Crochet Giveaway #11 - Closed

This will be giveaway #11. I will be giving away 4 Crochet World and 2 Crochet Fantasy magazines. The giveaway will run from today June 30, 2009 through July 11, 2009. I will draw the winner the following day. Everyone from any country is welcome to enter.

What are you working on now? I am currently working on my square baby afghan and a flower afghan. Now that I have more time, I am going to start a thread, join as you go project.

Please do not post your personal mailing address in the comment section. That can be e-mailed privately if you are the winner.

1. The giveaway is open everyone around the world.
   
2. In the comment section you can leave a name, nickname or some way that I will be able to contact.
   
3. If you have previously won, I am going to ask that you wait 2 months to participate so everyone has a chance.

I appreciate the great response. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Playlist for Crochet Afghan Pattern Stitches

I have several crochet pattern stitches put together in a playlist. I keep adding to the playlist as I do more video tutorials. Please let me know if you need help finding a playlist. A lot of the other video's are broken down in to categories so it is easier to find them.

This set of stitches will work well for other projects like hats, or handbags, in addition to the afghan.

Air Freshener Crochet Angel Cover

Air Freshener Crochet Angel Cover

Video Tutorial: Air Freshener Crochet Angel Cover

Additional Ideas: This can also be worked in thread. It can be stiffened and used for a Christmas Tree Topper. If you have any little girls in your family, they could use it for a hand puppet.

Written by Teresa Richardson

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials
Size G Crochet Hook
3-ply sport weight yarn or Caron yarn

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
ST - Stitch
SL ST - Slip Stitch
CH - Chain
SP - Space
FPHDC - Front Post Half Double Crochet

Picot (pronounced pi coh) - Chain 3 Slip Stitch in the top of the stitch

Front Post Half Double Crochet - Insert the crochet hook on the front, between the posts of the stitches. Wrap it around the back and up on the other side of the post. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it on around. Wrap the yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Dress
Round 1: Ch 1, pull loop up. Work 16 Half Double Crochet through the loop. Join with the beginning HDC. (16 Half Double Crochet Total)

Round 2: Ch 1, pull loop up. Work 2 HDC in each stitch around, Join with the beginning HDC. (32 Half Double Crochet Total)

Round 3: CH 1, SC in the same ST. *CH 3 SC in the next ST. Continue around from *, join with the beginning SC. (There will be a total of 32 Chain 3 loops with a single crochet between)

Round 4: Slip stitch in to the chain 3 space. CH 1, pull up. Work 2 HDC, CH 1, 1 HDC in each of the next 5 loops, skip 11 loops.Work 2 HDC, CH 1, 1 HDC in each of the next 5 loops,skip 11 loops. Join with the beginning stitch. There will be a total of 10 shell stitches.

Round 5-15: CH 1, pull up. *Work a Front Post Double Crochet(FPHDC) around the first stitch. Work 2 HDC, CH 1, 2 HDC in the CH 1 space. (There will be 10 Front Post Half Double Crochet and Shells in the chain 1 space.)

Edging Round 16: SL ST over to the chain 1 space. CH 6. SL ST in the 3rd CH from the hook. DC, CH 3, SL ST in the top of the DC. (Each shell will have 7 Double crochet and 6 Chain 3 picot between each stitch.)

Head

Chain 4, join.

Round 1: 12 SC in the loop, do not join. This head will be worked in a continual round.

Round 2: 1 SC on ea SC around. (12 single crochet total)

Round 3: *Work 1 SC in ea of the next 2, Work 2 SC in the same stitch. Complete 4 times total from *. (16 SC total)

Round 4-5: 1 SC in ea SC around ( 16 single crochet total)

Round 6: Work 8 SC DEC

Stuff the head with fiberfill. Whip stitch around the 8 stitches and pull the opening closed. Sew the head to the top of the dress.


Wings
CH or Magic Circle
Round 1: CH 4, Work 11 more Double crochet Chain 1 in the loop, join with the beginning chain. (12 Double Crochet Chain 1 total)

Round 2: Chain 4, work a *DC, CH 1 in the next ch 1 space, work another double crochet CH 1 in the next Double Crochet. Continue around from *. (24 Double Crochet Chain 1 total)

Round 3: Chain 4, work a *DC, CH 1 in the next ch 1 space, work another double crochet CH 1 in the next Double Crochet. Continue around from *. (48 Double Crochet Chain 1 total)

Round 4: CH 1 SC in the same stitch, *Chain 4, SC in the next DC. Continue around from*. (48 Single Crochet Chain 4 total)

Fold the wings in half and sew to the back of the dress.

Have a Safe Summer

Truck before Truck After

Our summer has been off to a rocky start. We are very grateful and will see this event from a positive perspective. My husband was T-boned by a woman who ran a red light last Saturday, June 20, 2009. He was not injured. The irony of it all, is that we have had the truck for a week and a half. If he had been in one of our cars, he would have been seriously injured or worse. I strongly believe the truck saved his life. My youngest son Caleb said he had an angel riding with him that day. The other driver was not injured but her car was totaled. Vehicles can be replaced. Please everyone, be safe while driving.

Mesh Crochet Pattern Stitch

Mesh Crochet Pattern Stitch

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Mesh Crochet Pattern Stitch

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
CH - Chain

Row 1: DC in the 4th CH from the hook, DC in the next CH. *Skip 2 chains. 1 DC in ea of the next 2 chains. Continue across from * for the width, ending with 2 DC on the edge.

Row 2: Chain 2 or 3 depending on your starting chain preference. DC in the next DC. *CH 2, Skip the chain space. 1 DC in each of the next 2 double crochet. Continue across from * for the width, ending with 2 DC on the edge.

You can continue with row 2 for the length or add a variation with 2 double crochet in each chain 2 space filling in the blocks. When you add the row of mesh stitches to the top of the double crochet row, the two double crochet should align with the previous double crochet on the mesh row. See Diagram with Red block.

Cluster and Double Crochet Pattern Stitch

Cluster and Double Crochet Pattern Stitch

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Cluster Shell and Double Crochet Combination

This pattern stitch will work for an afghan or scarf.

Abbreviations
CL - Cluster
DC - Double Crochet
CH - Chain

Cluster - Wrap the yarn over your hook, insert through the chain/stitch. Pull yarn through, wrap the yarn over the hook. Pull through 2 loops. Leave the remaining 2 loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert through the chain/stitch. Pull yarn through, wrap the yarn over the hook. Pull through 2 loops. There will be 3 loops on the crochet hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through all 3 loops to complete the cluster.

Cluster Set - This is 3 cluster stitches with a chain 1 between.
Multiple: 10 + 7

I have used a chain of 37 with the swatch example

Row 1: Work 1 DC in the 4th CH from the hook. Work 1 DC in each of the next 3 chains. Skip 2 chains. *Work a cluster(2 Double Crochet Joined), CH 1, Cluster, CH 1, Cluster all in the same chain. Skip 2 chains. Work 1 DC in each of the next 5 Chains. Repeat from * across for the width, ending with the 5 double crochet on the edge.

Row 2: Chain 2 or 3, depending on your starting edge preference. I prefer to chain 2, which will eliminate gaps and uneven edges. Work 1 DC in each of the next 4 stitches. *Work a cluster set(See Abbreviations) in the top center stitch of the cluster set below. Work 1 double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. Repeat across from * for the width.

Continue with Row 2 for the length of the piece you are making.

Majestic Crochet Flower Motif - Bullion Stitch

Majestic Crochet Flower Motif - Bullion Stitch

Video Tutorial: Majestic Crochet Flower Motif - Bullion Stitch

Written by Teresa Richardson

Materials
Size G/4mm crochet hook - Can be made with different size hooks and yarn.
4 ply yarn

Abbreviations
SC - Single Crochet
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Bullion Stitch - This flower wraps the yarn around the hook 7 times. You can do more or less loops.

Chain 5, join

Round 1: CH 1, Work a SC through the CH loop. *CH 5, SL ST in the top of the SC. Work 2 SC through the loop. Repeat 5 time total from *, CH 5 SC through the loop. SL ST to join in first SC. Leave yarn attached to use on the 3rd round. ( 6 chain 5 loops total)

Round 2: *CH 3 Work 5 Bullion stitches through the loop, CH 3, SC in the same loop. Complete 6 times total from *. (30 Bullion Stitches total, 5 in each loop)

Round 3: Pick up the yarn from round 1. Pull the loop up over round 2, pull the working yarn strand through the loop. *Work a SC through round 1. SL ST in each of the next 3 CH's. There are 5 long strands of yarn on the back of the flower petal created by the bullion stitch. Work 2 SC in each strand for a total of 10 across the top of the flower petal. SL ST in each of the next 3 CH's. Complete 6 times total from *. SL ST in the beginning SC.

Counting Stitches for an Accurate Stitch Count - Crochet Tip #54

I always recommend counting crochet stitches. The reason is for accuracy with each row/round. Counting will save time and is a resource to reduce the possibility of ripping out future rows/rounds. The edges of an afghan are the most common place to drop a stitch. Sometimes it is very difficult to see where the stitch should go. It may even look correct as you turn to start the next row. Several rows later you will notice that your afghan is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. This is from missed stitches. Counting will help reduce missed stitches.

I know for those of you with small children there are frequent interruptions and you will lose count. My now grown children are the reason I count. When my kids were small, they would be off doing their own thing, not pay any attention to what I was doing until I would start crocheting. Then they would need a drink or start fighting. You can also count your stitches once the row is complete and the children's needs have been met once again.

I am including a video playlist for Stitch Placement if you need help with where to put your crochet hook through the stitches.

Do you Own a craft Website, Blog or Store you would like to Promote?

Does anyone have their own craft blog or crochet site they would like to promote? I would like to alternate various sites on my Youtube channel to give viewers a broad range of ideas. You can be selling crafts, crochet or showing off your work. Please post the link for the site you own, in the comment section, if you would like to participate.

NOTE: I am also going to post the links to my group on Ravelry and on Facebook.

July 8, 2009 - I will continue alternating links on my Youtube channel once the profile change is complete.

Kids Learning Crochet

In many communities, school is out for the summer in North America. Crochet would be a great and inexpensive way to keep your kids entertained for hours. We all know how kids tend to "out do" adults at times. I can't think of a better way to let them out do us. Not only that, a lot of math is involved that we don't even think about.

Another thought is that crochet would be a great craft for summer camps. If you or someone you know is in need of ideas or links, please comment or write.

Wheel Stitches - Crochet Tip #53

The wheel stitch may be time consuming but it is well worth the work. Keep in mind that crochet pattern stitches can easily be modified to use more or less stitches. If you are working with a wheel stitch that suggests 7 stitches, you can modify it to use 9 stitches instead. The same is true if you want to go from 7, down to 5.

It is not necessary to use the stitch in a demonstration. Maybe you do not want to use a triple crochet so you can use a double crochet instead.

I would recommend doing a pattern swatch to work through your modified version, prior to starting your project. You will want to make sure the modified version is going lay flat and look right. This will give you a small piece to practice through any errors and become familiar with the new modified version prior to starting your project. We all know how disappointing it is to rip because of an error.

NOTE: I have seen the wheel stitch go by several different names which is not unusual for most crochet stitches. The common one is Catherine's Wheel. It also goes by Harlequin Stitch and Jumbo Pinwheel.

Crochet Wheel Stitch Square - Catherine's Wheel

Crochet Wheel Stitch Square - Catherine's Wheel

Video Tutorial: Crochet Wheel Stitch Square - Catherine's Wheel

Crochet Dad has a variation of the wheel stitch square using a wheel stitch rectangle. Great idea Crochet Dad!!!

Written by Teresa Richardson

Joined Stitches - The joined stitches will be done by wrapping the yarn around your hook twice, insert the hook through the stitch, pull the yarn through the stitch, wrap the yarn over your hook, pull through two loops, wrap the yarn over, pull through two loops. Leave the last loop of each stitch on your hook. There will be 5 loops on the hook for the corner joined, 8 loops on the hook for the flat edge joined.

NOTE:

1. The wheel stitch with the back post is a heavier stitch using more yarn. It will make a nice and warm afghan.
2. The wheel stitch square can be modified and used with double crochet.
3. The wheel stitch can be easily modified to use more stitches in each wheel
   

CH 5, Join.
Round 1: *CH 3, work 4 TC joined, CH 1 to secure, CH 3, SL ST in the CH. Complete 4 times total from *. See diagram for stitch placement.

Round 2: * 10 TC in the center eye of the corner joined stitch, SL ST between stitches, Repeat around from *. See Diagram (There will be 4 corner shells at this point. This is the foundation, setting up the square to expand and get larger)

Round 3: Skipping 3 TC on the corner, *SL ST in to the next ST, CH 3, work 4 joined TC across 4 stitches, ch to join, CH 3, SL ST in the same stitch you just completed. Flat Edge Valley - CH 3, Work 7 joined triple crochet across the 3 previous TC, SL ST , 3 TC. CH 3. Repeat from * 4 times total. See Diagram. (There will be 4 corner clusters of 4 TC joined and 4 clusters of 7 TC joined)

Round 4: * 10 TC in the center eye of the corner joined stitch, SL ST between stitches, 6 TC in center joined stitch of the flat edge. Repeat around from *. See Diagram (There will be 4 corner shells with 10 TC and 4 shells on the flat edge of 6 TC)

Rounds 3-4 will be repeated to make the square larger. You can do the traditional triple crochet or a back post triple crochet for the ridge effect as in the image above.

There will be 1 additional wheel stitch on each side as you progress with each round.

Winner of Crochet Giveaway #10

Congratulation to Sandy, winner of giveaway #10.

Linked Crochet Stitch Written Instructions - Tunisian

Linked Crochet Stitch Written Instructions

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Linked Crochet Stitch - Tunisian

This is a tunisian stitch work vertically in horizontal rows. The actual stitches can be made as high or long as you want to make them.

Chain an amount.

Link Stitch Written Description:
Row 1: [*Insert the hook through the chain, wrap the yarn over the hook, pull the loop through. Complete 3 times total from *.] There will be 4 loops on the hook. [ *Wrap the yarn over the hook, pull through 2 loops. Complete 3 times total from *. The first stitch is complete.] The next stitch will be worked under the horizontal bars, [*Insert the hook under the horizontal bar, wrap the yarn over the hook, pull the yarn through. Repeat from * two times total. There are 3 loops on the hook. Insert the hook through the chain, wrap the yarn over and pull through the last loop.] There will be 4 loops on the hook. [ *Wrap the yarn over the hook, pull through 2 loops. Complete 3 times total from *. This is how the remaining stitches will be done for the chain foundation.]

Row 2: Chain 3, [*Insert the hook through the chain, wrap the yarn over the hook, pull the loop through. Complete 2 times total from *.] There will be 3 loops on the hook. Insert the hook through the top of the stitch on the previous row. [ *Wrap the yarn over the hook, pull through 2 loops. Complete 3 times total from *. The first stitch is complete.] The next stitch will be worked under the horizontal bars, [*Insert the hook under the horizontal bar, wrap the yarn over the hook, pull the yarn through. Repeat from * two times total. There are 3 loops on the hook. Insert the hook through the top of the stitch on the previous row, wrap the yarn over and pull through the last loop.] There will be 4 loops on the hook. [ *Wrap the yarn over the hook, pull through 2 loops. Complete 3 times total from *. This is how the remaining stitches will be done for the main section of the pattern stitch.]

Information Label for Crochet Gifts or Merchadise - Crochet Tip #52

Each of us have probably sold a project that we have made at one time or another or given it away as a gift. My suggestion is to inform the recipient that the project is not coming apart if a tail happens to pop out after a wash cycle. You may want to include a simple set of instructions on how to sew the tails back in between the stitches.

Many years ago a friend of mine brought me a afghan that her grandma had made, because she thought it was falling apart. The only thing that had happened was some of the tails has popped out after washing. I knotted, secured and sewed the tails back between the stitches with her watching. I let her know that the afghan was not falling apart and that tails could come out again after a wash cycle. She was very relieved to know that was all it was. After that, she knew how to take care of it herself.

Linked Crochet Stitch - Tunisian

This is a fun stitch to work with. If you are looking for an afghan that is nice and solid with no holes, this stitch may be what you are looking for. It has a nice texture change for each row. It reminds me of a basketweave, just a different variation. The stitches can be made as long as you want to make them. I made a headband out if it and I love it.

Crochet Giveaway #10 - Closed

This will be giveaway #10. I will be giving away a small bag with a handle and drawstring along with 12 bingo dabbers and two hats. 6 Dabbers are not shown. The giveaway will run from today June 2, 2009 through June 7, 2009. I will draw the winner on Monday June 8, 2009. This is limited to the USA as I am unsure of the popularity of Bingo in other countries. I will have more giveaways open to everyone in the future.

Please do not post your personal mailing address in the comment section. That can be e-mailed privately if you are the winner.

Due to a large amount of spam and inappropriate comments on other blogposts, I have had to modify commenting to registered users.

1. The giveaway is open everyone in the USA.
   
2. In the comment section you can leave a name, nickname or some way that I will be able to contact.
   
3. I will also accept e-mail submissions. Please include GIVEAWAY #10 in the subject line. You can e-mail me at: stylish.crochet@gmail.com
   
4. If you have previously won, I am going to ask that you wait 2 months to participate so everyone has a chance.