Tag: yarn

Teacher Gift: Soup Bowl Cozy

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The turkey is eaten and now we are diving straight into the Christmas season. It’s time to gather gifts for everyone special in your life. I like to shop for presents. (I’m almost done already!) But some gifts are homemade.

Teachers are one of the most special people in my life. I know how hard that job is. I appreciate all the people pouring themselves into my kid. So I like to show my gratefulness with a handmade crocheted gift.

I have a couple of rules for teacher gifts.

  1. It has to be unique. I want it to be something they can’t find anywhere else. So I try to make an original design every year, or at least adapt something so it’s truly special.
  2. It has to be something I would give a friend. No nose warmers or kitchy stuff. If it’s decor, it should be beautiful. If it’s functional, it should be useful and beautiful.
  3. It has to be quick. I wish I had time to make a sweater for every person who impacts my life and makes it fuller. But I don’t have that kind of time. My kid has 16 (what?!) teachers, helpers, coaches, etc. so my goal is a 30-60 minute make.
  4. The most important rule: It can’t be about teaching. Your kid is surprised to see his teacher in the grocery store, but you and I know she is a person-who does other things besides teach. I promise after the first year of teaching, your kid’s teacher has a lifetime’s worth of “World’s Greatest Teacher” mugs and pencil holders with apple motifs. The gifts that stand out show appreciation for the teacher as a person.

This year, I designed a soup bowl cozy. The shape is like a quilted soup bowl hot pad someone made for me. It comes up and around the bowl to protect your hands from a hot dish. It will perfectly fit a large Corelle cereal or soup bowl.

I hope during the holiday break, loved ones can cozy up by the fire with a hot bowl of chili or hearty soup and veg out to Christmas movies. Make some for teachers and friends. Send them to distant family members you want to hug. Make a few for your own family to have ready for a warm winter meal.

Soup Bowl Cozy

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
7 inches x 7 inches x 2 inches

Made to fit a large (6″) Corelle soup or cereal bowl

Materials
40 yds super bulky (#6)
Hook size US N (9mm)
Samples shown using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. I got 2 cozies out of each ball.

Gauge
9 sc/10 rnds = 4×4”/10x10cm

Notes

  • Pattern is written in US terms and
    Imperial measurements.
  • Work instructions in brackets [ ] the number of times indicated.
  • For a more finished look, instead of a standard sc3tog work it as follows: Insert hook in the next front loop 3 times and pull up a loop, yo and pull through both loops on the hook.
  • Find standard abbreviations here.

Bowl Cozy

Rnd 1: 8 sc in ML. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
8 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next st] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
16 sc

Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
24 sc

Rnd 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 5 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 5 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
32 sc

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 7 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 7 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
40 sc

Row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 3 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 3 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 3 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
40 sc

Row 7: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 9 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 9 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
48 sc

Rnd 8: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 4 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts, sc3tog, sc in the next 4 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
48 sc

Rnd 9: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 11 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 11 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
56 sc

Rnd 10: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 13 sts, [3 sc in the next st, sc in the next 13 sts] 3 times, sc in the same st as the first sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
64 sc

Weave in ends. Block as desired.

LTL Baby Bonnet

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Shown with Ruffle Brim

My friends at Let Them Live help women in difficult times facing hard decisions. According to the website, 73% of women have abortions because of financial burden. “No mother should have to choose between paying bills or her baby’s life.” Support from Let Them Live allows moms to choose life for their babies. The children born with the help of Let Them Live celebrate new life with the mothers by giving handmade gifts such as blankets, hats, and clothing.

You can support this organization financially by going to their website and offering a donation or pledging monthly support. My maker friends can also help by making items for donation. For details and questions about making baby items, contact Amy (IG prolifeknitter) at amy.d@letthemlive.org.

Here is a pattern for a cute baby bonnet they would love to gift to a mom and her baby. After you make some for Let Them Live, you can make more for your family and friends, church and local charities. I hope this is a pattern you will return to time after time for an heirloom to celebrate new life!

Shown with Scallop Brim

LTL Baby Bonnet

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
Newborn (6-12 Months, 12-24 Months, Toddler, Child)
Crown measures 14 (15, 16, 17, 19) inches

Materials
Any yarn (recommend worsted or smaller)
Hook appropriate for yarn
Samples shown using DK (#3) yarn and US G hook (4mm)

Gauge
20 dc/10 rnds = 4×4”/10x10cm (not critical)

Notes

  • Pattern is written in US terms and
    Imperial measurements.
  • Pattern was tested using DK weight yarn, but yarn weight and gauge is not critical because instructions are all given in measurements rather than stitch count.
  • Work instructions in brackets [] the number of times indicated.
  • Find standard abbreviations here.

Crown

Rnd 1: In Magic Loop, 10 sc. Join to the first st with a sl st.
10 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st throughout), 2 dc in each st around. Join to the first st with a sl st.
20 dc

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [2 dc, dc] around. Join to the first st with a sl st.
30 dc

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [2 dc, dc in the next 2 sts] around. Join to the first st with a sl st.
40 dc

Continue increasing as established until Crown measures 4.5 (4.75, 5, 5.5, 6) inches across. You will have a multiple of 10 sts.

Last Rnd of Crown: (This is now the RS) Ch 1, working in the blo sc in each st around. Join to the first st with a sl st. Turn.

Brim

You will now work in Rows.

Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in the first st, [ch 3, sk next 3 sts, sc in the next st] until approximately 1.5 (1.5, 2, 2, 2.5) inches are left unworked. The number of stitches unworked does not matter. Turn.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as a dc throughout), 4 dc in the next ch-3 sp, [sk sc, 4 dc in the next ch-3 sp] across to the last sc, dc in the last sc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, ch 3, sk next 4 sts, [sc between the 4th st of one set of dcs and the first st of the next set, ch 3, sk next 4 sts] across to the last st, sc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until work measures 2.25 (2.5, 2.5, 2.75, 3) inches from Magic Loop or until desired length.

Choose a Ruffle or a Scallop for finishing.

Ruffle

End Brim with a Row 2.

With WS facing and working in the blo, sl st in each st across Brim. Turn.

Ch 4, working in the blo of the last row of the Brim (this is the loop opposite from the sl st row), tr in the same st, 2 tr in each st across. Finish off.

Scallop

End Brim with a Row 3.

Sl st in first st, [4 dc in ch-3 sp, sl st in the next st] across. Finish off.

Ties

The ties are made with a crocheted I-cord. If you prefer, you can use a simple chain or sew on a knitted I-cord instead.

Create a crocheted I-cord as follows. Leaving a 48-inch long tail, make a slip knot. * Make a loop on your hook by bringing the long tail over the hook front to back, yo with working yarn, and pull through both loops. Repeat from * until I-cord measures 12 inches.

Drop the long tail. With RS facing, sc evenly along the left edge of Brim, sc in each unworked st on the Crown, sc evenly along the right edge of the Brim.

Pick up a second 48-inch strand and continue making an I-cord for 12 inches.

Finish off. Weave in ends. Block as desired.

Tech edited by Fiat Fiber Arts.

Light Up the Holidays!

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Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Add a little (or a lot!) of sparkle to your festive decor with decorative lanterns inside and out. Or make some last-minute gifts for family, friends, and teachers. These lanterns are awesome because they are so quick to make. It takes me less than 2 hours to make one!

The filet crochet designs shown below of a Christmas star, tree, and snowflake are fun to make and are included in the pattern download. You can even share your creativity by designing your own chart! The instructions for making your own design are also in the pattern.

I love Christmas presents. Can I give you a Christmas present?? Below you can find the pattern for the Peppermint Stripe Lantern shown at the top left. I will leave it here for a limited time through Christmas. You can purchase the entire pattern including the filet crochet designs by visiting the Quart Jar Lantern page. And don’t forget to pop onto the Patterns page to find a pattern to gift a friend or yourself! Merry Christmas!!

Peppermint Stripe Lantern

Difficulty
Advanced Beginner

Finished Measurements
Lantern sleeve covers a 1 quart canning jar

Materials
Worsted weight mercerized cotton
(Fundamental Cotton in Lipstick Red by
Yarn Bee: 3.52 oz/164 yds), approx. 80-100 yds
US Size F/5 (3.75mm) hook
Tapestry needle
1 Quart canning jar
LED Puck light

Gauge
18 dc/9 rnds = 4×4”/10x10cm

Notes

  • Pattern is written in US terms and
    Imperial measurements.
  • Gauge is very tight to create a dense
    fabric that will block light. To make
    the design show up and contrast well,
    work chs a little looser compared to
    gauge.
  • Beginning ch 2 does not count as a
    stitch throughout.
  • The first st of every row is worked in
    the same st as the join.

Base

Ch 2.

Rnd 1: Work 8 sc in the second ch
from the hook, join with a sl st to the
first sc.
8 sc

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a
st), work 3 dc in each st around, join
with a sl st to the first dc.
24 dc

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [2 dc, dc in the next st]
around, join.
36 dc

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [2 dc, dc in the next 3
sts] around, join.
45 dc

Rnd 5: Ch 2, working in the blo
around, [2 dc, dc in the next 8 sts]
around, join.
50 dc

Peppermint Stripe

Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in the first st, dc in
the next 6 sts, [ch 2, dc in the next st,
sk 2 sts, dc in the next 7 sts] 4 times,
ch 2, dc in the next st, sk the last 2
sts, join with a sl st to the first dc.
40 dc, 5 ch-2 sp, (each repeat has 7
dc, 1 ch-2 sp, 1 diagonal dc)

Rnds 7-15: Sl st in the next 2 sts, ch
2, starting in the same st as the last
sl st [dc in the next 5 sts, 2 dc in the
ch-2 sp, ch 2, fptr around the post of
the diagonal st on the rnd below (that
is the st right after the ch-2 sp), sk 2
sts] 5 times, join to the first dc.
35 dc, 5 ch-2 sp, 5 tr (each repeat has
7 dc, 1 ch-2 sp, 1 tr)

Rnd 16: Ch 2, [dc2tog 3 times; work-
ing in the next st and the ch-2 sp,
dc2tog; working in the same ch-2 sp
and the top of the tr, dc2tog] around,
finish off with an invisible join.
25 dc

Finishing

Weave in ends.

If desired block as follows. Soak for
at least 20 minutes and press excess
water out with a towel. Stretch over a
1 quart canning jar and allow to dry.
I don’t recommend using a real flame
in this lantern because the cover is
flammable. I recommend using a bat-
tery operated LED light.

Get the full version!

Join the Sock KCAL!

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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.

Will You Be My Galentine?

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February 13th is Galentine’s Day and it’s the day to honor the girls that stand beside you through thick and thin! Celebrate your Bestie on Galentine’s Day with the Claddagh Crochet Hat.

The Claddagh is one of Ireland’s most recognized and precious images. Two hands embracing a heart adorned with a crown symbolize the purity of a cherished relationship. Little hearts adorn this hat to remind you of that cherished love. Choose a single skein of Monstrous Bulky from Jems Luxe Fibers or use one of their Monstrous Minis curated color collections like Aphrodite shown here in reds and pinks. Create this hat for your favorite lady or girl-it comes in two sizes!

New Year, New Yarn, New Pattern

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Don’t you love a new year? New beginnings, a fresh slate…new projects! I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I make a new WIPs (works in progress) box. Everything from last year gets sorted and prioritized. And then I can start making room for the new projects in the coming year.

I hope you are having fun dreaming of what your next next project is! That’s always the best part, isn’t it? And I’ve got some super cute patterns coming your way in the next few weeks for you to drool over. The first patterns are from a collaboration with Forbidden Fiber to spread Random Acts of Kindness. Bookmark this page, because I’ll release a new pattern from the collection every few days until all five have been revealed. Then make available the Random Acts of Kindness Ebook featuring all five patterns at a discounted price. I hope you love them as much as I had fun designing them. Please take the opportunity to spread a little love this year!

Pattern #1

Kissing Hand Mitts

Precious mitts for a precious child, inspired by the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. The “kiss” can be emblazoned on the back of the hand or hidden in the palm.

Pattern #2

Winner Cup Cozy

Tell your Best Friend they are a Winner with this cup cozy, then make a complimentary
version for yourself! The fun motif is reminiscent of early TV game shows.

October Tricks make November Treats!

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I had a lot of fun partnering with Jems Luxe Fibers for their Trick or Treat advent box in October! I may or may not have been directly responsible for one of the tricks. I can admit, I am directly responsible for one treat: the crochet pattern included in the kit, the Winter Twilight hat! The pattern really shows off Jems’ stunning color palette that tells the story of the three witches of mythology who had to share an eye!

So now, the tricks of Halloween can be your treat! The pattern is great for any of the Monstrous Mini bulky sets from Jems Luxe Fibers. Check out the version below using the Apollo Collection. The blues and whites are perfect for ushering in winter snowfalls. And the Star Stitch detail evokes thoughts of twinkling stars in the clear cold night or snowflakes on a sunny winter day.

I hope you enjoy this trick-turned-treat!

Winter Twilight Hat using Monstrous Minis in the Apollo collection from Jems Luxe Fibers

Knitting a Top Down Sweater: Dividing for Sleeves

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When you are knitting a top down sweater like a yoke or raglan pattern, after you complete the shoulders and top of bust, you will separate the sleeve stitches from the body stitches. The sleeve stitches will be held unworked as you finish the body down to the waist.

Joining the front and back of body creating a sleeve

In the Fireworks pattern by Olive Knits, at the beginning of the round you will work a few extra stitches before you separate the body and sleeves. This is because your BOR (beginning of round) is at the top of the shoulder and you must first work to the stitches that will be under the arm. Where you place your first marker is going to be the new BOR. Then you will continue by working a certain number of stitches for the front, slipping the appropriate number of stitches for one arm PURLWISE onto waste yarn, adding a few stitches under the arm, working a certain number of stitches for the back (this brings the front and back together), slipping stitches purlwise for the other arm, adding stitches for under the other arm, and joining the back to the front.

For other top down patterns, the process is the same, but the position of the BOR will change the process a little. A well written pattern will give exact numbers of stitches to work and slip and in what order.

Most patterns suggest holding sleeve stitches on waste yarn. But if you have extra cables you can use those instead. It is important that you use a generous length of waste yarn or a long cable so it will be easy for you to try on your sweater. That’s one of the big advantages of making a top down sweater!

To slip stitches to waste yarn, you will need a tapestry needle and a generous length of waste yarn. (See images below) I recommend using a contrasting yarn in a lighter weight than your work. Thread your waste yarn on your tapestry needle, but don’t knot it. Slip stitches PURLWISE onto the tapestry needle the same way you would slip them from the left to the right needle. Continue working your stitches down your waste yarn, but don’t let them fall off the other end! When you have the appropriate number of stitches slipped for one sleeve, tie the ends of your waste yarn together so you don’t drop the stitches. Be sure to leave plenty of room for you to try on your sweater.

If you are using cable needles, use any needle size smaller than what you are knitting with. This keeps from stretching your stitches and changing the gauge. Slip stitches PURLWISE from the left needle to the new cable being careful to not let them slip off the other end. Secure your needles together so stitches won’t fall off as you are working the body. Be sure to use a cable long enough to allow you to try on your sweater!

My favorite way to hold sleeve stitches is on an interchangeable cable so the needles don’t get in the way. For this technique, you will need:

  • an extra cable long enough to allow you to try on your sweater
  • a needle any size smaller than what you are knitting with
  • something to secure your cable, like a connection piece or stoppers

Attach the needle to one end of the cable and a connection piece or a stopper to the other end. Slip your stitches PURLWISE as described. Then replace the needle with the other end of the connection piece or the other stopper.

After your sleeves are separated from the body, you are ready to work the rest of the body! You will come back to the sleeves after the body is complete.

Find more details on the Fireworks KAL here.

Slipping stitches purlwise onto waste yarn
Backward loop cast on under the arm
Add marker between 2 cast on stitches to mark the center under the arm
Materials for holding stitches on an interchangeable needle cable
Slipping stitches onto a cable

Welcome to the Fireworks KAL!

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This is your Olive Knits Fireworks Sweater Headquarters! Here, you can find links to everything you need to participate in the Fireworks Knitalong throughout the month of July. Let us know you are knitting with us by signing up here. If this is your first sweater, great! I’ll also have a variety of resources available to you to make it fun and easy.

A huge thanks to Olive Knits for organizing this worldwide KAL, and to Jems Luxe Fibers for hosting our small group KAL! First, bookmark these websites for easy access:

• https://www.oliveknits.com/fireworks-4day-kal/ Olive Knits Fireworks KAL page: Contains the Pattern Details link, Events Timeline, Swag and much more!

• https://jemsluxefibers.com/ Jems Luxe Fibers for ordering yarn.

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/758681594755974 Join Jems: For the Love of Knitting and Cooking Facebook Group for meetings, updates, and to share progress.

• https://katieclarkcrochet.com/ I’m your hostess and KAL leader! Look here for resources, videos, updates, tips and more. Email me at KatieClarkCrochet@gmail.com for personalized help along the way!

Event Dates

June 22nd: Swatch Party: Zoom party hosted by Jems Luxe Fibers, See Jems: For the Love of Knitting and Cooking Facebook Group for details about how to participate

July 1st: Virtual Cast On Party – Livestream: Hosted by Olive Knits

July EVERY TUESDAY: Weekly Zoom meetings hosted by Jems Luxe Fibers, See Jems: For the Love of Knitting and Cooking Facebook Group for details about how to participate

• July 6: Working the yoke

• July 13: Dividing for the body and working the body

• July 20: Working the sleeves

• July 27: Finishing

July ALL MONTH: Weekly livestreams and prize drawings with Marie on Facebook 

July 30th: Official end of KAL and Virtual Bind Off Party – Livestream

What You May Have Missed

• Order your pattern and yarn ASAP! The pattern is discounted for a limited time only. Order your yarn soon so you will receive your order in time to cast on with us!

• Let us know you are knitting with us by signing up here.

• June 7: Olive Knits unveils the Fireworks Sweater! View the video here.

Resources

• Learn tips and tricks for swatching here.

• Video: How to read the information in the Pattern details, what materials you will need, and prepare to swatch

• Photo Tutorial on Dividing the Sleeves in a top down sweater

• Find errata on the Fireworks Pattern at the bottom of this page.

If you are enjoying this KAL and the resources I have provided, you can show your appreciation!

• View, Like, Subscribe, and Share my content on Instagram @katie_clark_crochet, Facebook @katieclarkcrochet, and here at https://katieclarkcrochet.com

• Consider leaving a tip in my Tip Jar!

New Patterns! Kirithra Cowl and Scarf

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Here is the Kirithra Cowl and Scarf! One pattern, two styles! “Kirithra” means “honeycomb” in Greek and it’s the same honeycomb pattern as the Kirithra Shawlette. I am so proud of the Kirithra Shawlette, but there are so many things I love about the cowl version.





First, it’s a perfect use of a pack of mini skeins from JemsLuxe Fibers! Do you have a mini skein set waiting for a project or 5 random minis you can put together? You can use that, or even left over sock yarn from your last few pairs. You just need 20 grams or 90 yards each in 5 different colors. You can even use a couple of full size handdyed skeins if you want.

Another thing is how fast it is. The cowl only takes a few hours to make, so it’s a great last minute Christmas present. The scarf, of course, takes a little longer, but it’s only December 1st. You still have time!

It’s easy too! If you were hesitant about the Intermediate skill level of the Kirithra Shawlette, this is a fun Beginner alternative.

If you like a challenge, or math (ha!), the cowl and scarf patterns are adjustable. The stitch count is included so you can alter the width and length.

I hope you enjoy this cowl as much as I have had designing and wearing it!