cold, windy, cloudy day here in the midlands of South Carolina.  Right now it's a whopping 48 degrees!  But, when the 100 degree days get here in a few months I'm sure I'll be wishing for this coolness again!  Spring Fever has a hold on me now!

I wanted to share some designs I've been working on and get some feedback.  I have been trying to make some items quickly so I can begin selling on Etsy, so small things like earrings and hair ties have been my obsession lately.  These are my own designs and I hate to say it, but I am scared to death to put them up for sale!  What if no one buys them?  Does that mean my designs are no good?  Or my color choices?  It's all a learning process and I need to dive in. 

Please share your thoughts, I would welcome all of them.

New Completed Project

ALPINE SHAWL Designed By Cristina Mershon in Cascade Ultra Pima.  http://cascadeyarn.com/patternsFree/DK234_UltraPimaShawl.pdf

I fell in love with this pattern from the second I saw it.  So perfect for spring, and I have the fever bad!  So, I decided to make this for myself.  I had some cotton thread that had been hand dyed for me several years ago that I still had not put to use.  I ended up doubling the yarn and using it.  My version is below.  My neighbor now wants one, in the same color.  Koodoes (sp) to the author for her talented pattern and for her generosity with the share for free!

Good Day!  Today, we got up early and went to several yard sales in the pouring rain!  A couple I looked up didn't open because of the weather, but I sure hit the jackpot at one that did.  The woman having the sale was a retired art teacher and she had a ton of crafty "leftovers" that I scooped up on for cheap!  My boyfriend was not too happy, but he carried it to the car for me anyway...such a gentleman!  I think once I get completely organized and develop my Etsy shop and make some sales that it isn't just more sxxx taking up space (those are his words).  He's a good egg though and does support my efforts.  I can't blame him if he wants to see some fruits of our labor.

I am finding that I am spending a lot of time on researching items I want to make and sell, like getting ideas on Pinterest, and other web sites, as well as trying to learn the whole crux of blogging and building traffic.   I am also not a big chatterbox and generally choose my words carefully or don't speak at all, so I am having to learn how to communicate.  I'm not always silent by any means, but the process of learning over the years that always speaking my mind is not always in my best interest has caused some, well, introversion.  I also just don't think people always want to hear what I have to say.  In the course of my research, I am also reading other blogs, looking at trends of the DIY world, and trying to become more communicative.  Any thoughts or ideas from any one reading this would be very much appreciated, you know, any tips or tricks.  I love to share and will be happy to reciprocate.

Well, thanks for reading.  Hope it's not raining where you all are!  And, just so this post is not so boring, I am including a picture of some hair ties I made the other night.  Hope you enjoy!

Eight Pointed Star Motif Free Pattern

Eight Pointed Star Motif.

This is a small messenger bag made with two of these motifs joined by the strap.  I haven't lined the bag yet, can't seem to find the time...lol.

I've been working on the pattern, testing and retesting, to make sure I had it right before I posted.  (Yes, I'm a little OCD).  I also tried in different colors, and yarn types.  The bag above is made from worsted weight cotton.  I like to use cotton for bags and baskets. 

Please forgive my horrible photography.  Not one of my best talents!  Anyway, this square is made from some leftover yarn, Red Heart Super Saver, but any worsted acrylic or other material will do.

Special Stitches:

2 Double Crochet Cluster (2DCCL):  YO, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO, pull through stitch, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook, 2 loops remain, YO, insert hook into same stitch, YO, pull through stitch, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook twice.

2 Double Crochet Cluster (3DCCL):  YO, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO, pull through stitch, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook, 2 loops remain, (YO, insert hook into same stitch, YO, pull through stitch, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook), repeat (),  4 loops left on hook.  YO and draw through all loops.

Note:  Chain 3 at the beginning of row counts as DC.

Note:  This square is worked in the round.

Yarn Weight:  Any worsted weight

Hook:  I used size "I"

Pattern:

Chain 3, Join with Sl St to first ch.  Ch 3, do not turn (counts as DC here and throughout).

Row 1:  15 DC in circle created by joined ch 3.  (16 DC).   sl st in top of ch 3.  ch 1.

Row 2:  SC in same st as sl, ch 3, *skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl st to first sc.  You will have 8 sc and 8 ch 3 spaces.

Row 3:  Sl st in 1 ch 3 space.  ch 3, 3 dc in first st of ch 3 just made.  *Skip next sc, sl st in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in first st of ch 3 just made.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl st in first sl st.  You will have 8 "star points".

Sl st in each ch of 1st ch 3 of previous row.  You will now be working on the tip of each star point.

Row 4:  Ch 5, *sl st in top of next star point, ch 5.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl st in top of first star point.  Ch 3.

Row 5:  Sl st in first ch 5 sp.  2DCCL in same ch 5 sp,, ch 1, 3DCCL in same ch 5 space, ch 1, twice.  *3DCCL, ch 1 in next ch 5 sp.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl st to top of 2DCCL.  ch 2 (this counts as first HDC of next row).

          

Row 6:  Ch 2 counts as 1st hdc.  Hdc in next stitch (ch 1's count as a stitch), sc in next 7 stitches, hdc in next 2 stitches. Next st should be a star point.  *dc 2 times, ch 2 dc 2 times in same stitch. Corner made.  Hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 7 stitches, hdc in next 2 stitches.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  In last stitch, which should be a star point (all corners should be made in a star point), dc 2 times, ch 2 dc 2 times in same stitch.  Join with sl st in top of ch 2.  Ch 3.

Row 7:  Ch 3 counts as first dc.  DC in next12 sts.  *In ch 2 sp, DC 3 times (corner).  DC in next 15 stitches.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  In last ch 2 sp, DC 3 times.  DC in next 2 stitches, join with sl st to top of chain 3.  ch 1.

Row 8:  Ch 1 in first st (same st as sl st).  Sc in next 13 stitches.  *3 sc in middle dc of 3 dc corner, sc in next 17 stitches.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  3 sc in middle dc of 3 dc corner, sc in next 3 stitches.  Join with sl st to first sc.  Fasten off.



Good Morning.  I am not so good yet at posting here.  I have been obsessed with the actual creation of crocheted items, designing, and surfing the net to get ideas on blogs, selling my handmade creations and figuring out this Google +.

I posted a picture the other day that appeared on my Google + page, but not here on my blog.  I have been unable to figure out how to move it here, so I will make a new post.

One of the motifs I have been working in is the 8 Pointed Star.  I featured it earlier in the blog but never followed through.  This particular block was made into a purse by creating another block and attaching with a handle.  It needs to be lined.

I worked the pattern again perfect it for acrylic yarn (the above being made with cotton) and added color.  So what do you think?  I am in the process of updating the written pattern with step by step picture.  As soon as that is finished, I will post - probably by tomorrow.  Thanks so much for looking!

The Long Awaited Larger Basket!

So many of you have been so patient.  Well no more patience required.  I was a little overwhelmed at the response I received from my first postings.  Thanks to allfreecrochet.com for posting my patterns!

Unfortunately, I didn't realize that some folks would be requesting more or would even look at my blog to begin with!  Many, many thanks to all who downloaded my pattern and left such wonderful comments.  I promise to be more vigilant with my postings!

Pattern writing is new to me.  I have always been able to "whip something up" as I needed or wanted it, but I had never attempted to write it down.  I sincerely hope that there were nor will there be any problems reading the patterns I share, but if there are, please let me know and I will make corrections!!!

Well, on to the pattern for the larger basket.

The first basket I posted was small and a little more colorful than the larger one, but feel free to make any color changes or combinations as you like.  I worked the larger basket with 4 strands of worsted weight yarn held together, so the sky's the limit with color.

There really isn't any guage, but the approximate dimensions of the larger basket, let's call it the seaside basket because of the color, are 11 inches wide by 6 inches tall.  Changing the number of strands of yarn, the weight of the yarn or the hook size will change the dimension of your basket. 

SEASIDE BASKET

Materials:

4 strands of worsted weight yarn (I used cotton, but acrylic will also work)
Size P crochet hook.

Bottom:

Begin with ch 4 (I found this too big to use the magic loop) and sl st in 1st stitch of ch to form a loop.  Ch 1

Row 1:   8 single crochet in the beginning loop, join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 2:   Sc 2x's in each sc around, (16sc).   Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 3:   Sc in first sc, 2 sc in next sc around (24sc).   Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 4:   Sc in first 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (32 sc).  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 5:   Sc in first 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (40 sc).  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 6:   Sc in first 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (48 sc).  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 7:   Sc in first 23 sc, 2 sc in 24th st, sc in next 23 sc, 2 sc in last stitch (50 sc).  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Sides:

Row 1:   In back loops only, sc in each stitch around.  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 2:   Sc in each st around.  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.  Repeat this row 7 more times, or until you are about 2 inches from desired heigth of the basket.

Rim:

Row 1:   Ch 8.  sc in next sc.  skip next 5 sc, sc in next stitch and in each of the next 19 stitches (20 sc).  Ch 8.  skip next 5 sc, sc in next stitch and in each of the next 19 stitches.  Join with sl to top of first sc.  You should have 20 sc, 5 skipped sc, 20 sc and 5 skipped sc.  The chain 8 on each side forms the handles.

Row 2:  Sc in each stitch around, including each ch (56 sc).  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.

Row 3:  Reverse sc in each stitch around.  Join with sl st in top of 1st sc.  Cut yarn and pull through last loop.  Weave in ends and you are done!

Hope you enjoy!

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Magic Circle - Crochet

Hope everyone had a great 4th!  Time to get back to reality.  I have been looking for the perfect summer tank pattern to use with some Sinfonia cotton yarn and I believe I have found it.  In the summer issue of Crochet Today  www.crochettoday.com, there is a pattern for the Kerala Tank, by Dora Orenstein. 

Pictures of the top portion of the project are posted below. Unfortunately, I have had to frog the pattern several times. This is no reflection on the author, just seems the older I get the harder it is to keep count of stitches!  I will post my progress...