Join the Sock KCAL!

Today is the first day of the Jems Luxe Fibers Sock Knit and Crochet Along! We are going live on Zoom tonight, March 22nd, and every Tuesday night at 7pm c to learn together how to make the perfect socks. Contact Jems Luxe Fibers on Instagram for the Zoom link.

I have the perfect crochet pattern for the event. Let your favorite hand dyed DK yarn from Jems Luxe Fibers shine with the Vanilla Crocheted Socks. Cozy socks constructed with a traditional gusset and heel turn make a perfect fit. The pattern is free during the KCAL. Download it here!

Knitters can join in as well. You can download Crazy Sock Lady’s DK Weight Vanilla Socks here, also free! Or choose your own pattern. We always have a good time with Judy and Emily on Zoom.

October Offer: Two Free Patterns!

Aren’t these mitts adorable? It gets better… They are warm and squishy and a delight to wear, too! Guess what.

The crochet pattern for these mitts is free for the month of October! But it gets better… You can have another pattern from my library for free for the month of October too! Any pattern!

Here’s how to get them. It’s easy!

1. Download the V-Stitch Mitts pattern here and make yourself a pair.

2. Post a picture of your own V-Stitch Mitts on Instagram. In your post, tag me, @katie_clark_crochet and @jemsluxefibers who dyed the fabulous mini bulkies used in this pattern.

3. Like @katie_clark_crochet and @jemsluxefibers on Instagram.

When you’ve done all three, message me and I’ll send you any one of the patterns listed on my website for free!

Tamagotchi ON: A Perfect Diversion

I’m working on a math heavy pattern right now, and my brain just needed a diversion. So I took a break last night a designed this Tamagotchi ON cozy. Tamagotchis are a cool little diversion themselves. It’s a revival of the 90’s electronic pet. You start with a digital egg and it hatches and grows through different stages of life. But only if you feed it, clean it, and play with it…Every. Single. Day. Or it dies.

It’s fun to play when I’m supposed to be cleaning house or feeding my real kid. Why go through all that when you can do it digitally in a game? The device is a little egg shaped game, and the originals had a keychain attached so you could carry it with you where ever you go. The newest version lacks the keychain, so I needed a cozy that would protect it, make it a little shock resistant, and have a convenience loop to carry it. So here is a quick diversion for you to make for your or your kid’s Tamagotchi.

Tamagotchi ON Cozy

Materials

G hook

Worsted yarn

Rnd 1: In magic loop, ch 6. Do not join; work in spiral.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st.
12 sc

Rnd 3: [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] around.
18 sc

Rnd 4: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts] around.
24 sc

Rnd 5: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts] around.
30 sc

Rnd 6: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts] around.
36 sc

Rnd 7: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 8: Sc in next 3 sts, ch 15, sk 3 sts, sc in next 30 sts.

Rnd 9: Sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sk ch-15 lp, sc in next 30 sts.

Rnd 10: Sc in each st and ch around.

Rnd 11: [Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts] around.
30 sc

Rnds 12 & 13: Rpt last rnd 2 more times.
20 sc

Finish off with invisible finish. Weave in ends.

Oh no! My Tama just died! 😭

Agape Love Shawl Crochet Version and 9 Tips for working with Mohair

Happy Valentine’s Day! Treat your Valentine or yourself to this soft, luxurious scarf designed by Judy Busby at Jems Luxe Fibers and translated to crochet by me, Katie Clark.

Agape Love is an unconditional love that transcends and persists regardless of the circumstance.  Agape is the Greek term for Love – the highest expression of love – a pure and  selfless thing.

This shawl is a fun and quick crochet using minis and mohair.  Every row begins with decreases that shapes this colorful shawl.  Have fun with your colors and let it reflect the love you’ve experienced, how it has shaped and reshaped you.  God’s love for you and me is passionate, pure and beyond anything we’ve ever experienced, accepting us as we are.  He reminds us of our worth and beauty as His daughters.  He loves us with unconditional Agape Love.  God is Love!

Judy Busby, Jems Luxe Fibers

If you’ve never used mohair, you’ll find it takes some patience to work with. So before we get into the pattern, let me give you a few tips for working with mohair.

Tip #1

Use a larger hook or needle to retain loftiness. The wonderful thing about mohair is the silky halo of fiber that surrounds the core. Using a hook or needle that is too small will compact the fibers, negating the effect.

Tip #2

Work loosely. For the same reason as above, use a gentle hand. Or if you have a tendency to stitch tightly, go up another size or two.

Tip #3

Hold with another yarn to add softness, halo & warmth. The fibers aren’t just beautiful. They are very useful for insulating. Used alone, mohair is surprisingly warm. So adding it to another yarn will make your finished piece that much warmer.

Tip #4

Ask your LYS to wind your yarn. Especially if you’ve never used mohair before, because it is so clingy. You don’t want to be frustrated with your yarn before you even begin your project. If you must wind it yourself, try loosening fibers before winding by gently spreading the strands apart to keep them from matting together as you wind.

Tip #5

Do not work cake or ball from inside. I’m a work-the-ball-from-the-inside kind of girl. I do it even when it’s not recommended. Except for mohair. Ever. The fibers pull on each other and you end up with a big mess. Ask me how I know.

Tip #6

Use excellent lighting. This is always important, but especially when using mohair. The halo can make the core strand difficult to see. Good lighting can help and if you really can’t make out your stitches, try holding it up to the light.

Tip #7

Don’t worry so much about mistakes. The halo hides a lot. But if necessary, hold your work up to light to check.

Tip #8

Be patient when taking out stitches. It’s inevitable that you will have to take some out eventually. But try not to get frustrated. Don’t pull so hard that you rip the core, but don’t be afraid to tear fuzz to separate the strands.

Tip #8

Most of all, be patient! It’s is different than any other fiber. But the soft luxurious mohair is worth it!

Now on to the Agape Love Shawl Crochet Version!

Agape Love Shawl

Difficulty
Beginner

Finished Measurements
Approx. 90 inches by 6 inches

Materials
Agape Love Minis and Nimbus Set

or

1 skein Jems Luxe Fibers Nimbus in Ruby Red MC
1 mini skein Jems Luxe Fibers Luxe Sock in each of these colors
Aphrodite CC1
Rubellite CC2
Agape CC3
Ruby Red CC4
Apple of Discord CC5

US Size N (9mm) hook

Tapestry needle

Gauge
3 sc = 1 inch
Gauge not critical

Begin Shawl
Holding MC and CC1 together, ch 270 loosely.

Row 1: Working in back loop of ch, sk first ch, sc3tog, sc across to last 3 chs, sc3tog. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc3tog, sc across to last 3 sts, sc3tog. Turn.

Rows 3 & 4: Rpt row 2.

*Break CC1. Pick up CC2 and hold it together with MC.
Rpt row 2 five times (or as many times as desired if you have extra yarn).

Rpt from * for each mini skein. Finish off both strands. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Terms and Conditions

Patriotism during Hard Times

During this hard time, I want to give some encouragement! Look to your neighbors, friends, and even your social media friends. Together, we are Americans. Whether you look to the future with optimism or hesitancy, remember God is sovereign and America is sustained by His blessing! ❤

Colossians 1:16

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

I wanted to give you this free pattern to support and encourage my fellow Americans. Just so you know, I felt it important to release is as soon as possible, so it hasn’t been tested. Please email me if you have comments or suggestions for this pattern. If you would like to support me to allow me to continue to write patterns, the Patriotic Beanie is also available for purchase as a PDF download.

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
Head Circumference in inches
Baby (Toddler, Child): 14 (16, 18)
Adult S (L): 20 (22)

Materials
1 ball each Knit Picks Stroll (50g/231 yds)
in these colors:
Cobblestone Heather (Gray)
Sapphire Heather (Blue)
Strawberry (Red)
White (White)

10 or more White Star buttons (not recommended for baby or toddler hat)

US Size F (4mm)hook

Tapestry needle

Gauge
22 dc = 4 inches
14 rows = 4 inches

Notes

• For sizing, measure your head and choose the size that is the next size smaller than your measurement.

• Before beginning, I reccommend highlighting the instructions for the size you will be making.

• Ch 2 at beginning of rnd does not count as a stitch throughout.

Crown Shaping

Note: As you work the crown shaping, change to Blue as noted for each size.

Rnd 1: Using Gray and working in magic lp, ch 1 (does not count as a st), 10 sc. Join w sl st to first sc.
-10 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join.
-20 dc

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-30 dc

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-40 dc

Rnd 5: Ch 2, [dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-50 dc

Rnd 6: Ch 2, [dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-60 dc

Rnd 7: Ch 2, [dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-70 dc

For Baby (Toddler) 14 (16), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next 1(2) rnds in pattern using Blue. Then continue to next section.
-80 (90) dc

Rnd 8: Ch 2, [dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in

next st] around. Join.
-80 dc

For Child (18), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next 2 rnds in pattern using Blue. Then continue to next section.
-100 dc

Rnd 9: Ch 2, [dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-90 dc

Rnd 10: Ch 2, [dc in next 8 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-100 dc

For Adult S (20), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next rnd in pattern using Blue. Then continue to next section.
-110 dc

Rnd 11: Ch 2, [dc in next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-110 dc

For Adult L (22), finish off Gray. Join Blue and work next rnd in pattern using blue. Then continue to next section.
-120 dc

Rnd 12: Ch 2, [dc in next 10 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join.
-120 dc

Continue Blue Field

Continuing working in Blue, work even until you have a total of 3 (4, 4) 5 (6) rnds of Blue complete. Finish off Blue.

Red and White Stripes

Note: To change colors, complete last stitch in old color to the last yo. Instead of working yo in old color, draw up the last lp in new color. Do not finish off old color. Instead, run the strand up loosely to the next row.

Rnd 1: Using Red, ch 2, fpdc in first st, dc in next 4 sts, [fpdc in next st, dc in next 4 sts] around, changing to White at the end of last st.

Rnd 2: Using White, rpt rnd 1, changing to Red at the end of last st.

Rpt rnds 1 & 2 until you have 4 (6, 8) 8 (10) rnds of stripes. Rpt rnd 1 once more. Finish off Red and White.

Ribbing

Rnd 1: Using Gray, ch 2, dc in each st around. Join.

Rnd 2: Ch 2, fpdc in first st, bpdc in next st, [fpdc, bpdc] around. Join.

Rpt rnd 2: 2 (2, 2) 3 (3) more times. Join.

Finish off.

Sew buttons in Blue Field as desired. Do not use buttons for Baby or Toddler hat. Instead, use White to embroider lazy daisy stars to Blue Field as illustrated below.

Weave in ends.

Abbreviations

beg = beginning
ch(s) = chain(s)
dc = double crochet
fpdc = front post double crochet
lp(s) = loop(s)
rnd = round
rpt = repeat
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)

Introducing the Kirithra Shawlette

The Kirithra Shawlette is available now! Choose a kit curated by Jems Luxe Fibers to crochet a stunning version of your own. The pattern is included free with the purchase of a kit. Or you can purchase the pattern here.



Once you have your kit or pattern, you can join the Kirithra Shawlette Crochet Along! Starting November 9th, gather with other crocheters in a private Facebook group to share progress, hints and tips, and some much needed community. Look for your invitation to join after you complete your purchase!

Kirithra Shawlette Kits by Jems Luxe Fibers

Find these kits and more at Jems Luxe Fibers

Southern Sweet Tea (MC)
Moldivite & Serendibite (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Taaffeite (MC)
Blackberry Cobbler & Griffin (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Rubellite (MC)
Oceanus & Tourmaline (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Turquoise (MC)
Underworld & The Big Three (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Turquoise (MC)
Aphrodite & Pink Sapphire (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Turquoise (MC)
Morganite & Rubellite (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Graphite (MC)
Amethyst & Benitoite (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Dioptase (MC)
Euclase & Peridot (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Cerberus (MC)
Euclase & Mud Pie (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Copper (MC)
Dioptase & Tourmaline (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Lazulite (MC)
Turquoise & Jade (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Amethyst (MC)
Rubellite & Pink Sapphire (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Jet (MC)
Graphite & Gypsum (CC)

Order now from Jems Luxe Fibers

Order these kits and more at Jems Luxe Fibers!

Summer Blog Hop

It’s Fri-yay! AND…it’s my day for the Summer Blog Hop! Here is today’s free pattern, the Espartina Scarf, a light beachy wrap that features a crochet “drop stitch” motif. It’s available free today, June 26th, 2020, only. But if you missed the promotion, don’t worry! It’s available for purchase all the time on my Patterns page.

Espartina Scarf

I want to thank Jess from SunSandStitch.com for organizing the blog hop. She has one more surprise for you tomorrow, so be sure to check out her page one more time tomorrow! And thanks to the other awesome designers, Creativ Anaviv, Fobas Designs, Potter Productions & Desamour Designs. It’s been so fun!

Game On! Make a better Pom Pom

Pom poms are adorable on a hat or ends of a scarf, so here’s an improvement on a classic. The Game Changer Crocheted Pom Pom!

Why is this pom better?

• It is washable and dryable Because it has no loose ends, as long as your yarn can be laundered, so can this pom pom be laundered.

• It can be made with any yarn Most pom poms are made with wool yarn because the wool fibers cling to each other and keep it from falling apart. This one is made with a crochet chain, so it’s structurally sound. That means you can use any yarn, even a novelty yarn, and it won’t fall apart.

• It’s child proof Do you have a kid that picks at everything? Then you know, if you pick at a pom pom, the pieces fall out! This pom pom cannot be pulled apart.

Now you know you need one! How do you make it? Look no further.

Game Changer Crochet Pom Pom

This pattern makes an approximately 3 inch pom pom. To make a larger pom pom, use longer chain loops in round 2. To make it smaller, use shorter loops.

To make a full pom pom, the sts have to be squeezed in. It can be difficult at the end, but the more chain loops you squeeze in, the fuller the pom pom will be.

Rnd 1: In a magic ring and leaving a long tail, ch 1, 20 sc, join with a sl st to first sc. Pull your magic ring closed very firmly.

Rnd 2: (Ch 10, sl in same st) 4 times. 5 ch lps made. Rpt for each st around.
80 ch lps

Finish off leaving a long tail. Being careful not to tie over any chain loops, tie the tails together very firmly. Use these tails to sew pom pom in place.

Bonus

Here’s a hint for attaching your pom pom to a hat. This is a very firm attachment and there is no knot on the inside to rub against a sensitive head!

Draw both tails through the top of the hat a couple of time. Then draw them back to the outside. Wind the tails in opposite directions a couple of times around the base of the pom pom and tie very firmly. Trim ends to just a little shorter than the the loops of the pom pom.

Need a pattern to attach your pom pom to? Here is my Basic Crochet Beanie Pattern for free!

Zombies are Crap at Knitting

crochet knit icon

But I love stitching them! I made a double knit Zombie Scarf that is sure to keep my brother-in-law warm in the zombie apocolypse!

And, so everyone will be prepared for the impending doom, here are charts you can use for knitting, cross stitching, needlepoint, or any reason you might have for needing to stitch zombies. Included are a zombie head, Crossed Winchester rifles, and a biohazard. If you would like to duplicate my scarf above download the full pattern here. If you have never tried double knitting, you will want to start with a simpler pattern like my Double Knit Scarf pattern. Enjoy!