Category Archives: Patterns/Design Thoughts

Energizing Rainbow Baby Blanket- Free Pattern

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Every baby deserves something special, and I was asked to create something that unique, and it is a free pattern to you. The Energizing Rainbow is my creation inspired by a local Apple Orchard, Rainbow Orchards.

Energizing Rainbow Baby Blanket

It is created using the Catherine Wheel technique of one row of shells, followed by another row of large decreases. In this approach, I offset the colors in some of the rows to create waves instead of circles. I then alter it back to circles periodically to create a shift in the direction of the wave.

If you want to explore more about the Catherine Wheel, I explain more here, while I explain working decreases here. I also framed the waves with a row of single crochet, so that there is a break in the color blocking.

If you find that you want to explore more with this stitch technique, check out my two additional free patterns, Rolling Along (to benefit Warm Up America), and Moorish Tiles (as part of the Moogly 2020 CAL)

This blanket measures about 36″x 48″.

Materials

  • Hook: J/10/6.00mm
  • Lion Brand Basic Stitch Premium medium weigh 100% premium acrylic yarn (219yd/200m/3.5oz/100g) 1 skein each: (X) #113 Garnet, (X1) #133 Cayenne, (X2) #158 Saffron, (X3) #172 Ivy, (X4) #110 Saltwater, (X5) #147 Blackberry, (X6) #100 Snow

Special Stiches

Double Crochet 4 Together (dc4tog): [Yo, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] 4 times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook

Double Crochet 9 Together (dc9tog): [Yo, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] 9 times, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook

Beginning to Make Waves

Row 1: With X ch 114, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs, 9 dc in next ch, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch] across, change to X1, turn. – (14) 9 dc groups, 15sc

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, dc4tog, [ch 3, sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog] 13 times, ch 3, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in next sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in next sc, sc in turning ch, change to X3, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 6 & 7: Rep Rows 3 & 4, changing to X5 at the end of Row 7.

Making a Full Circle

Row 8: Rep Row 3.

Row 9: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in next sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in next sc, 5 dc in top of turning ch, change to X, turn.

Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1.

Back to Waves

Row 11: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 12: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last sc, change to X2, turn.

Row 13: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 14 & 15: Rep Rows 11 & 12, changing to X4 at the end of Row 15.

Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 17 & 18: Rep Rows 11 & 12, changing to X at the end of Row 18.

Another Circle

Row 19: Rep Row 11.

Row 20: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X1, turn.

Row 21: Ch 1, scv in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Back to Waves

Row 22: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, dc5tog, turn.

Row 23: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in next sc, sc in top of turning ch, change to X3, turn.

Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 25 & 26: Rep Rows 22 & 23, changing to X5 at end of Row 26, turn.

Row 27: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

Rows 28 & 29: Rep Rows 22 & 23 changing to X1 at end of 29, turn.

Going Around Again

Row 30: Rep Row 22.

Row 31: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in next sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in next sc, 5 dc in top of turning ch, change to X2, turn.

Row 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Energizing Rainbow

Making it Wavy

Row 33: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 34: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last sc, change to X4, turn.

Row 35: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 36 & 37: Rep Rows 33 & 34 changing to X at the end of Row 37, turn.

Row 38: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Rows 39 & 40: Rep Rows 33 & 34 changing to X2 at the end of Row 40, turn.

Circles, Circles, Circles

Row 41: Rep Row 33.

Row 42: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X3, turn.

Row 43: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Love Some More Waves

Row 44: Ch 4, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 45: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in sc, sc in turning ch, change to X5, turn.

Row 46: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

Rows 47 & 48: Rep Rows 44 & 45, changing to X1 at the end of Row 48.

Row 49: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Rows 50 & 51: Rep Rows 44 & 45, changing to X3 at the end of Row 51.

Around Again

Row 52: Rep Row 44.

Row 53: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in sc, 5 dc in turning ch, change to X4, turn.

Row 54: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Lets make it Ripple

Row 55: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 56: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last st, change to X, turn.

Row 57: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Rows 58 & 59: Rep Rows 55 & 56 changing to X2 at the end of Row 59, turn.

Row 60: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 61 & 62: Rep Rows 55 & 56 changing to X4 at the end of Row 62, turn.

Another Going Around

Row 63: Rep Row 55.

Row 64: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X5, turn.

Row 65: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

And Back to Up and Down

Row 66: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 67: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in sc, sc in last st, changing to X1, turn.

Row 68: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Rows 69 & 70: Rep Rows 66 & 67 changing to X3 at the end of Row 70.

Row 71: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 72 & 73: Rep Rows 66 & 67 changing to X5 at the end of Row 73.

Getting Dizzy Yet…More circles

Row 74: Rep Row 66.

Row 75: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in sc, 5 dc in turning ch, change to X, turn.

Row 76: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Up & Dow, Up & Down

Row 77: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 78: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc ] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc last sc, change to X2, turn.

Row 79: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 80 & 81: Rep Rows 77 & 78 changing to X4 at the end of Row 81.

Row 82: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 83 & 84: Rep Rows 77 & 78, change to X at the end of Row 84.

Even Out to Finish

Row 85: Rep Row 77, fasten off.

Edging

Rnd 1: With X6, join to any corner, ch 1, 3 sc in in same corner, sc evenly on side of afghan working 3 sc in each corner, sl st to join to first sc, turn.

Rnds 2-5: Ch 1, sc in same st, work sc in each stitch across to corner (the center sc of 3sc), working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 3: With X5, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 4: With X4, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 5: With X3, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 6: With X2, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 7: With X1, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 8: With X, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join. Fasten off.

You’ve Got Options- Diamond Star Square

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What fun to be part of the You’ve Got Options CAL! This is a project that actually has 2 different squares, different sizes, but built upon each other. If you have missed any of them, please check out all the opportunities here.

For my part I worked a square that utilizes carrying your throughout the project, crocheting over the color you are not working. This allows for some specialized color changes without having to weave in a bunch of ends.

A little insight

It also uses a process that creates inverted V’s, by using front post double crochet stitches that are worked together. These may be new techniques for you, or stitches you may not work often, so I offer some detailed information about them, and recommend reviewing it before beginning the squares. If you want to understand more about post stitches, both front and back are used in this design, I share some insight here.  To understand more about how to work decrease stitches, I share some tips here.

After you complete the smaller 6″ square, you then really put this square on its head, by moving the corners to the sides. This causes the square to rest on its point.

Square measures 12” x 12” (at end of Round 6, square measures 6” x 6”)

Materials

  • J/10/6.00mm crochet hook
  • Lion Brand Basic Stitch Premium medium weight 100% premium acrylic yarn (3.5 oz/100g/219yrds/200m) 1 skein each color #141 Plum (MC), #98 Cream (CC)

Abbreviations:

  • Beg: Beginning
  • Bpdc: back post double crochet
  • Bphdc: back post half double crochet
  • Bpsc: back post single crochet
  • CC: contrasting color
  • Ch: chain
  • Dc: double crochet
  • Fpdc: front post double crochet
  • Fphdc: front post half double crochet
  • Hdc: half double crochet
  • MC: main color
  • Rnd: round
  • Sc: single crochet
  • Sl st: slip stitch
  • Sp: space
  • St(s): Stitch(es)

Special Stitches

Front Post Double Crochet Two Together (Fpdc2tog):  Yarn over, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of stitch last worked into (or around st indicated) on previous row, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook, skip next st on rnds 2 and yarn over, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of next stitch (or around st indicated), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Front Post Treble Crochet Two Together (Fptr2tog): Yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back and then to front again around post of indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Notes

Leave unused color behind your work and work over unused color when possible.

The Smaller Block

Rnd 1: With MC, ch 4 (last 3 chains count as dc), 15 dc in 4th ch from hook, join to top of beg ch. -16 dc

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as tr here and throughout), dc in same st, dc in next st, change color to CC, fpdc2tog, change color to MC, [2 dc in next st (behind fpdc2tog), 1 dc in next st (used for 2nd leg of fpdc2tog), change color to CC, fpdc2tog, change color to MC] repeat around, slip stitch in top of beg ch-3 to join. – 8 fpdc2tog, 24 dc

Working stitch location of “legs” of fpdc2tog
Completed Round 2

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, change color to CC, fpdc2tog over last and first fpdc2tog, change color to MC, skip next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next fpdc2tog, [2 dc in next st, change color to CC, fpdc2tog over last-used and next fpdc2tog, change color to MC, sk next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next fpdc2tog] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -8 fpdc2tog, 40 dc

Completed Round 3

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, change color to CC, fptr2tog over last and first fpdc2tog of previous row, change color to MC, [skip next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, change color to CC, fptr2tog over last-used and next fpdc2tog, change color to MC] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -8 fptr2tog, 56 dc

Working stitch location for “legs” of fptr2tog
Completed Round 4

We start making corners

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, change color to CC, fphdc around fptr2tog, change color to MC, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, change color to CC, (fpdc, ch 1, fpdc) around fptr2tog (corner made), change color to MC, [dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, change color to CC, fphdc around fptr2tog, change color to MC, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, change color to CC, (fpdc, ch 1, fpdc) around fptr2tog, change color to MC] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off CC. -4 fphdc, 4 (fpdc, ch 1, fpdc) corners, 16 dc, 16 hdc, 24 sc

Rnd 6: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), [hdc in each st across to ch-1 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp] repeat around, hdc in last st, sl st in top of beg ch-2 to join. Fasten off. – 68 hdc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners, (19 sts on each side of square)

Making the Bigger Square

Rnd 7: With CC, join to any ch-1 corner sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same sp as join, bpdc around each st to next ch-1 sp, [(2dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-1 sp, bpdc around each st to next ch-1 sp] repeat around, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -76 bpdc, 4 (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) corners

Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, [dc in next 3 sts, change color to MC, fpdc2tog, change color to CC] five times, {dc in next 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, [dc in next 3 sts, change color to MC, fpdc2tog, change color to CC] five times} repeat around, dc in last st, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. -20 fpdc2tog, 72 dc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, {(dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 6 sts, [change color to MC, fpdc2tog over previous and next fpdc2tog, change color to CC, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts] 4 times, dc in next 3 sts} repeat around omitting last 3 dc on last repeat, sl st in top of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off both colors. -16 fpdc2tog, 84 dc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

We are moving the corner…

Rnd 10: Note corner location will shift in this round. With MC, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, bpsc around next 4 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, bpdc around next 5 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpsc around next 4 sts, [sc in ch-1 sp, bpsc around next 4 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, bpdc around next 5 sts, bphdc around next 4 sts, bpsc around next 4 sts] repeat around, sl st in first sc to join. –32 bpsc, 32 bphdc, 40bpdc, 4 sc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sts, [hdc in next 5 sts, dc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 9 sts] 3 times, hdc in next 5 sts, dc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 5 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in last 4 sts, sl st in first sc to join. -36 sc, 40 hdc, 40 dc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 12: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 10 sts, [hdc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 21 sts] 3 times, hdc in next 5 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 10 sts, sl st in first sc to join. Fasten off. -84 sc, 40 hdc, 4 (dc, ch 1, dc) corners

Rnd 13: With CC, join to any ch-1 sp, ch 2 (counts as hdc), (hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in same sp as join, bphdc in each st across to next ch-sp, [(2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in ch-1 sp, bphdc in each st across to next ch-sp] repeat around, sl st to join. Fasten off. Block. –132 bphdc, 4 (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) corners (37 stitches on each side of square)

The wrong side of the Diamond Star Square

Moorish Tiles Square- Moogly CAL 2020

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I love starting off the year with the Moogly CAL! It is a great year long project that makes new squares every two weeks. By the end of the year, you have an afghan. It is always a fun project with many inspirational squares.

I am fortunate enough to share my square with you. To check out all the others make sure and follow along here.

This square uses a stitch often called a Catherine Wheel. Essentially it is a row of decrease, and a row of large shell worked in the center of the decrease. This makes a circle in the fabric. Learn more about this technique with my free charity square, 1 for Me, 1 For You- Rolling Along.

I have been playing with this stitch a bit lately. Taking a liking to working a contrasting color row between the “circles”, I have also found that by working slip stitches where this classic stitch works single crochets, creates a bit of a tighter fabric. This is beneficial, as sometimes this stitch technique can become a bit open and “gappy” at the edges of the circles.

The name really came from how the design struck me. It has reminded me of the mosaics I have seen in art books, and inspires me to want to travel.

Moorish Tiles Square

Materials

*Red Heart With Love, #1542 Aubergine (A), #1207 Cornsilk (B), #1562 Jadeite (C), #1001 White (D), #1623, Mallard (E)

*Hook J/10/ 6.00mm

Gauge

12”x 12” square (30.5 x 30.5cm)

Special Stitches

Double Crochet 6 Together (dc6tog): Working over the next 6 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] six times, yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook.

Double Crochet 7 Together (dc7tog): Working over the next 7 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] seven times, yo, pull through all 8 loops on hook.

Double Crochet 9 Together (dc9tog): Working over the next 9 sts, [yo, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] nine times, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook.

Notes/Tips

Single crochet stitches are worked over slip stitches, this may be up to 3 rows, creating a break in color.

When working the last round, work the single crochet stitches into the chain stitches and not the space (with the exception of the corners), so as not to create open gaps.

Learn how to work a Standing Single Crochet here.

The Pattern

Rnd1: With A, ch 4, sl st to first ch to create ring, (ch 5 counts as dc + ch 2, [2 dc, sl st, 2 dc, ch 2] three times, 2 dc, sl st, dc, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch) in the ring. Fasten off. -16 dc, 4 sl st, 4 ch-2 sps

First Round with Single Crochet over Slip Stitches

Rnd 2: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp see notes to work a Standing Single Crochet, ch 2, sc in same sp, [sc in next 2 dc, sc over sl st  in ring, sc in next 2 dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp] three times, sc in next 2 dc, sc over sl st in ring, sc in next 2 dc, join. Fasten off. -28 sc, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 3: With C, join with a sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in same sp, [ch 3, dc7tog, ch 3, (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in ch-2 sp] three times, ch 3, dc7tog, ch 3, join in ch-2 sp. -4 dc7tog, 8 sl sts, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 4: ch 2, sl st in same sp, [9 dc in center dc7tog, (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in ch-2 sp] three times, 9 dc in center dc7tog, join. Fasten off. -36 dc, 8 sl st, 4 ch-2 sps

Second Round with Single Crochet over Slip Stitches

Rnd 5: With D, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, [sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below] three times, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, join. Fasten off. – 52 sc, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 6: With E, join to any ch-2 sp, ch 5 counts as dc + ch 2, dc in same sp, [ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp] three times, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, join to 3rd ch.  – 8 dc6tog, 4 sl st, 4 (dc, ch 2, dc)

Rnd 7: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in same sp, [9 dc in dc6tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in dc6tog, (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in next ch-2 sp] three times, 9 dc in dcs6tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in dc6tog, join. Fasten off. -72 dc, 12 sl st, 4 ch-2 sps

Third Round with Single Crochet over Slip Stitches

Rnd 8: With B, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, [sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into st 3 rows below, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp] three times, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into st 3 rows below, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, join. Fasten off. -92 sc, 4 ch-2 sps

Rnd 9: With A, join in any ch-2 sp, ch 5 counts as dc + ch 2, dc in same sp, [ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp ] three times, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, join to 3rd ch. – 4 dc9tog, 8 dc6tog, 8 sl sts, 4 (dc, ch 2, dc)

Rnd10: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in same st, [9 dc in dc6tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in dc6tog, (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in ch-2 sp] three times, 9 dc in dc6tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in dc9tog, sl st in next sl st, 9 dc in dc6tog, join. Fasten off. – 108 dc, 16 sl sts, 4 ch-2 sps

Fourth Round with Single Crochet over Slip Stitches

Rnd 11: With D, join with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in same sp, {sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, [sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into st 3 rows below] twice, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp} three times, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below [ sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into st 3 rows below] twice, sc in each st to next sl st, sc over sl st into sp 3 rows below, join. Fasten off. -132 sc, 4 ch-2 sps

Row 12: With C, join to any ch-2 sp, ch 5 counts as dc + ch 2, dc in same sp, {ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp) three times, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sl st in next st, ch 3, dc6tog, ch 3, join to 3rd ch. -8 dc9tog, 8 dc6tog, 12 sl sts, 4 (dc, ch 2, dc)

Last Round, Work in Chains, and Single Crochet over Slip Stitches

Row 13: See notes. Ch 1, sc in same st, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in each st and ch across to next ch-2 sp] three times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-2 sp, sc in each st and ch across to last st, join. Fasten off. Weave in ends. Block. -140 sc, 4 ch-2 sps

Make It For Me- Italian Spy Handbag

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I am so excited to be participating in the Make it for Me with ELK Studio (for all the designs check it out here!). This year I have been inspired to create the Italian Spy Handbag as a Free pattern.

This handbag was inspired by a conversation with a friend that happens to be a fashion designer. She was discussing a crochet fabric with me, and I was discussing shapes with her. The further we went along in the discussion, I had a vision of the perfect small handbag I needed for day trips to the city.

Italian Spy Handbag

For me, a day in the city is San Francisco. I always want to travel with only the essentials, as there is a lot of walking….much more then I typically do in an average day.

So, I want a handbag that can carry the essentials, not weigh a lot, and one that I can comfortably keep close. The Italian Spy fits that build.

It is a simple pattern that uses less then one skein, and utilizes a simple tight stitch. But, just because it is worked in single crochet do not under estimate the overall effect of the fabric, or how it can easily show your mistakes. The pattern is worked in one piece, and then folded and seamed. There is an option to stiffen the sides and bottom, and options for the finishing edge.

I hope you give it a try for you prefect day out handbag. Enjoy.

Italian Spy Handbag

Italian Spy Handbag

Finished Size

10”x7”x2”

Materials

Hook: F/5/3.75mm

Manos del Uruguay Milo light weight 65% Merino wool, 35% linen yarn, (380yrd/350 m/3.5 oz/100 g) 1 skein, colorway #2607 Boreal

  • 1” Button
  • 24” handle

Gauge

Gauge 22 sts/ 25 rows=4”

Front

Ch 50

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. -49sc

Row 2-42: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 43: Ch 1, sc in each st across, ch 42, fasten off.

Sides Worked with Body

Row 44: Join with slip stitch to Row 43 at first st of row (opposite end of end just fastened off), ch 43, turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, sc in each sc across, and sc in each ch, turn. -133sc

Row 45-55: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. Fasten off at the end of Row 55.

Back

Row 56: Skipping 42 sts, join to next st, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 48 sts, turn. -49sc

Row 57-100: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Flap

Row 101: DO NOT CH, sc2tog, sc until 2 sts rem, sc2tog over last 2 sts, turn. -47sc, (2) sc2tog

Row 102-120: Rep Row 101. -7sc, (2) sc2tog

Row 121: Buttonhole Row, DO NOT CH, sc2tog, sc in next st, ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, sc2tog over last 2 sts, turn. –(1) ch-3 sp, 2sc, (2) sc2tog

Row 122-123: Rep row 101. Fasten off at the end of Row 123. -1sc, (2) sc2tog

Optional Insert (to create more stiffness)

Ch 132

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. -131sc

Row 2-10: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. Fasten off at the end of Row 10.

Optional Assembly of Insert

Lay Insert section over the Sides Worked with Body Portion, Seam the insert to the Sides over Body in any preferred method, such as whip stitch with a needle or slip stitch with a crochet hook. For even more stiffening, you can place a strip of plastic or cardboard that measure 1” x 25”, and place it between the Insert and Side worked with Body

Assembly

Fold Front and Back toward each other, and Fold Sides toward Front and Back, seam side of Side to Front, and seam side of Side to Back, on each side of the handbag.

Working over seamed edges, and all unfinished edges, work Reverse Single Crochet or Corded Edge Stitch around to finish.

Sew button on Front to align with Button Hole of Flap.

Sew Handles to Sides.

If Flap is curling, use an iron to seam if flat.

1 for Me, 1 for You- Leaf Spike Block

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Help me help local communities by creating blocks for Warm Up America, by making a block for yourself and one for a community project with this free pattern. I will be creating a new block every few weeks and sharing it with you, I just ask that make one for donation.

Warm Up America is a nationwide organization that encourages local donations, but will also except donations to be sent to their office so that blocks can be assembled and then blankets can be donated through the United States.

Leaf Spike Block

Even if you do not want to participate with Warm Up America, please consider creating blocks, or blankets for your local community. There are various places in every community that accept donations.

Spike Stitches

This block is used working spike stitches. Spike Stitches are essentially inserting your hook through your fabric and pulling up a loop. This loop is pulled up to the height of the current row to have the stitch finished. This gives a unique ability to create fascinating lines of color. In this block I have worked 5 spiked stitches together to create an affect similar to a leaf.

Gauge: 7”x9” rectangle

Materials

Medium weight yarn, in 2 colors MC (main color), CC1, CC2

K/10 ½/ 6.5mm hook

Special Stitches

Spike Leaf (SL): Insert hook in the 2nd stitch backward from the hook and 1 row below, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook in the 1st stitch backward from the hook and 2 rows below, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook in stitch directly below and 3 rows below, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook in stitch 1 stitch forward from hook and 2 rows below, yo, pull up a loop, yo, insert hook in stitch 2 stitches forward from hook and 1 row below, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook.

First insertion, yo, pull through loop of Leaf Spike
Second insertion point of Leaf Spike
Third insertion point of Leaf Spike
Fourth insertion point of Leaf Spike
Fifth insertion point of Leaf Spike
Yarn over and pull through all 10 loops on hook. Stitch complete

Notes

Working the first stitch immediately following the Leaf Spike can be a bit tricky, as you need to push the last loops of the LS out of the way.

After pulling up the loop through the stitch immediately following the Leaf Spike, you will need to push the last loop of the Leaf Spike toward the stitch to maneuver the hook into the next stitch.

The Pattern

Row 1: With MC, ch 24, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. -23 sc

Rows 2-5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 6: Change to CC, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts, LS over next st, sc in next 5 sts, LS over next st, sc in next 5 sts, LS over next st, sc in last 7 sts, change to MC, turn.

Rows 7-11: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 12: Change to CC, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sts, LS over next st, sc in next 5 sts, LS over next st, sc in next 5 sts, LS over next st, sc in last 5 sts, change to MC, turn.

Rows 13-17: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 18: Change to CC, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 6 sts, LS over next st, sc in next 5 sts, LS over next st, sc in next 5 sts, LS over next st, sc in last 3 sts, change to MC, turn.

Row 19-21: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Edging

With CC, evening sc around block working 3 sc in each corner.